Session F1

This session will teach the skills of different catching techniques, and how to call for a stoppage in a self-refereed game

Preparation: Use cones to set up one field for every ten participants (25m wide, 35-40m long goal-to-goal, plus 12-15m long endzones). These fields can also be used as playing areas for activities.

Introduction

  • Set the expectations for the session – area and equipment used, and what skills will be taught
  • Outline any safety considerations for the session

Warm-Up

All-In Tag

Skill – One Hand Rim Catch

  • Explain and demonstrate the one hand rim catch
    • Above the chest – thumb should be underneath the disc and fingers above
    • Below the waist – thumb should be above the disc, and fingers underneath
    • Watch the edge of the disc they are going to grab
    • Take the disc out of the air, rather than waiting for it to meet your hand
  • Explain and demonstrate stepping into a catch
    • Extend arms out in front to either clap catch or rim catch
    • Step forward as you meet the disc
    • Take the disc out of the air, rather than waiting for it to meet your hands

Use the Attack Drill to practice this skill in groups of 5-6.

Activity

Play either Interceptor or 4 Square, encouraging players to step into catches, and/or try one hand rim catches

Interceptor
4 Square

Activity – Self-Refereeing: Pausing and Restarting Play

In a self-refereed sport, all players should get comfortable pausing play if they think there has been a foul or other breach of the rules. Players should also learn to stop whenever someone on either team calls for a pause so a conversation about the breach can happen.

The action for pausing play is to wave both arms above your head. If a player sees someone else do that, they should repeat it until everyone is aware that play has paused.

To restart play after a pause, the closest defender to the disc checks both teams are ready, gives a loud “3-2-1” countdown and taps the disc. If a defender isn’t within reach of the disc, the thrower taps the disc to the ground instead.

To practice this, play a game called “The Mole”

Keep Away

The Mole is Keep Away but with the following variations

  • The coach/teacher secretly gives someone on each team the job of “The Mole” for their team. The Mole has to try and make sure their team loses the game without being obvious about it. They can try and be “bad” at the game, or try to cheat (eg: taking too many steps with the disc)
  • If someone wants to accuse a teammate of being The Mole, they have to pause the play (waving arms above their head). Once the game is paused, they can discuss with others first before making an accusation.
  • If they are incorrect, then play restarts via a disc tap
  • If they are correct, start a new round and pick a new Mole

Strat Chat

How can we use the skills we just practiced in a game?

  • Trying to catch on the run so defenders can’t intercept
  • Trying to catch one handed if we can’t reach with both hands
  • Pause play if we think there has been a breach of the rules, even an accidental one

Play Ultimate!

  • Keep teams small – no more than five per side on the field
  • Don’t explain tactics, just get everyone moving!
  • Make an effort to ensure everyone is involved
  • Use the CHANGE IT sheet to make adjustments if needed
CHANGE IT (PDF)

Finish up

  • Ask participants to return all cones and discs
  • Thank them for playing!
  • Tell them about the Ultimate Victoria website to find out more about the sport