Session F5

This session will work on longer throws, and putting skills learned in previous sessions into practice as offense strategy.

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

Connect 3
Corners

Skill – Adding Distance to Throws

Watch the following videos for teaching cues for increasing the consistency and distance of throws.

Everyone’s body is different, so there is no perfect technique. However there are some common mistakes newer players will make when trying to throw further.

  • Not balanced – both feet should be on the ground during the throwing action, otherwise it will fly off target. Pivot first, then throw.
  • Throwing in an arc – the natural tendency for ball sport players will be to try and throw higher. Encourage them to have the disc fly flat and straight rather than in a parabolic arc.
  • Not enough spin – again a natural tendency will be to put all their power into their arm and shoulder, forgetting about the spin. Emphasise that power and distance comes from a quarter-turn of the torso, and re-focus on the wrist action to generate more spin.

To practice, use the Step Back Challenge, play Duck Hunt, or use any other familiar games but with increased area/distance

Step Back Challenge
Duck Hunt

Activity – Vertical Stack

The most common offense strategy used in ultimate is called a “vertical stack”, where cutters gather in a line in the centre of the field. This is effective for three key reasons

  1. It creates space on each side of the field for cutters
  2. It leaves space in backfield (behind the disc) for possession resets
  3. Fewer people moving increases space for the live cutter which makes it easier to complete passes that gain ground

While on the line about to play a point on offense, players should decide who will be in the following roles:

  • Axis – the central handler
  • Left Point and Right Point – the secondary handlers
  • Cutters, numbered from 1 upwards. In 5-a-side, there will a 1 and a 2. In 7-a-side, there will be numbers 1 through 4
  • The order they are standing on the line doesn’t matter, so long as each player knows what role they have

When the pull goes up, the Axis will call “left” or “right” based on which side of the field they think the disc will land.

The respective Point (Left or Right) will catch/retrieve the disc, and throw the first pass to the Axis. They remain in the backfield if a reset pass is needed.

In the meantime, the other Point will move upfield and determine where the vertical stack begins. They should aim to be 7-10 metres ahead of the Axis, and equidistant from each sideline.

The Cutters will arrange themselves in order behind the Point, with 1 being closest to the front. The Cutter at the back of the line will cut first. They can cut towards or away from the disc. Second from the back will then cut for the next pass.

The stack should move down the field as the disc progresses towards the endzone.

If the first cutter can’t get free, they should return to the middle of the stack as quickly as possible to make space for the next cutter. If they return to the front or back, they will need to try and cut again straight away, and will wear themselves out!

If a second cutter can’t get free, the thrower should then try to throw a reset (backwards or lateral pass, to retain possession) to their teammate in the backfield.

Progressions

  • Practice this setup and movement without defence. Have players decide on positions. The coach or a spare player can throw a pull, and the offence plays without having defenders on the field. Make sure the cutters are using the movements they have practiced in previous sessions.
  • Play this with defenders going at 50% pace until either a score or a turnover. If there are too many turnovers, give offense three “lives” – where the disc goes back to the last thrower rather than resetting the entire rep.

Important tips for the coach

  • The formation isn’t important – the space is. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good!
  • This strategy is only relevant to the pull reception so that players don’t start offense occupying the same space and getting confused. As long as the three basic reasons are being followed, the details will work themselves out through repetition.
  • At all levels of play, this strategy usually becomes chaotic as the disc gets closer to the endzone. Again the emphasis is on the space created, not the structure of the stack. Let players improvise.

Strat Chat

Recap why to use a “vertical stack” formation

  1. It creates space on each side of the field for cutters
  2. It leaves space in backfield (behind the disc) for possession resets
  3. Fewer people moving increases space for the live cutter which makes it easier to complete passes that gain ground

What happens if more than one player ends up in the backfield?

  • Only one offense player should be in the backfield, otherwise it’s too crowded for a reset pass
  • If there are two, then the one furthest from the disc should move to the stack and become a cutter. Make sure you aren’t dragging a defender into open space when you do this!

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