Installment #17 in Monolisticle's Ongoing Campaign Against the "Internet of Endless Listicles."
Basically if you can toss a frisbee and catch a frisbee and run on a grass field without tripping over yourself while trying to chase down a frisbee, then you can play ultimate frisbee. It’s that simple.
In fact, it’s probably the most accessible and inclusive team sport in the world, which is part of its allure. And why it’s growing so quickly in the U.S.
Here’s how the game works:
There are two opposing teams of six players each. After a kickoff (much like in football), the receiving team attempts to move the frisbee up the field by passing it to each other until they either score by reaching the end zone, or commit a turnover (i.e., the frisbee hits the ground for an incomplete pass, or the other team intercepts it).
Meanwhile the team on defense guards the team that’s on offense, attempting to stop them, either by intercepting the frisbee or knocking it to the ground. Physical contact is not allowed, and you can’t knock or strip the frisbee out of your opponent’s hand once he or she has possession.
If/when the frisbee touches the ground, it’s an automatic turnover and the opposing team can immediately pick up the frisbee without delay and attempt to pass it up the field to a teammate and score. You can’t run with the frisbee. You can only advance it by passing. In most pickup games, it’s easy to match up against another player of your own skill level.
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Although ultimate frisbee is not as laid-back as it once was in its early days, the sport is still extremely accessible. And welcoming to newcomers. That’s a big part of the frisbee culture, especially at the pick-up level. It’s also easy to find ongoing local pickup games in your area. Just hit up the Googler and search “local ultimate frisbee games.” There are also numerous community Facebook groups.
What personally attracted me to ultimate frisbee is that it combines many elements of the sports that I played growing up—basketball, soccer, and even certain aspects of football, like catching passes and scoring in end zones (but without the contact, of course!). So if you played any of those sports, it certainly helps.
If you are a complete novice, my advice would be to show up to a pickup game and watch it for a while. Maybe bring a friend. Talk to people. People who play tend to be super nice and welcoming. And it’s common for new players to show up. In my experience, people usually introduce themselves to newcomers (again, it’s part of the culture).
Most games, players sub-out pretty frequently (every other score or so), so it’s easy to get into the game. Play continues on until one team scores. At that point, new people are allowed to sub in. Once you’re comfortable and ready, I suggest subbing in with your friend (on the opposite team) for a play or two. You can match up against each other. While waiting to kick off the frisbee to the opposing team, defenders "match up,” calling out the opposing player they will cover during that series.
Some plays can last a minute. Some plays can go on for 5 minutes or more if no one scores. It’s not uncommon for players to go in for one or two plays, and then take several plays off to rest. Whatever your level of endurance is, it's up to you. No one is judging.
Yes, there are all kinds of advanced skills and techniques you can learn to elevate your game, but the point is, they aren’t necessary in order to begin playing.
So get out there. Run. Pass. Catch. Fall down. Get up. Run some more. Catch some more. Make friends. Hang out with those newly-made friends after the game. It’s an amazing sport and a whole lot of fun.
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