Ultimate Frisbee for Beginners

Ultimate Frisbee is a game in which two teams play against each other to gain control of a disc and score points. Each team comprises seven players, and each has its own end-zone at opposite ends of a rectangular field. Although the rules of ultimate Frisbee are not complicated, they can often be a source of confusion for novice players. A quick overview of the rules will improve your comprehension and enjoyment of the game.

  1. Starting the Game

    • The game begins with each team on opposite ends of the field so that they are as far from their goals as possible. The defensive teams throws the disc toward the offense. In this first throw, the defense attempts to throw the disc as far down-field toward their goal as possible. In turn, the offensive team attempts to intercept the disc as far up-field as possible in order to more easily reach their goal.

    Passing

    • The handler, or player in possession of the disc, cannot run or move. Instead, he must pass it to other teammates in order to move the disc down the field until it reaches the goal. The offensive team endeavors to make successful passes and remain in control of the disc, while the defense tries to steal or block the disc.

    Change of Possession

    • The defensive team goes on the offense when one of their players intercepts or blocks the disc. To do this, they can either catch the disc or knock it to the ground. A change of possession also occurs when the disc goes out of bounds. Once this happens, the newly offensive team attempts to move the disc from the point of interception toward their goal.

    Scoring

    • A team scores a point when they successfully pass the disc all the way across the field to reach their goal. Once this happens, the Frisbee changes possession and both teams return to the end-zones opposite of their goals. The defense throws the Frisbee to the offense, just as outlined in Section 1.

    Fouling

    • A foul is called when physical contact occurs between non-team members during play. Ultimate Frisbee does not feature a referee, and players are responsible for identifying and keeping track of fouls. If a foul causes a change of possession, the disc is returned to the team that was fouled.