How to Break the Mark in Ultimate Frisbee

The most basic defense in ultimate frisbee is person-to-person. Generally the mark, the on-person defender, is trying to prevent the person with the disc from throwing to a particular area of the field. One way for the thrower to neutralize this defense is to break the mark -- throw to the area of the field the defender is protecting against. This is generally not an easy task -- but because downfield defenders assume the mark is protecting that side -- a completed break throw often can set up additional yardage gains and ultimately goals. Breaking the mark can be done in a variety of ways and generally relying on only one technique is a bad idea. By developing a series of moves to break the mark you will become a more dangerous thrower.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the defender. The goal here is to position your body so you can get a throw off into the area the defender is protecting. Obviously you cannot just throw the disc through the person, so your first priority is get the defender off-balance, and ultimately out of position. Your two main tools are fakes and pivots. When you fake a forehand throw the defender will slide to protect against your easy "completion." Next pivot towards the defender and fake a backhand throw to the otherside of her. After a series of these the defender will often end up focusing on one throw, either the backhand or forehand, to prevent and the other option will be available.

    • 2

      Keep your balance. Just as you are trying to get your defender off-balance, it is essential to remain in control. You are executing a complicated throw and must remain balanced yourself. To do this, do not rush your pivots and fakes. Try to mimic the motion you would use if you were actually releasing the disc each time.

    • 3

      Break the mark. If you are right handed and the defender is forcing you forehand, the two basic break-make throws are an inside-out forehand to the right of the defender, and a backhand around the left side of the defender. To complete an inside-out forehand, fake the back-hand, pivot through the defender and release your forehand underneath the defender's outstretched left hand. The key is to stay low and balanced and get some pace on the disc. To break to the backhand side, fake a hard forehand, pivot back through the defender and release a backhand either over or under her outstretched right arm.