LAHS- Ultimate Frisbee Study Guide
General Description
Ultimate is played on a field with end zones, and two teams passing a flying disc (similar to
football). The object of the game is to pass the disc up the field and score by catching a pass in
the opponent’s end zone. A player in possession of the disc must stop running, but may pivot and
pass to another player on his/her team. Ultimate is a fast pace game in which teams transition
from offense to defense due to turnovers that occur from dropped passes, passes out of bounds,
interceptions, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than 10 seconds.
Ultimate Skills and Terminology
Backhand- Three or four fingers are placed under the rim of the disc with the thumb placed on
top (if three fingers are placed under the rim, the pointer finger is placed along the edge of the
rim of the disc). Twist to the left or right (depending if you are right or left handed), bend your
wrist and elbow, and draw the disc back. Then, un-do all of that in one steady motion forward,
waist high, and release the disc out front.
Forehand- Two fingers (pointer and middle) are placed under the rim of the disc; the other two
fingers (ring and pinky) are placed on the outside of the rim of the disc, and the thumb on top.
Tilt your wrist, bend your elbow, and draw your arm back the same side as your throwing side.
Then, bring your arm forward, waist high, and flick your wrist in the direction of your throw.
Hammer- Two fingers (pointer and middle) are placed under the rim of the disc; the other two
finders (ring and pinky) are placed on the outside of the rim of the disc, and the thumb on top
(same as forehand). Bring the disc up so that it is right above your throwing shoulder; tilt the top
of the disc slightly to your non-throwing side to give it an angle, bend your elbow and draw the
disc directly back. Then, swing your arm forward and release the disc when it gets even with
your forehead.
Handler or Thrower- Player in possession of the disc.
Marker- Player defending an offensive player.
Ultimate Rules
Number of Players- In a regulation game, each team has 7 players.
Scoring- Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense’s end zone, the offense scores a
point. Games are typically played to 15 points.
Movement of the Disc- The disc may be moved in any direction (including backwards), by
completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc unless their momentum
carries them after a catch. Also, players have 10 seconds to throw the disc.
Change of Possession- When a pass is not completed, is out of bounds, dropped, blocked or
intercepted, the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
Non-Contact- No physical contact is allowed between players including picks and screens.
Self-Officiating- Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Slapping or grabbing
the disc out of a players hand is not allowed.
Throw-offs (pulls)
 If the receiving team catches the throw-off they maintain possession.
 If the receiving team lets the disc drop without touching it they maintain possession.
 If the receiving team tries to catch the disc and drops it, the team throwing off takes
possession.
Number of Defenders- Only 1 defender can mark the handler and there must be at least one disc
distance between the defender and handler.
Simultaneous Catch- If an offensive and defensive player catch the disc at the same time, the
offensive team maintains possession.
Spirit of the Game- Ultimate stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is
encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the
basic joy of play.
Field Diagram
Goal Line
End Line