Mini-Field Ultimate 3v3

Three-on-three Ultimate games on small fields with short end zones and self-officiating. With so few players, every student throws and catches many times and learns to cut into open space and guard without contact.

How to play

1. Cone off four 80 x 40 ft fields with a 13-ft end zone at each end; form teams of 3 in pinnies and assign two teams per field (3 min).
2. Review the rules: no running with the disc, 8 seconds to throw, and the marker counts out loud from 3 ft away (2 min).
3. One team pulls the disc from its end zone; a point is scored by catching the disc inside the opposite end zone.
4. If the disc hits the ground, goes out, or is intercepted, possession changes right where it landed.
5. Play 5-minute games, then teams rotate fields to face a new opponent (15 min, 3 games).
6. After each game, teams shake hands and name the most sportsmanlike player on the other team (2 min spread out).

Rules

• Pivoting is allowed, but no traveling with the disc.
• No contact: no ripping the disc away and no bumping when jumping.
• Players call their own fouls, and the play is redone if there's no agreement.
• Safety: only one defender marks the thrower, and nobody dives.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw from a fixed sideline zone where nobody can mark the student.
• Shyness: start with teacher-picked teams so nobody is chosen last.
• Skill level: use a soft disc or foam ring for students still learning the backhand.

Learning goals

• Throw an accurate backhand to a moving teammate.
• Cut into open space to get the disc.
• Self-officiate honestly and respectfully.

Equipment for a class of 25

• frisbees: 6
• cones: 24
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

Before playing, review the backhand grip with the thumb on top. If throws keep sailing long, require short passes of 15 ft or less.

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