Ultimate Frisbee: Spirit of the Game
Coed, no-contact Ultimate Frisbee where you score by catching the disc in the end zone and players referee themselves according to the 'Spirit of the Game'. Students work on throwing and catching the disc, getting open and sportsmanship.
How to play
- Explain the rules: no running with the disc, you score by catching it inside the end zone, there's no referee, and the player who is fouled calls the foul (3 min).
- Partner practice from 8 meters (about 26 ft): backhand and forehand throws, and two-hand 'pancake' catches (6 min).
- Set up two 40 x 20 meter (130 x 65 ft) fields with cones and 5-meter end zones at each end; form 4 teams of 6 with pinnies (5 on the field and one who rotates in) (2 min).
- 7-minute 5v5 games; after each point, the scoring team pulls (throws off) from its end zone to the other team (14 min).
- If the disc hits the ground, goes out or is intercepted, the other team picks it up and attacks from that spot (included in the games).
- At the end, each team meets with its opponent and rates the other team's fair play and communication from 1 to 5 (3 min).
Rules
- No contact: guard from about 3 ft away, without touching or grabbing the disc from someone's hand.
- The player with the disc can't move, only pivot, and has 10 seconds to throw; the defender counts out loud.
- The player who is fouled calls the foul and it's settled by talking; if there's no agreement, the play is redone.
- Teams are coed and everyone must get passes.
Variations
Easier
Smaller field, no 10-second count and defense at 6 ft.
Standard
5v5 games with a 10-second count.
Harder
A point counts double if every player on the team touched the disc during the possession.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a protected zone near the end zone where nobody guards them when receiving.
- Throwing difficulties or fear of the disc: a soft disc or a foam ring.
- Shy students: teammates must pass to them at least once before scoring.
Learning goals
- Throw and catch the disc accurately.
- Get open to give a teammate a passing option.
- Self-officiate with respect and conversation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flying discs: 14
- pinnies: 24
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Don't step into every dispute: let them sort it out and help only if they get stuck. Keep a spare disc on each field, because they fly far.
PatioLab has "Ultimate Frisbee: Spirit of the Game" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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