Ultimate Hammer Throws over the Zone
A progression for the hammer, the overhead throw that flies upside down, followed by a game in which beating a zone defense with a hammer counts double. Students work on throwing technique and its tactical use.
How to play
- In pairs 8 m (about 9 yd) apart, practice the forehand grip for 4 minutes with the disc held vertical above the shoulder, throwing upward so it turns over and floats down flat and upside down.
- Move back to 12-15 m for 3 minutes and place a cone in the middle: the disc must clear a partner standing there with arms raised.
- In groups of three for 4 minutes, a defender marks the thrower with arms up and the thrower chooses between a low pass around the side or a hammer over the top to the receiver.
- Play 5-on-5 on a 35 x 20 m field: the defense plays a zone with three defenders near the disc and two deep.
- A regular goal is worth 1 point; if the possession includes a completed hammer over the three-person wall, the goal is worth 2. Play 10 minutes, switching teams halfway.
Rules
- Before throwing high, check that nobody from another group is in the flight path.
- The receiver catches the upside-down disc with a two-hand pancake catch, never jumping backward.
- Regular Ultimate rules apply: no running with the disc and no contact.
Variations
Easier
Throw hammers with no defender at 8 m, and in the game any high throw counts double.
Standard
Hammers against a zone, with a double-point goal if the throw clears the wall of three.
Harder
The hammer only counts if thrown with the pivot foot planted and the stall count already past 5.
Adaptations
- A student who uses a wheelchair can throw hammers from a fixed spot and receive in their own zone with no defender.
- For students with low vision, use brightly colored discs and short distances, and call out before each throw.
- Students with limited shoulder strength may use a high backhand as an alternative.
Learning goals
- Throw a hammer with a stable flight.
- Choose the type of throw based on the zone defense's position.
- Analyze how effective each throw was during the debrief.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Frisbees: 13
- Cones: 12
- Pinnies: 13
Teacher tip
Many students release too flat and the disc drops early; stress a nearly vertical release with a high elbow.
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