Ultimate Person Defense with a Deep Poach

A 5-on-5 Ultimate scenario in which the defense guards four attackers person-to-person and leaves one player free to protect the deep space. Students work on team defense, communication, and reading the long throw.

How to play

1. Mark a 35 x 20 m (about 38 x 22 yd) field with 5 m end zones and form 5-on-5 groups in pinnies; the rest of the class plays on a second identical field.
2. The defense chooses a poach player who guards no one and sets up 10-15 m from the disc, between the attackers and the end zone, to cut off long throws.
3. The other four defenders play person-to-person; the thrower's marker counts to 8 out loud and forces the throw to one side.
4. The open attacker must cut toward the disc, and the offense tries to score with short passes; the defense calls out "Open under!" so someone switches.
5. Each possession lasts until a score or a turnover; if the defense gets the disc, it goes back to offense from its end zone and the defense scores 1 point. A goal is worth 1 point for the offense.
6. After 4 possessions switch roles, and every 8 minutes change the poach player; play three 6-7 minute rounds with short breaks to adjust.

Rules

• No contact: the defense plays the disc, never the opponent's body.
• The poach player cannot mark the thrower or stand closer than 3 m (10 ft) to them.
• When going up for a long disc, watch your opponent and do not cut across their running path.

Variations

Adaptations

• A student with limited mobility can be the poach inside a smaller cone zone, intercepting with the hands only.
• For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, agree on a visible hand signal for switches in addition to the verbal call.
• Students with lower endurance can play as the offense's fixed thrower, who moves less.

Learning goals

• Organize a mixed defense with distinct roles.
• Communicate switches quickly and clearly.
• Anticipate long throws by reading the thrower's body position.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Frisbees: 3
• Cones: 16
• Pinnies: 13

Teacher tip

The common mistake is a poach who stands still; ask them to shift every time the disc moves.

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