A rectangular shape with end zones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards long by 40 yards wide, with end zones 20 yards deep.
Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws (“pulls”) the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.
Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense’s end zone, the offense scores a point. The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored.
The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc (“thrower”) has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower (“marker”) counts out the stall count.
When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited.
When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs. When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
The foundation of the rules in ultimate is Spirit of the Game, which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.
There are a few different ways to do this. Running while in possesion of the disc is prohibited.
Catching the disc in the opponent's endzone results in a score. Dropping the disc results in a turnover, and is generally considered offensive malpractice.
A nifty technique used to create space and get open to receive a pass. Some experts argue that "running" has been rendered obsolete by the more modern approach to ultimate known as "being tall." Proficiency in at least one of these areas is crucial for success in the sport.
*if you're coach reading this, running is mandatory. Very very mandatory.
Cutter: An offensive player who mainly makes cuts to receive the disc and gain yards, sets up down field from the disc.
Handler: An offensive player whose main job is to make throws to cutters, either has the disc or is set up relatively horizontal to the disc.
Mark: The defensive player that is guarding the offensive player with the disc. The mark is usually trying to block certain throws while counting stalls.
Stall: Stalls are counted by the mark, starting by saying “stalling 1” and counting up to 10. If the “t” in ten is pronounced, the mark then says “stall,” and the disc is turned over.
Clear: An extremely important cut that vacates the target cutting space if the player was not thrown to, leaving the space open for cuts by other players.
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Force: The direction the mark is allowing the offense to throw to, usually signified by saying “force home” or “force away.”
Home: The side of the field where the team's equipment is, and most of the sideline players.
Away: The side of the field that a team's equipment is not, with fewer sideline players.
Break side: The side of the field the mark is trying to stop throws from going to.
Open side/Force side: The side of the field the mark is allowing throws to go to. This side is covered by the downfield defenders.
Backhand: The “basic” throw in ultimate. Involves grasping the disc with four fingers, with the throwing motion on the non-dominant side.
Forehand/Flick: This throw involves holding the disc with the index and middle fingers underneath, and throwing from the dominant side.
Hammer: An over the top throw using the forehand grip to throw the disc from above your head, with it flying upside down.
Scoober: A throw employing the forehand grip in which the disc is released upside down from the backhand side.
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Pull: This throw begins every point in ultimate. The team starting on defense throws to the team on offense, similar to a kickoff in football.
Dump: A throw made if there are no open cuts to prevent a stall. The thrower looks for a handler, and passes to them for a small or negative gain.
Swing: A throw that gains minimal yards, but brings the disc from one side of the field to the other.
Huck: A deep throw.
Upline: A cut usually run by a handler that gains yards down the sideline on the force side.
Deep: A cut where the player runs towards the end zone, away from where the disc is positioned.
Under: A cut where the player runs towards where the disc is positioned, away from the end zone.
Crash: A cut that goes into the defensive cup set up during zone defense, looking for a small gain that will create an opening in the cup.
Vertical stack: The main offensive set against person defense. Involves one handler setting the stack, and the cutters lined up vertically down the field behind the setter. Cuts usually come from the back of the stack.
Horizontal stack: The main offensive set against zone defense, but can be run against person defense as well. Involves four cutters lined up horizontally along the field. The outside cutters are known as wings, and the inside cutters are known as poppers.
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"Breaking" the mark: Making a throw to the side of the field that the mark is trying to defend.
Inside: A throw made to the side of the mark that is closer to the middle of the field.
Around: A throw made to the side of the mark that is further from the middle of the field.
Poach: When a defender moves away from the player they are guarding to make a play on the disc or take up valuable offensive space.
Switch: When two defenders exchange the offensive players they are guarding.
Layout/Bid: A diving catch where the receiver goes horizontally to grab the disc.
Brick: A marker in the middle of the field, 20 yards outside each end zone. The disc is brought here to begin play after a pull lands out of bounds.
Foul: Any type of illegal contact, purposeful or incidental, that affects the ability of players to make a play on the disc. Must be self-called.
Dangerous Play: An action that endangers the safety of another player. Can be called even if it does not fit the definition of any foul.
Travel: Moving with the disc. Different types of travels include: Moving the pivot foot after establishing it, taking more than 3 steps between catching and throwing, speeding up or changing direction after catching.
Double Team: More than one defensive player within 10 feet of the disc, unless the extra defensive player is actively guarding a different offensive player.
Fast Count: Counting the stall count too fast.
Pick: As a defensive player, if in order to directly follow the player you are actively guarding, you must run through another player (on either team).
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Spirit of the Game: The idea that all players should make calls based on their honest interpretation of the situation, as well as an idea of fairness and good sportsmanship.
Contest: After a call is made against a player, that player can choose to contest if they disagree with the call. If, after discussion, the call remains contested, the disc returns to where it was before the play.