Ultimate Frisbee

 

Ultimate Frisbee. Yep, that’s right – there’s a real sport based on throwing a frisbee. From its hippie roots, created on the east coast of the USA and spreading through college campuses over the following decade, Ultimate has developed into a serious and competitive team sport played around the world, including at the World Games, where Australia recently took bronze (try Youtubing "crocs world games 2009").

WHAT IS ULTIMATE?

Ultimate (sometimes called Ultimate Frisbee) is a fast, free flowing game that combines elements of netball, soccer, gridiron and touch footy. The basic idea of the game is very simple. The aim is for the team with the frisbee to pass it up the field without dropping it and catch it in an end zone, which scores a point. The other team tries to intercept the disc or knock it down, allowing them to take possession. The sport is non-contact and can be played either single sex or mixed, with men and women playing together on the same field.
The other important aspect of Ultimate is that there are NO REFEREES. The players are trusted to make all decisions by themselves. Unique to Ultimate, and central to individual and team conduct, is the underlying Spirit of the Game, which embodies the sportsmanship which has sadly been lost from other sports. Players undertake to be competitive but fair and truthful, physical but careful, intense but friendly and courteous.

WHAT’S THE APPEAL?

People play Ultimate for many reasons. Some find the variation and elegance of a flying disc infinitely more pleasing than ball sports. Some are drawn by the level of athleticism required to compete at high levels, and others by the simplicity of a sport that can be enjoyed by all. Many people are tired and disillusioned by the lack of sportsmanship and enjoyment in other sports, and find great relief in the Spirit of the Game that underlies all of Ultimate, as well as the openness and friendliness of the Ultimate-playing community.
Ultimate has many special characteristics, and those willing to give it a go rarely leave without beginning to understand why this sport is continuing to grow in size and popularity.

IS IT GOOD EXERCISE?

This is, after all, what The Lab is about, and I’m pleased to report that Ultimate requires and develops a range of physical characteristics. Good Ultimate players need to have excellent speed and power to get open for a pass, spring for an errant throw, or chase their player on defence. This must be combined with the endurance to maintain their play for long games and tournaments, and the fitness to recover quickly between points and between games. Agility and balance are vital to play defence and respond to the movements of other players, and this also makes good movement control and coordination necessary.
It’s also worth noting that Ultimate has some great benefits to interpersonal skills. As players must arbitrate their own games, the sport forces the development of self-confidence, a willingness to accept and work through differing viewpoints and conflicts, and emotional control and consistency.
Don’t worry if you feel that you’re lacking these things! Like anything, while these physical abilities are required to play at the elite level, playing the sport is a fantastic way to develop them all, and Ultimate players are always happy and excited to see new people giving the sport a go.

GETTING INVOLVED

Ultimate players are always keen to help new people get involved with the sport, and are very welcoming of new players, so feel free to have a go.
The following links will give you the info you need to get involved:
http://tinyurl.com/ybgxmna (a general description of how Ultimate runs in Brisbane)
http://tinyurl.com/yawkdhm (specific contacts/details for current options to play Ultimate)
Alternately, you can email either the Queensland Ultimate Disc Association at info@quda.org or you can contact John at The Lab, in person or at john@the-lab.com.au