Ultimate Frisbee

There's a good chance that, if you're reading this article, you have a basic idea of what Ultimate Frisbee (also known as "Ultimate") is. Perhaps you stumbled on it as you were researching the sport, or you just love reading anything you can get your hands on that has to do with Ultimate.

So you might be surprised to know how little people, in general, actually know about Ultimate. If you're one of these people, don't worry - you're not alone, and hopefully, you'll know at least the basics after reading this article.

What is the origin of Ultimate Frisbee?

Ultimate was invented in 1968 by a student at Columbia High School, Joel Silver It was adapted from a form of "Frisbee football."

How does it compare to other, more common sports?

Ultimate is like a combination of soccer, football, and basketball. The sport is played on a rectangular field approximately the size of a soccer field. However, instead of goals, there are two end zones on either end of the field (like in football). The members of each team start the game at the front of their end zone, and throw the disc, or "pull," to begin play. Catching a thrown disc in the end zone opposite from where you started play results in a score. As in basketball, there are rules for when you can and can't more your feet. As long as you are in possession of the disc, you are not allowed to walk or run until you get rid of it. You may, however, turn as much as you like on your pivot foot. The number of players allowed on the field during a regulation game is fourteen.

How is it different from other sports?

The biggest difference between Ultimate and other sports is that it is played using a Frisbee instead of a ball. This has led, in part, to the rising popularity of Ultimate among people of all ages: it doesn't require a lot of training or strength to throw a disc with reasonable accuracy. In addition, Ultimate players tend to form tight-knit communities, in part because of something called the "spirit of the game." There are no referees in Ultimate; instead, each player does their best to make fair and honest calls regarding their own plays. Ultimate can be highly competitive, with leagues around the world and an annual world championship, but it can also be incredibly laid back, with players dressing in costume or making up spontaneous cheers for the opposite team.

I've never heard of Ultimate Frisbee, how popular is it?

Ultimate has grown wildly in popularity since its inception and early days as a sport played by college kids with spare time on their hands. Pickup games that welcome drop-ins continue to spread across the country and globe. In addition, more serious players can join leagues and play at tournaments. The UPA (Ultimate Players Association) strives to promote the sport at all levels and for all players.

For more information, check out How to Guide: Ultimate Frisbee.