Footblocks
From Ultipedia
A footblock is a defensive play where a player on the mark uses his/her foot to block the disc after it is thrown. This is a legal play under both the UPA Rules of Ultimate and the WFDF Rules of Ultimate.
[edit] Technique
A footblock can be used for two main purposes:
- To deny a space that the handler could use to make a throw. In this case, the mark is not directly trying to block a thrown disc, but is simply using their leg to force the thrower to choose another throw.
- To block a disc that has already been thrown. In this case, the mark is trying to get their leg or foot into the path of the oncoming disc.
A good footblock is a safe footblock. The mark should NOT be trying to kick the thrower's arm, or the disc while in the thrower's hand -- to do so is a Foul.
Typically, a marker wanting to footblock will keep a bit more distance between themselves and the thrower in order to prevent contact.
[edit] Controversy
If performed unsafely, footblocks can result in injury to the thrower. For example, an attempted footblock that contacts the thrower's hand could result in soft-tissue damage, or broken bones. Because of this danger, many recreational leagues and tournaments prohibit footblocks. In leagues that do permit them, many captains will attempt to use the Captain's Clause to remove footblocks for a particular game.
