Strategy

From Ultipedia

Ultimate strategy is still in a very young, new stage of development. Only in the past 10 or 20 years have teams begun to develop strategies any deeper than "run fast" or "work hard". Many teams still continue to abide by the notion of "play hard, party harder", however with the burgeoning number of elite teams and experienced players, ultimate strategy is beginning to become much more fleshed out.

1 Basic Ultimate Strategy
2 Low Skill Level Strategy
3 Intermediate Skill Level Strategy
4 Tactics
- 4.1 Set Plays

[edit] Basic Ultimate Strategy

To win a game of ultimate, a team must score more points than its opponents, therefore any offensive strategy must eventually result in a method for scoring goals. Forward progression while in possession of the disc is pivotal (and hopefully obvious), but can be achieved in many, many ways.

For defensive strategy, the same axioms hold true (only reversed). Teams need to prevent their opponents from scoring goals, and a wide variety of tactics and plays can be used to do so. Although stopping the forward motion of the disc at all costs may not be the best strategy used, somewhere along the way, stopping the other team from scoring has to be part of the strategy.

[edit] Low Skill Level Strategy

Players of low-skill levels will probably face more challenges from themselves than their opponents. Inability to throw the disc, not knowing the basic rules of the game, and being unaware of how to cut or to use open space are all things to consider when devising strategies for playing. Low-level teams should address these matters first, and devise a strategy around them.

Player/Skill Progression - For many beginner teams, winning is not the ultimate objective, and an emphasis is placed on developing player skills and confidence. These teams will generally allow all players to catch and throw the disc in as many different situations as possible.

Playing to Win - This is generally not the wisest of strategies for beginning players. Given limited experience, more athletic players may dominate and new players can quickly lose a desire for further playing ultimate. Using this strategy however would dictate that any player(s) with stronger disc skills should maximize the amount of time they are in possession of the disc. A simple pass-and-dump routine would be ideal. By utilizing faster, taller and/or more athletic players, teams should isolate these players (see Iso, while other players attempt to create as much open field space as possible.

[edit] Intermediate Skill Level Strategy

Teams of intermediate skill level begin to have many more options when developing strategies for ultimate. Teams should now be much more capable of deep strikes, accurate mid-range throws, and creating open space or running set plays.

Teams can begin to develop player positions as well (see Positions for more on this). Strategies may still revolve around minimizing team miscues and mistakes, however teams may have the skill set to begin modifying strategies and tactics based on opponent abilities. Defense also becomes a more defined aspect of a teams strategy, as teams should now be able to identify opponent weaknesses and adjust their defensive tactics accordingly.

Player Roles - Teams can begin to work within set positions, utilizing handlers, mids and deep players.

Adaptive Offensive/Defensive Strategies - Teams are able to recognize different factors involved in a game (weather, opponent strength and weaknesses, etc.) and adapt their offensive and defensive strategies accordingly.