How to Play Ultimate

The guidelines for this fast-paced combination of Frisbee, soccer, football and basketball have been adapted from the Ultimate Players Association's official rules.

Things You'll Need

• Men's Shorts
• Running Shoes
• Sunglasses
• Tennis Shoes
• Women's Shorts
• Sunscreen
• Coins
• Athletic Gear
• Cones
• Flying Disc Games
• Flying Discs
• T-shirts

Instructions

1. Divide players into two teams of seven players each. Adjust team size as needed or, for larger teams, substitute players during the game after a score.

2. Flip a disk (not a coin) to decide which team will begin as defense and which will begin as offense.

3. Line up on opposite sides of the field. The defense begins by throwing the disc to the offense.

4. Throw the disc (in any direction) to a teammate if you're on the offense, but know that it's illegal to run with it. When another player catches it, he or she must throw it to a teammate within 10 seconds.

5. Understand that one point is scored when an offensive player catches the disc in the end zone being guarded by the defense.

6. Give control of the disc to the defense if a thrower fails to complete a pass (waits more than 10 seconds, drops the disc, throws it out of bounds or throws an interception).

7. Keep in mind that ultimate is a noncontact sport. If contact occurs, a foul is called.

8. Understand that if the foul results in a turnover (change of disc possession from one team to another), play resumes as if the turnover hadn't taken place.

9. Repeat the play if the player who committed the foul (the person who initiated contact) disagrees with the call.

10. Know that the winning team is the one with the highest score at the end of two 24-minute halves. Games may also be played to a set number of points agreed on before the start of play.

Tips & Warnings

• The 10-second countdown is given verbally by the defensive player guarding the thrower.

• A regulation ultimate field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with a 25-yard end zone at either end (making the total playing area 120 yards by 40 yards).

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.