If you have ever attended an Ultimate Frisbee game, you will have noticed plenty of words and phrases being shouted out on the fields. Here is a list of the most commonly used terms to help you better understand what is being said.
Backhand- the throw that is most commonly known and everyone knows how to do.
Bid- when a player impressively attempts to dive for a catch, but fails to make the catch.
Blade- when the disc is thrown vertically rather than horizontally. these throws are very difficult to catch.
Callahan- to catch the disc in the opponents end-zone while on defense, resulting in a score for your team.
Chilly- “be patient.” the term is used to remind the thrower that they have 10 complete seconds to wait for a good pass.
Cutter- a position on the team. players who make ‘cuts’ to get open for the disc. opposite of the handler position.
D- defense or knocking the disc to the ground and preventing your opponent from catching the disc.
Disk In- phrase used to notify the players that the game is in play. a way to start the game again.
Footblock- when the defender on the thrower is able to deflect the pass with their foot.
Forehand/Flick- the opposite throw of a backhand. thrown on the right side of the body (for right-handed players).
Hammer- an overhead throw where the disc rotates in the upside down position.
Handblock- when the defender on the thrower is able to knock the disc to the ground.
Handler- a position normally played by the stronger throwers on the team. (similar to the point guard position in basketball).
Huck- a long throw. each game starts off with a huck.
Layout- an impressive dive to catch a disc.
Layout D- an impressive dive to block the disc from the opponent.
O- offense.
Pick- when a player gets in-between a defender and the person they are defending (unlike basketball, picks are illegal in ultimate).
Pull- the long throw that begins each game/point. similar to a kickoff in football.
Sky- jumping higher than the people around you to catch a disc.
Stall Count- the 10 seconds you have to get a pass off.
Turn- when the disc drops to the ground or any other change of possession.
Up- an alert that the disc has been thrown in the air. a call usually directed towards the defense to look up to get the ‘D’.