Planning a two-week ultimate frisbee unit challenges even experienced PE teachers who want to balance skill development with actual gameplay. Students need enough practice time to build competence but they also crave the excitement of competitive matches. The sweet spot lies in a structured progression that introduces new concepts daily while reinforcing previous lessons through repetitive drills.
Most teachers make the mistake of jumping into full games too quickly before students master basic throwing and catching mechanics. This approach leads to frustration because students cannot execute plays successfully. A better strategy involves dedicating the first week entirely to fundamental skills and small-sided games before transitioning to regulation play in week two.
This comprehensive unit plan maps out every single class session with specific objectives and activities that build on each other logically. Teachers can follow this outline exactly as written or modify it based on class size and skill level. Either way the structure ensures students leave the unit with solid frisbee skills and positive memories of an engaging sport.
What is Ultimate Frisbee
When most people think of frisbee, they picture a casual game played at the beach or park. However, Ultimate Frisbee is a highly competitive and fast-paced team sport that combines elements of soccer, basketball, and American football. It was invented in 1968 by a group of high school students in New Jersey and has since grown into an internationally recognized sport with leagues, tournaments, and even a World Championship. So basically, the ultimate Frisbee is played on a rectangular field with end zones at each end. The objective of the game is for teams to pass the disc (frisbee) between players and score points by catching.
Step by Step Guide to 2 week Ultimate Frisbee Training Program
Week 1 Day 1: Introduction and Basic Grip
1. Class Objectives
Students will understand the core concept of ultimate frisbee and learn the proper backhand grip. This first session sets expectations for behavior and introduces Spirit of the Game as the foundation for all future activities. Keep energy high and explanations brief because middle schoolers learn better through action than lectures.
2. Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)
Have students jog around the perimeter of the playing area while they toss a disc gently between hands. This simple activity gets blood flowing while it familiarizes students with how the disc feels. Call out different movements like high knees or side shuffles to add variety and engagement.
3. Grip Instruction (10 minutes)
Demonstrate the backhand grip with thumb on top and fingers spread underneath the rim. Walk through the class and physically correct each student’s hand position. Have them practice picking up the disc ten times to build muscle memory. Point out excellent examples and ask those students to show the class their grip.
4. Partner Throwing Drill (20 minutes)
Set up pairs standing ten feet apart. Students focus purely on grip and wrist snap without worrying about distance or accuracy yet. Emphasize keeping the disc level at release. Circulate between pairs and offer specific feedback about what each student does well before mentioning areas for improvement.
5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)
Gather students and ask what felt most challenging about their first throws. Address common concerns and preview tomorrow’s lesson on catching techniques. End with positive reinforcement about the progress everyone made in just one class session.
Week 1 Day 2: Catching Fundamentals
1. Class Objectives
Students will master the pancake catch and learn to track the disc with their eyes through the entire catching motion. This session builds confidence through high-success drills that minimize drops and frustration.
2. Dynamic Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Lead students through arm circles and wrist rotations and lunges to prepare their bodies for throwing and catching. Add a quick review of yesterday’s grip by having everyone hold an imaginary disc and show proper hand position.
3. Pancake Catch Demonstration (8 minutes)
Show the two-handed catching technique with thumbs together forming a W shape. Emphasize watching the disc all the way into hands because looking away early causes most drops. Throw soft accurate passes to individual students while the class observes proper technique.
4. Stationary Catching Drill (15 minutes)
Partners stand twelve feet apart and throw back and forth. The focus stays entirely on catching form rather than throwing accuracy. Encourage students to call out “got it” when they make clean catches. This verbal reinforcement builds confidence and creates positive associations with success.
5. Moving Catch Progression (12 minutes)
Have catchers take two steps forward before receiving the throw. Progress to lateral shuffles and then random movement patterns. Throwers must lead receivers appropriately so the disc arrives where catchers will be rather than where they currently stand.
6. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Quiz students on key catching points like keeping eyes on the disc and using both hands. Celebrate the class’s improvement from day one and build excitement for tomorrow’s distance throwing challenges.
Week 1 Day 3: Building Throwing Distance
1. Class Objectives
Students will increase throwing distance while maintaining accuracy and proper form. This session introduces target games that make repetitive practice feel competitive and fun.
2. Skill Review Warm-Up (7 minutes)
Partners throw and catch from fifteen feet to review proper mechanics from previous classes. Watch for students who revert to bad habits and offer quick corrections. This daily review ensures fundamentals stay sharp throughout the unit.
3. Distance Progression Drill (15 minutes)
Start pairs at fifteen feet and have them complete five consecutive accurate catches before moving back five feet. Some pairs advance quickly while others need more time at each distance. Allow this differentiation so everyone works at their optimal challenge level.
4. Target Zone Competition (15 minutes)
Set up markers at twenty and thirty feet with point values assigned to each zone. Students throw five times and track their scores. Create a class leaderboard to fuel friendly competition. Partner students with similar abilities so matches stay close and exciting.
5. Cool Down Game (8 minutes)
Play “Ultimate Keepaway” where groups of four try to complete ten passes while one defender tries to knock down throws. This game combines all skills learned so far in a low-pressure format.
Week 1 Day 4: Pivot Foot and Movement Rules
1. Class Objectives
Students will learn they cannot run with the disc and must establish a pivot foot after catching. This foundational rule prevents traveling violations that disrupt game flow.
2. Movement Rule Explanation (8 minutes)
Demonstrate legal and illegal movements after catching the disc. Show how one foot must stay planted while the other can move freely. Have students practice with an imaginary disc so they feel comfortable before adding the actual throw.
3. Catch-and-Pivot Drill (15 minutes)
One partner throws while the other catches and must pivot to face a different direction before throwing back. Add a passive defender who counts to five. The catcher must complete the return pass before the count ends. Rotate positions every few minutes.
4. Three-Person Weave (12 minutes)
Groups of three move down the field while throwing and catching. The middle person starts and throws to either side player who has cut forward. That receiver immediately throws to the other side player. This drill reinforces pivot rules while adding game-like movement.
5. Mini Scrimmage (10 minutes)
Play three versus three on a small field. Teams score by completing seven passes without drops. Pause play when you notice travel violations and use those moments as teaching opportunities.
Week 1 Day 5: Introduction to Defense
1. Class Objectives
Students will learn basic defensive positioning and understand person-to-person coverage. This session prepares them for actual games by teaching both sides of the ball.
2. Defensive Stance Practice (8 minutes)
Show proper defensive position with knees bent and arms raised to block passing lanes. Have students mirror your movements as you demonstrate lateral slides and quick direction changes. This isolated practice builds muscle memory before adding offensive players.
3. One-on-One Marking Drill (12 minutes)
Pair students where one plays offense and cuts while the other defends. No disc yet because the focus stays purely on movement and positioning. Defenders should stay within arm’s reach while moving with their player. Switch roles after three minutes.
4. Throwing Against Defense (15 minutes)
Add the disc to the previous drill. Offensive players receive passes and must throw before a defender counting to ten reaches the stall. This simulates game pressure without full-field complexity.
5. Scrimmage with Scoring (10 minutes)
Play four versus four with actual end zones. Teams score by catching in the end zone. Keep fields small so everyone stays involved. Circulate and offer coaching tips during natural breaks in play.
Week 2 Day 1: Forehand Throw Introduction
1. Class Objectives
Students will learn the forehand grip and basic throwing motion. This advanced throw adds versatility but requires patience because most beginners struggle initially.
2. Forehand Grip Demo (10 minutes)
Show the gun-shape grip with index and middle fingers along the inside rim. Walk through the class and adjust hand positions. Have students practice the wrist snap motion without releasing the disc to build feel for the movement.
3. Partner Forehand Practice (15 minutes)
Start at just eight feet apart because forehands require more wrist strength than backhands. Students should focus on form over distance. Many will struggle and that remains perfectly normal. Offer constant encouragement and celebrate small victories.
4. Backhand-Forehand Combo Drill (10 minutes)
Throwers alternate between backhand and forehand throws to the same partner. This helps them understand when each throw works best. Receivers practice catching throws that spin in opposite directions.
5. Game Application (10 minutes)
Play modified games where students earn bonus points for completed forehand throws. This incentive encourages trying the new skill in actual gameplay without making it mandatory.
For additional lesson plan resources check out these detailed guides for Week 2 Monday and Week 2 Friday.
Week 2 Day 2: Offensive Strategy
1. Class Objectives
Students will understand basic cutting patterns and learn to create space for teammates. This session teaches the mental side of ultimate frisbee beyond just physical skills.
2. Cutting Pattern Walkthrough (10 minutes)
Demonstrate how offensive players without the disc should cut to open spaces rather than stand still. Show both straight cuts and comeback cuts. Have students practice these movements without defenders or the disc to understand the concepts clearly.
3. Handler-Cutter Drill (15 minutes)
Groups of three where one handler stays near the thrower and two cutters work downfield. Cutters take turns making sharp cuts while the handler delivers passes. Rotate positions so everyone experiences each role.
4. Full-Field Scrimmage (20 minutes)
Play five versus five on regulation-sized fields. Pause occasionally to point out excellent cuts or missed opportunities. Let students problem-solve offensive strategies rather than dictating every move.
Week 2 Day 3: Defensive Strategies
1. Class Objectives
Students will learn force defense and understand how to work as a defensive unit. This session elevates their game understanding beyond individual skills.
2. Force Concept Explanation (10 minutes)
Show how defenders position themselves to push offensive players toward one side of the field. Demonstrate forcing backhand versus forcing forehand. Have students practice the positioning without actual throwing.
3. Team Defense Drill (15 minutes)
Groups of five practice coordinated defense where each player forces the same direction. Offensive players try to complete passes while defenders communicate about coverage. Switch offense and defense every three minutes.
4. Competitive Scrimmage (20 minutes)
Full games with officials to enforce all rules. Students call their own fouls but you step in for disputes that cannot be resolved. Track scores and post results to build investment in outcomes.
Week 2 Day 4: Tournament Preparation
1. Class Objectives
Students will refine all skills through station work and prepare for tomorrow’s class tournament. This session allows individual attention for students who need extra help.
2. Station Rotation (30 minutes)
Set up four stations for throwing accuracy and catching under pressure and defensive positioning and scrimmage play. Students spend seven minutes at each station. Circulate and offer personalized coaching based on individual needs.
3. Team Selection and Strategy (15 minutes)
Announce tournament teams and give groups time to practice together. Encourage students to discuss positions and offensive strategies. This planning builds excitement while teaching leadership and collaboration.
Week 2 Day 5: Class Tournament
1. Class Objectives
Students will apply all learned skills in competitive games while demonstrating Spirit of the Game principles. This culminating event celebrates two weeks of hard work and improvement.
2. Tournament Format (40 minutes)
Run a bracket or round-robin format depending on class size. Keep games short at ten minutes or first to seven points. Multiple fields allow everyone to play simultaneously. Student volunteers can help track scores and time.
3. Awards and Reflection (5 minutes)
Recognize outstanding sportsmanship rather than just athletic performance. Have students vote for opponents who best demonstrated Spirit of the Game. End with a class discussion about favorite moments and skills they feel most proud of mastering.
Conclusion – Final Verdict!
This two-week unit plan provides a complete roadmap for teaching ultimate frisbee from absolute beginner level to competitive gameplay. Each lesson builds logically on previous sessions while introducing new challenges that keep students engaged. Teachers who follow this structure will find that students develop real competence and genuine enthusiasm for the sport by the final tournament day.
The progression from isolated skills to full games ensures no student feels overwhelmed or left behind during the unit. Daily skill reviews prevent backsliding while varied activities maintain high energy throughout both weeks. Students leave with transferable skills like teamwork and conflict resolution that extend far beyond the playing field into other areas of their lives.
