Strategy Guide

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Level 1

  1. Paddle up to the disc; do not reach for it.
  2. Know the rules.
  3. Pass effectively: throw the disc well ahead of the target. Consider placement of defenders before throwing.
  4. Spread out your team's boats.
  5. Short, accurate throws are almost always better than long throws that can end up in the opposing team's possession.
  6. Don't give up on a play. Paddling aggressively back into a play can throw off the other team's gameplay when they feel pressured.
  7. Throw inside the curve.
  8. Turn and accelerate often or unpredictably.
  9. Charge and hard count the thrower or the receiver. A little intimidation can force an error.
  10. Take the time to look before throwing. Your team will be paddling to give you good targets.
  11. Communicate. Simple phrases like, “I'm open left side” or “Not to me” can help teammates make good plays.
  12. Dig hard. Every throw is a race, and endurance matters.

 

Level 2

  1. Have a player in a defensive "anchor position". This provide a safe place to pass back to and a fast responder if a turnover occurs.
  2. When on defense, take position to steal the disc in the event of an overthrow.
  3. When on offense, have players on opposite sides of the goal to pick up misses.
  4. Use your paddle to safely disrupt plays. Your paddle can block vision, alter throw paths, and knock down airborne discs.
  5. Get open. Teammates should maintain spacing and use boat screens to give the thrower options and stretch the defense.
  6. Play within the thrower's limits. Being out of their range makes the defense's job easier.
  7. Call out your throws to your target. Remember, they may not see where the disc went.
  8. Learn how to “pit” other types of boats. Learn how to use a pit attempt against you to get pushed to the disc.
  9. Learn about your opponents' abilities and playstyles. Use this knowledge to counter them.
  10. Find your team's strengths and weaknesses.
  11. Team boat composition. Short boats are highly maneuverable; long boats are fast, etc.
  12. Don't shy away from impacts. Willingness to make contact, both offensive and defensively, can have a profound impact.

 

Level 3 

  1. Field position can be as important as possession. If the team is back on its heels and has no offensive outlet, a distance throw to reset the situation may be the best option.
  2. Plan further than your next play. Throw to a target that has an option other than yourself, then become a target for that person.
  3. Blitz defenses can work to create errors by getting friendly paddlers amongst the other team before they have momentum.
  4. Draw them out of position. Fake charges to get behind the defense can have as great an effect as an actual deep charge.
  5. Block multiple opponents when you can; this kills momentum and lets teammates use the area as a screen.
  6. Practice turning to increase stationary turn speed and turn speed while in a race.
  7. Know how and when to paddle backwards.
  8. Practice throwing and discuss plays and strategies together.
  9. Know how to do a two person ladder attack. This is most commonly used to stretch the field during a breakaway.