Ultimate is played both with the body and the voice. Effective communication can turn an average team into an exceptional one.
On the Ultimate Frisbee field, communication is as crucial as the skill to throw or run. Imagine a team where each player acts without coordination or clear signals: plays become chaotic, mistakes multiply, and frustration grows. That is why understanding and mastering the language of Ultimate, both verbal and non-verbal, is one of the keys to transforming a group of individual players into a truly competitive and efficient team.
In this chapter, dedicated to the members of Disckatus Madrid and to all who want to deepen their understanding of the game, we will explore basic offensive and defensive calls, the importance of non-verbal communication, when it is the right time to speak and when it is better to stay silent, and review the essential terminology every player should know. Get ready for your voice and gestures to become powerful allies on the field.
Because, at the end of the day, in Ultimate you don’t just win with strength or technique, but with a shared language and effective communication that leads the team to play as one unit.
When your team has the disc in hand, the offense must flow quickly and precisely. Offensive calls are the tools that allow organizing movements, marking patterns, and creating spaces. At Disckatus Madrid, we practice these calls from the first trainings so that every player knows what to expect and how to respond.
Among the most common calls is the “cut,” which indicates a quick forward movement to receive a pass. It is usually accompanied by the name or number of the player making the cut to avoid confusion. Another essential call is “reset,” which means passing the disc backward to reorganize the play and look for new options.
It is also common to use terms like “force” to indicate the direction in which the defense is trying to force the pass, which helps the offense look for throws toward the freer area of the field. For example, “force right” warns that the defense is blocking passes to the right, so it is advisable to try throws to the left.
For these calls to be effective, it is essential that they are clear, brief, and made aloud but without shouting. This way, all team members can receive the information without distractions.
In defense, communication is equally vital, as it allows adjusting positions, making switches, and anticipating the opponent’s plays. At Disckatus Madrid, we dedicate part of the training to learning how to talk on defense without losing focus on the mark.
One of the most frequent calls is “pick,” to warn that a teammate is being illegally obstructed by an attacker, which helps the referee detect the foul. Another common call is “I” or “mine” to indicate that a defender takes responsibility for a specific player, avoiding confusion in marks and switches.
Also, indications like “switch” or “change” are used when two defenders exchange the players they are marking, which requires synchronization and trust. Finally, terms like “force” are also used in defense, since marking the force direction helps the entire line maintain a solid and uniform defensive structure.
Good defensive communication reduces errors, avoids double marks or gaps in defense, and allows quick reactions to cuts and throws from the opposing team.
Not all communication in Ultimate is verbal. In fact, much of the language on the field is transmitted without words, through gestures, looks, and postures. This is especially useful in noisy situations or when verbal communication might alert the opponent.
For example, on offense, raising a hand can mean a player is ready to receive a pass, while a thumbs-up can confirm that they are in position and open. On defense, a hand movement can indicate an imminent switch or a quick alert without the need to speak.
Disckatus Madrid incorporates exercises in its training to work on these signals, so players learn to read and send non-verbal messages clearly and quickly. This speeds up the game and strengthens the connection among teammates.
A practical tip is to define beforehand which gestures will be used for the most common calls, thus avoiding misunderstandings and improving game flow.
Knowing when to communicate and when to maintain concentration in silence is a skill that distinguishes the smartest players. In high-pressure moments or near the scoring zone, talking too much can cause confusion or alert the opponent, while saying nothing can leave your teammates without necessary information.
At Disckatus Madrid, we encourage the practice of 'speaking with intention.' This means that every call or signal should have a clear purpose and add value to the team. For example, during a crucial pass, a simple “I’m open” can change the outcome of the play, while unnecessary comments can distract.
On defense, silence can be useful to maintain focus, but basic communication must always be maintained to avoid mistakes like losing sight of the marked player or failing to warn about a foul.
A good exercise is to practice situations where players must decide whether to speak or remain silent, evaluating the impact on the play to improve their judgment over time.
Mastering Ultimate terminology not only facilitates communication but also demonstrates professionalism and seriousness in the game. Below, we review some key terms every player should know:
At Disckatus Madrid, it is recommended that new players learn and practice this terminology from the start to integrate quickly and communicate fluently.
1. Quick Signals Game: In pairs, practice sending and receiving messages only with gestures (hands, eyes, postures). Define a set of signals for basic actions like “cut forward,” “pass back,” or “defense switch.”
2. Simulation of Offensive and Defensive Calls: Form two groups, one offense and one defense, and practice basic verbal calls during static and dynamic plays. Focus on clarity and appropriate volume.
3. “Speak with Intention” Exercise: During a mini game, players must limit their verbal communications to essential calls and evaluate afterward how this affected their play and coordination.
4. Terminology Learning: Conduct quizzes or matching games of terms and definitions to consolidate Ultimate vocabulary.
These exercises are regularly performed in Disckatus Madrid trainings, which take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at Polideportivo Orcasur. We invite you to join to put everything learned into practice and grow as a player and team!
Remember: effective communication is the bridge that connects technique, strategy, and teamwork. Master it and you will see your game rise to another level.
If you want to keep improving and be part of a committed and passionate team, don’t hesitate to come to Disckatus Madrid trainings. We look forward to seeing you on Mondays and Wednesdays at Polideportivo Orcasur to keep growing together!
Sources of inspiration for this chapter include resources from USA Ultimate, WikiHow, and Ultimate HQ, recognized for their didactic and practical approach in the world of Ultimate Frisbee.
📚 Sources and Inspiration: This article has been inspired by educational resources from USA Ultimate, WikiHow, Ultimate Frisbee HQ, FrisbeeThrows.com, and the collective experience of the Ultimate community. We especially thank the authors and coaches who share their knowledge to help this sport grow.
