Receptions: The Pancake Catch Technique

In the world of Ultimate Frisbee, the ability to make effective receptions is key to maintaining possession of the disc and advancing towards the scoring zone. One of the fundamental techniques that every player, from beginner to advanced, must master is the pancake catch or two-handed catch. This technique not only increases security when catching the disc but also allows better adaptation to pressure situations and receptions on the move.

In this chapter of From Zero to Hero in Ultimate Frisbee, specially designed for the Disckatus Madrid team, we will delve into the pancake catch technique, when and why to use it, its advantages, the most common mistakes made, and how to apply it in dynamic and pressured situations. Additionally, you will find practical exercises so you can perfect this essential skill in your training sessions at the Orcasur Sports Center.

Mastering the pancake catch technique will give you a clear advantage on the field, helping you turn difficult receptions into play opportunities and reducing the risk of turnovers. Let's dive into the art of catching with two hands!

What is the Pancake Catch and Why is it Essential?

The pancake catch is a reception technique in Ultimate Frisbee where the player uses both hands to catch the disc, pressing it against the palm of the lower hand while the upper hand covers the disc to secure the catch. Imagine the disc as a pancake (hence the name "pancake") that you gently press to prevent it from slipping away.

This technique is especially useful when the disc arrives fast, at unusual angles, or with wind, as it allows superior control compared to a one-handed catch. Moreover, it reduces the likelihood of the disc bouncing or falling after the initial contact, which is vital to maintain possession during the game.

For beginners, the pancake catch may seem a bit intimidating at first, but with constant practice, it becomes a natural and reliable resource. At Disckatus Madrid, we encourage all our players to master this technique from the early stages of learning.

Step-by-Step Technique: How to Perform a Perfect Pancake Catch

To execute an effective pancake catch, follow these key steps:

• Hand position: The dominant hand is placed underneath, with the palm open and slightly curved to receive the disc. The other hand is positioned on top of the disc, ready to close and secure the catch.
• Eyes on the disc: Keep your gaze fixed on the disc from the moment it is thrown until the instant you catch it. Visual concentration is essential to anticipate the trajectory.
• Contact timing: When the disc is about to touch your hands, move them towards it, never the other way around. This helps absorb the impact and reduces the chances of a bounce.
• Press gently: When receiving the disc, press it between both hands, as if it were a pancake, to ensure it doesn’t escape. There is no need to squeeze too hard, just enough to maintain control.
• Semi-flexed arm: Keep your arms semi-flexed to absorb the impact and allow quick mobility in case you need to adjust the reception.

A fundamental aspect is that the pancake catch is not only about catching the disc but doing so securely to continue the play without interruptions.

When to Use the Pancake Catch? Ideal Situations

The pancake catch is a versatile technique, but there are specific scenarios where its use is especially recommended:

• Fast or curved throws: When the disc arrives at speed or with a curved trajectory (like a flick or a strong backhand), the pancake catch offers greater control than one hand.
• Under defensive pressure: If the defender is very close and the reception must be firm to avoid a steal, using both hands is safer.
• Receptions while jumping or moving: When the receiver is running or jumping to catch the disc, the pancake catch allows greater stability when landing or changing direction.
• Adverse weather conditions: With wind or rain, the additional control of both hands helps prevent losses caused by the environment.

However, it is not always necessary to use the pancake catch. In very simple receptions or when the disc is very close, one hand may be sufficient and faster to throw immediately afterward. The key is to evaluate the situation and choose the appropriate technique.

Advantages of the Pancake Catch over Other Reception Techniques

Mastering the pancake catch brings a series of benefits that significantly improve performance on the field:

• Greater security in reception: Using both hands decreases the risk of the disc bouncing or falling.
• Superior disc control: Facilitates stabilization after a complicated reception, especially in jumping or moving situations.
• Reduction of turnovers: Under pressure, it is less likely that defenders will intercept or force a turnover.
• Confidence to make aggressive plays: Knowing the reception is reliable allows attempting more challenging throws and catches.

These advantages make the pancake catch an indispensable technique for any player who wants to progress and provide security to their team.

Common Mistakes When Practicing the Pancake Catch and How to Avoid Them

As with any technique, there are frequent mistakes that can hinder the correct execution of the pancake catch. Here we show you what they are and how to correct them:

• Using only one hand or not fully covering the disc: This leads to unstable receptions. Make sure both hands are correctly positioned, with the upper hand covering the disc.
• Waiting for the disc to come instead of moving towards it: Hands should meet the disc; do not wait motionless.
• Gripping too tightly: This can cause tension and make subsequent handling difficult. Use firm but relaxed pressure.
• Not continuing the play after the catch: After catching, the body should be ready to continue the movement, either for an immediate pass or to create space.
• Looking at the hands instead of the disc: This reduces the ability to anticipate and adjust the reception.

Practicing with attention to these details and receiving feedback in Disckatus Madrid training sessions will help you polish your technique quickly.

Receptions on the Move and Under Pressure: Adapting the Pancake Catch

In a real game, you rarely have the opportunity to catch the disc standing still and without pressure. Therefore, it is essential to adapt the pancake catch to dynamic situations:

• Receptions while running: Adjust the hand position so the disc is slightly ahead of your body, which facilitates continuing the movement after catching.
• Receptions while jumping: Extend your hands to maximize the catching area and make sure to coordinate the landing to protect the disc.
• Under defensive pressure: Prioritize closing both hands quickly and protecting the disc with your body if necessary to avoid steals.
• Control after the catch: Maintain balance and prepare your body for a pass or to protect the disc, using the pancake catch as a secure base.

To improve in these situations, it is key to train the technique in scenarios that simulate game pressure, something we practice in Disckatus Madrid training sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Orcasur Sports Center.

Practical Exercises to Master the Pancake Catch

To incorporate the pancake catch technique into your game, we propose these exercises that you can do alone or in groups:

• Exercise 1: Static receptions
  A partner throws discs at short distance, and you focus on performing the pancake catch with both hands, keeping your eyes on the disc and pressing it gently. Vary the speed and angle of the throws.
• Exercise 2: Receptions on the move
  Run towards a designated point while a partner throws the disc so you can perform the pancake catch reception while running. Practice changes of direction and sudden stops after the catch.
• Exercise 3: Receptions under defensive pressure
  In groups of three, a defender tries to intercept while you perform the reception with the pancake catch. Learn to protect the disc and maintain security in the catch.
• Exercise 4: Jumps and pancake catch
  Jump to catch the disc thrown at mid-height and apply the pancake catch technique, ensuring the reception and controlling the landing.
• Exercise 5: Small-sided game
  Participate in a 3 vs 3 match focusing on applying the pancake catch in all your receptions. This helps transfer the technique to real gameplay.

Incorporate these exercises into your training to see quick and significant improvements in your game.

Join Disckatus Madrid and Perfect Your Pancake Catch

If you want to consolidate the pancake catch technique and continue growing as an Ultimate Frisbee player, Disckatus Madrid is the perfect place for you. We train on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Orcasur Sports Center, where we combine theory, practice, and real gameplay so that all players, from beginners to advanced, improve day by day.

Come enjoy a close and professional environment, where you will learn not only to catch securely but also to perform confidently and stylishly on the field. We look forward to having you be part of this sporting and human adventure.

Sources of Inspiration and Reference

• USA Ultimate – The official Ultimate organization in the United States, with technical resources and teaching videos.
• WikiHow – How to do a pancake catch – Step-by-step guide with images and tips for beginners.
• Ultimate HQ – Pancake catch technique and advantages – In-depth article with analysis and recommendations.

📚 Sources and Inspiration: This article is 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.