2008 Woodie Awards
A 'Huckin' good time
Elizabeth Olson
Issue date: 4/20/05 Section: Sports
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Though it may be less popular at Idaho State University than in other areas, ultimate is a rapidly growing sport. The sport of ultimate has its roots in the college campuses of sixties America, and is now played in 42 countries, with programs in Sweden, Norway, and Japan receiving government funding. Ultimate was a medal sport for the first time in the 2001 World Games in Japan.
Combining the athletic endurance and non-stop motion of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football and basketball, the object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent's end zone.
Ultimate is played with a 175 gram plastic disc, which is heavier and sturdier than the recreational 'frisbees' most people are familiar with. A quality disc, cones to mark the field, and cleats are the only pieces of equipment needed to play. In ultimate, the two seven-player squads square off on a field 70 yards by 40 yards, with end zones 25 yards deep. Play begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective end zone line. The defense initiates by throwing, or 'pulling' the disc as deeply into the offense's end zone as possible.
The disc can be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Diving to catch a pass is referred to as 'laying out'. Players may not run with the disc, but may use a pivot foot to work around the defense. The game encompasses three basic throws, a backhand, a forehand (often called a 'flick'), and the over the head throw called the 'hammer'. The person in possession of the disc ('thrower') has up to ten seconds to pass it. The person guarding the thrower ('marker') calls the stall count out loud. In the event the marker forgets to issue a stall count, the thrower can hold the disc until a stall count is heard.