Frisbee, often referred to as Ultimate, has been steadily growing in popularity in the Philippines over the past few decades. Combining elements of soccer, basketball, and football, Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport that emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play. This article explores the rise of Frisbee in the Philippines, the rules of the game, and how it is played. It may not have originated here in the Philippines like Tongits go, but its rising popularity makes us curious on how we can play this game.
The Rise of Frisbee in the Philippines
Ultimate Frisbee made its way to the Philippines in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily through expatriates and Filipino returnees who had encountered the sport abroad. Since then, it has gained a strong following, especially among the youth and young professionals in urban areas.
The Philippine Ultimate Association (PUA), established in 1999, plays a crucial role in promoting the sport across the country. The PUA organizes tournaments, leagues, and clinics to introduce and develop Ultimate Frisbee at various levels, from beginners to competitive players. Major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao have active Ultimate communities, with numerous clubs and teams regularly participating in local and international tournaments.
The Basics of Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport played with a disc on a rectangular field. The objective is to pass the disc between teammates and ultimately score by catching it in the end zone. The game emphasizes spirit of the game, meaning players self-referee and prioritize fair play over competition.
Key Rules:
- Teams: Each team consists of seven players on the field, with a total of 14 players.
- Scoring: A point is scored when a team completes a pass to a player in their end zone.
- Passing: Only forward passes are allowed. The disc must be released with a flat, horizontal motion.
- Stalling: A defensive player can guard an offensive player with the disc. The offensive player must throw the disc within ten seconds.
- Turnovers: The disc changes possession if it touches the ground, goes out of bounds, is intercepted, or if the offensive player commits a foul.
- Spirit of the Game: Players are expected to self-referee and resolve disputes amicably.
How Ultimate Frisbee is Played
Ultimate Frisbee games typically start with a coin toss to determine which team will pull first. The receiving team lines up on their end zone line, ready to catch the pull. Once the disc is in play, the offensive team works to advance the disc down the field through a series of passes.
Players use a variety of throws to move the disc, including forehand (flick), backhand, and hammer throws. Effective communication and strategic positioning are crucial, as players must navigate defenders and find open teammates to maintain possession.
Defensively, teams employ different strategies, such as man-to-man or zone defense, to disrupt the flow of the offensive team and force turnovers. Quick transitions between offense and defense are common, requiring players to be agile and adaptable.
A typical game of Ultimate Frisbee is played to a predetermined number of points, usually 15, or within a specific time frame, such as 90 minutes. The first team to reach the target score or the team with the most points at the end of the time limit wins the game.
Conclusion
Ultimate Frisbee is more than just a sport in the Philippines; it’s a movement that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle. As its popularity continues to grow, it is poised to become a mainstream sport in the country.
