Ultimate Lesson 1

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Learning Outcomes

LO1: Understand the concept and the “Spirit of the Game” of Ultimate Frisbee
Key Skills: Staying Well, Working with Others

LO2: Execute two passing techniques—Flick and Backhand—over both short (5 m) and long (15–20 m) distances
Key Skills: Managing Myself, Staying Well

LO3: Apply the three-step rule by advancing correctly after a catch, completing exactly three steps before each pass
Key Skills: Managing Myself, Working with Others

LO4: Collaborate effectively in cooperative and competitive activities, participating in relays and 1 vs 1 games with clear communication and defined roles
Key Skills: Communicating, Working with Others

LO5: Demonstrate sportsmanship and teamwork by respecting turns, supporting teammates, and maintaining fair play at all times
Key Skills: Staying Well, Managing Myself

LO6: Show enjoyment and sustained motivation for the sport through a positive attitude and enthusiasm, valuing physical activity and group interaction
Key Skills: Being Creative, Staying Well

Curriculum 🇮🇪

Junior Cycle Physical Education
Strand: Games
Key Skills: Staying Well; Working with Others; Managing Myself; Communicating; Being Creative; Managing Information and Thinking

Target Group

Junior Cycle students (ages 12–15)

Duration

1 hour

Success Criteria / Quick Assessment

Correct technique for Flick and Backhand throws
Active, positive participation in drills and games
Clear demonstration of Spirit of the Game (self-officiating, mutual respect)

Differentiation Strategies

EAL/SEN Learners: Additional Pivot Steps
Allow up to 4 or 5 pivot steps instead of the standard 3. By relaxing the footwork rule, students can focus on catching and throwing technique first, then tighten it back to 3 steps as their confidence grows.

Tecniques

These two throws are the foundation for understanding and enjoying Ultimate. For many students, simply passing a Frisbee will be a new challenge.

Warm up

Sequence of mobility exercises + stretches. Keep it calm and organized so you can continue discussing the concepts you’ll introduce in the ultimate lesson.

A1 - Short passes

Setup: Students work in pairs, standing about 5 m apart.
Aim: Deliver accurate passes and catch cleanly using both flick and backhand techniques.
Focus:
- Ultimate throwing technique
- Agility in passing and receiving

A2 - Long passes

Setup: Same pairs, now 15–20 m apart (at least triple the short-pass distance).
Aim: Repeat the flick and backhand throws over greater distance, incorporating the three-step sequence before every throw.
Focus:
- Throwing technique under increased range
- Footwork (three-step rule)
- Passing precision

A3 - Accuarcy game

Setup: Position each pair 10–15 m from a small “goal” (the smaller, the better).
Aim: Compete 1 vs 1 to score by throwing the disc into the goal, using both flick and backhand.
Scoring:
- Goal (inside target) = 1 point
- Post (hitting the rim or outside) = 3 points

A4 - Relay races

Setup: Two parallel lanes (the width of a 5-a-side pitch or half an 11-a-side pitch), one pair per lane.
Aim: Each pair races to the end of their lane, completing Flick and Backhand passes and observing the three-step rule without leaving their lane.
Focus: Cooperation, ultimate techniques under pressure

A5 - Competitive rails

Setup: Same two lanes; now each lane hosts one attacker and one defender (one member of each pair per lane).
Aim: Attackers attempt to reach the end of the lane by passing the disc between lanes; defenders try to intercept. Three-step rule applies.
Focus: Competition, offensive decision-making, defensive anticipation

Small-sided Game 3 vs 3

Setup: Reduced-size field; two teams of three players each.
Aim: Apply Flick and Backhand throws, the three-step rule, and Spirit of the Game in a fast-paced 3 vs 3 match.
Focus: Applying ultimate’s technique in realistic play, teamwork, self-officiating

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