Training Downfield 1-to-1 Defence
This document provides a collection of training ideas for 1-to-1 downfield match defence. Access via the Training Tier on Patreon – free disc after your first 2 payments.
Posts
Mooncatchers Give-Go Warm Up Drill
Last month I was lucky enough to be invited to Mooncatchers training with Stef Pazzo, and coach of Mooncatchers Pierre-Alain was kind enough to let me film Moon’s flowy dish pass warm up drill. This drill marries simplicity – every person does the same thing every time – with a high density of touches on the disc. I think it would be a great drill to add the the repertoire of any team who likes to take these small dish passes. Available for Training Tier patrons.
Throw’n’go Mechanics Training w/TobuFitness
This training video dives deep into exercises that can help improve your ability to do the “Throw and Go”, an integral part of dribbling or a small-ball style offense. We partnered with Justin Shelby from TOBU Fitness, an Ultimate Frisbee-specific strength and conditioning coach, who breaks down the specific joint and muscle movements needed to perform the “Throw and Go” at an elite level.
Throw’n’go Gate – Basic Tekkers Drill
This is a simple drill to work on fundamental throw’n’go technique, suitable for players of all experience levels.
This video is slightly different to usual as there are no edits – you see the full explanation, execution, and group review of the exercise. Full video available for training tier patrons.
Charmaine’s Drill (Flow version)
This drill puts the spotlight on one player at a time. First they catch & throw from a feeder, passing to every player cutting under, then they bounce discs back to every player as they give-go attack downfield.
The huck extension adds a long throw to the end of the drill, after the players are set up perfectly in power position by the spotlighted player, who is bouncing the disc back to them. Full video available for Training Tier patrons.
Rondo (2-post) Training Exercise
This possession exercise practices 1v1 and 2v2 situations with extra support from posts (or bouncers) on offence. It’s inspired by the “Rondo” football exercises which Johan Cryff brought to Barcelona – he said “Everything that goes on in a match, except shooting, you can do in a rondo”. Rondos are said to improve player decision making, coordination, team play, creativity, competitiveness, and physical conditioning. Full video here (Training Tier patrons).
Triangle Dominator Weave Exercise
This exercise (available to Training Tier patrons) replicates the triangle motion offense pattern that Jack Williams talks about in his analysis video of Ring’s dominator offense. Easy setup and execution of the exercise with a group including demonstrations, and head-cam footage breaking down the details from the first person perspective, so you can effortlessly integrate it into your session. Watch the full video here (3:05).
Keepdisc
Keepdisc is similar to ultimate, but with the endzones removed. This trains players to maintain possession in a sustainable way. This is the exercise that I run most frequently, as it works on running/catching/throwing fundamentals, whilst developing useful skills within beginners as well as experienced players. In this video I list a number of modifications which can be applied to expand on the basic concepts. Featured in the video are keepdisc reps from New York Empire tryouts. Full video available to Training Tier patrons.
Hex Sprint Pattern
The Hex Sprint Pattern focuses on an individual’s speed, agility, and stamina, and it can be done individually or in groups of 2-5. With other players involved, the drill also trains synchronization between a thrower and catcher in a variety of short-quick-pass situations, an individual’s throw’n’go technique, and one long throw/sprint/catch per rep. Full video available for Training Tier patrons.