Ultimate Frisbee, Ultimate Fun
Detroit News
by Heather Ashare
The Detroit News
July 07, 2007
Remember the days of tossing around a Frisbee barefoot in the beachside sand or on the grass outside of your college dormitory?
Well, this free-spirited pastime has evolved into a legitimate sport with an official name and its own set of rules and regulations. This summer, you have numerous opportunities around Metro Detroit to revive your youthful years and partake in this playful sport. But this time, shoes are required.
Ultimate Frisbee is not only a collegiate sport, but also an activity that attracts men and women who enjoy the camaraderie of a team and the physicality of a workout. The objective of this noncontact activity is similar to soccer or football: Players try to score points by passing the Frisbee into the opposing team’s end zone. Each team is composed of approximately seven players, and a game typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.
Tom Leone of Ypsilanti is the coordinator for the Dearborn Ultimate league. As an Ultimate player for the past 15 years, he believes it’s a sport that is suitable for all ages.
“It’s fun, great exercise, a fabulous after-work stress-reliever, and since it’s a noncontact sport, it’s very safe, too,” he says.
Given the shape of the Frisbee, it can do all sorts of curves and tricks that footballs and basketballs cannot do, since they have more of a linear projection, Leone says.
If you’re interested in playing, you can simply show up at one of the local fields where games are played on a weekly basis. Even if you’ve never played Ultimate before, experienced players will explain the rules and guide you along. Wear athletic clothes and shoes; cleats are preferable. Bring one light and one dark shirt since teams are assigned before the first Frisbee is “pulled” or thrown.
Considering that each game is self-officiated, honest and fair play are as much of a necessity as your water bottle and sunscreen.
If you’re an Ultimate fan, but not an Ultimate player, you can watch the Fourth Annual Motown Throwdown on July 28 and 29, where 28 teams will compete against one another at the Detroit Polo Club in Hartland.
