Ultimate Frisbee Tactics

Offensive cutting patterns and tactics for ultimate frisbee. These diagrams show common plays from vertical and horizontal stack formations.

Offense#

The Y#

Formation: Vertical stack with 2 handlers and 5 cutters.

The Y is a simultaneous three-cutter play from vertical stack. Cutters 5 and 4 (closest to the handlers) initiate under cuts, while cutter 3 attacks deep at the same time. This maximises efficiency — the deep cut is already in motion as the unders clear space. The goal is to hit the huck to cutter 3 for the score.

Interactive animation:

Key points:

• Cutters 5, 4, and 3 all initiate at the same time
• The under cuts (5 and 4) clear the lane for the deep
• Cutter 3 is already sprinting deep as space opens
• Handler looks to huck immediately for the score

J / Fish / Hook Cut from Horizontal Stack#

Formation: Horizontal stack with 3 handlers behind the disc and 4 cutters in front.

The J-cut (also called Fish or Hook) is triggered by where the disc lands. Whichever side the disc is on, the cutter on that side initiates. The cut starts toward the endzone, then hooks back toward the handler — tracing the shape of the letter “J”. If the J isn’t hit, fall back to the dump sequence.

Interactive animation:

Key points:

• Read where the disc lands — that side’s cutter initiates
• Attack deep first, then hook back toward the thrower
• The hook creates separation from the defender
• If J cut isn’t open, reset with the dump sequence

Flood#

Formation: Horizontal stack.

The Flood creates space through coordinated lateral movement. Cutters 1 and 2 flood across the field to the open side, pulling their defenders with them. Meanwhile, cutter 3 attacks deep then comes back under, and cutter 4 continues deep. This overloads one side and opens up cutting lanes.

Interactive animation:

Key points:

• Cutters 1 and 2 flood across to the open side (not deep)
• This pulls defenders and creates space on the break side
• Cutter 3 attacks deep, then comes back under
• Cutter 4 continues deep for the huck option

Diamond / Yin Yang#

Formation: Horizontal stack — focuses on cutters 2 and 3.

The Diamond (or Yin Yang) is a mirrored cutting pattern. Cutters 2 and 3 initiate simultaneously — one cuts under while the other cuts deep. The key principle: both must start moving at the same time. If the under is caught, the deep cutter was already in motion and can now attack under on the next throw. This extends the effort of your cuts — stop being lazy!

Interactive animation:

Key points:

• Cutters 2 and 3 are the active pair
• Both start moving at the exact same time — this is crucial
• One goes under, one goes deep (mirrored)
• If under is caught: the deep cutter is already in motion and attacks under next
• This extends effort and creates continuous flow — no lazy resets!

Resources#

• See also: Ultimate Frisbee
• WFDF Rules 2025 - 2028