For new/developing players it's a good idea as you don't want to give players a fixed position early on. Letting players get comfortable and confident all over the pitch is a good foundation for them.
I think there’s a balance here. Players shouldn’t feel pigeon holed and should be able to learn new roles as needed. But I’ve found that the more structure and definition you can give to a player and their role that a team can really come together and each player can embrace their importance in that. But within each players role you also have to teach the flexibility that is necessary in ultimate to be able to do anything at any particular moment.
This is also part of why I love playing zone defense. Nothing brings players together like learning “their” space and how to work with their teammates on the overall defense. I see tons of organic conversation occur throughout a day of games while also sprinkling in individual tips on how a player can improve their position. When a kid playing the middle side takes away the continuation and you see them feel good about that, it gives them something tangible to feel confident about and build from.
Hey Andrew.
For new/developing players it's a good idea as you don't want to give players a fixed position early on. Letting players get comfortable and confident all over the pitch is a good foundation for them.
I think there’s a balance here. Players shouldn’t feel pigeon holed and should be able to learn new roles as needed. But I’ve found that the more structure and definition you can give to a player and their role that a team can really come together and each player can embrace their importance in that. But within each players role you also have to teach the flexibility that is necessary in ultimate to be able to do anything at any particular moment.
This is also part of why I love playing zone defense. Nothing brings players together like learning “their” space and how to work with their teammates on the overall defense. I see tons of organic conversation occur throughout a day of games while also sprinkling in individual tips on how a player can improve their position. When a kid playing the middle side takes away the continuation and you see them feel good about that, it gives them something tangible to feel confident about and build from.
How do you feel about introducing the idea of hybrids to new/less experienced teams, and if so, how would you go about teaching it?