Ultimate frisbee isn’t that popular of a sport outside of the bubble of people who play it. If you do play ultimate frisbee, then you know that it’s an evolving and growing sport. It’s full of hilarious and weird humans who relish in weekend tournaments that leave them with sun-kissed cheeks and memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, not many people are too familiar with the sport, as frisbees are most commonly associated as items used to tire out a puppy or entertain children with at a family reunion. Ultimate frisbee is way more than that. It is a passion, a hobby, and simply the best sport ever invented.
If you ask any ultimate frisbee player, they’ll probably all tell you that everyone who doesn’t play the sport has many misconceptions about it. I’m on the FSU women’s ultimate team and my teammates and I have agreed upon the five most common things that we’re tired of hearing. Don’t worry if you have ever asked this, we’re used to it.
1. Is that like disc golf?
This is one of my favorites. One time someone asked me if I was a “frolfer” (frisbee-golfer). I was very confused and immediately clarified the difference of the two sports once he enlightened me what “frolfing” was. Frisbee golf involves chained nets that one must send a small disk into, which is quite different than ultimate.
Courtesy: SnowBasin
2. Wait so frisbee is an actual sport?
After the difference of disc golf and ultimate is deciphered, then this question arises. Many people are confused with the idea that frisbee isn’t just something that you play on the beach with your dad while he drinks a beer; there’s actually a huge ultimate community all around the world.
3. Oh so you play Intramural ultimate frisbee.
Ultimate is an intramural sport but believe it or not, ultimate is actually a club sport as well! I know, crazy. We travel to tournaments too!
Courtesy: Seminole Ladies Ultimate
4. Do you play with your dog on the field?
I do have an Australian shepherd who can’t live without chasing her frisbee 24/7 but sadly, she stays off the field. Humans only.
5. Is that the sport that Bill Nye the Science Guy plays?
This is the best question because it is actually true! Remember those hilarious science videos that would hype you up in seventh-grade science class? Well, that guy is actually an ultimate frisbee boss and has played quite a bit, suffering from a broken nose and a dislocated shoulder from ballin’ (or should I say discin’) too hard.
Courtesy: Ultiworld
If you’ve asked any of these questions, don’t worry, I won’t go too hard on you. Ultimate is not the most well-known sport but it is growing! Next time you’re out on Landis and see someone messing around with the frisbee, ask to join in! You won’t regret it.