Zone Defense: Basic Cup Formation

Figure 1: Cup Defense

The most common zone defense in ultimate is a cup defense. The name is derived from the unique formation of three players that are assigned to marking and guarding the thrower with the disc. The other four defenders divide up the rest of the field into zones that they are responsible for guarding. A zone is typically used when there is a good amount of wind, which makes floaty or deep throws harder to complete.

The Cup

Since the cup formation is the most unique aspect of this zone defense, the most time should be dedicated to practicing it. The cup is composed of three defenders that have good chemistry with one another and great stamina. The job of the three defenders in the cup is to stay together and follow the disc on the field, guarding each new thrower.

Figure 2: Cup example in-game

Cup Spacing

The cup sets up as a three-person mark on the thrower. It is important to note that only one of those defenders can be within 10 feet of the person with the disc or else a double team may be called. As seen in figure 2, there is adequate spacing between the thrower and cup defenders.

Cup Movement

As mentioned above, the three defenders in the cup move together as one unit, guarding each new thrower. However, when moving from one thrower to the next, the cup is in a vulnerable position if the cup is not disciplined in its movement. The cup must stay together as one unit, whether guarding or moving across the field. This way the cup does not let the thrower throw in between or around them.

Zone Defenders

The other four defenders set up downfield taking away certain sections of the field, as seen in figure 1. The Deep Deep takes away any deep looks, not letting any offensive player get behind them on the field. The Wings are responsible for guarding any cutters that enter their side of the field. The Short Deep guards any cuts that enter the middle of the field and stop any throws that may get through the cup.

The Result

The goal of the cup is to force the thrower to throw to only one side of the field. In figure 1, the force side is in the south direction. The defense wants the offense to throw the disc to the southern side of the field. Once on the sideline, the offense will have limited options as to where they can throw the disc. The thrower will be forced to make a low percentage throw that may be affected by the wind. The zone defenders will also be able to react quickly and make a play on the disc. In the case that the offense gets within 15 feet of the endzone the Deep Deep or a captain may call “fire” which means switch to person-to-person defense.

Overall, cup zone defense can be very effective when applied in the right situations. It is important to remember that implementing the cup in a game should come after much practice, as each defender on the field needs to feel comfortable with their role and the others on the field.