Mixed Gender Play

Ultimate is a unique sport that, because of its non-contact rules and playing style, allows for a mixed-gender format. Often called just “mixed,” this format allows for both men and women to play together on the same field. The competition is still high but mixed can bring out a lot more team spirit and camaraderie between the players.

 

Gender Ratio

In mixed the ratio of men and women can fluctuate from point to point. The ratio is determined by a designated endzone chosen before the game by the captains of each team playing. This endzone is called the “genzone,” a combination of gender and endzone. No matter whether the team in the genzone is playing offense or defense, the opposite endzone must match the ratio that the genzone team has.

The only ratios that are always acceptable are four men and three women, known as 4-3, or four women and three men, known as 3-4. The team in the genzone may put out either ratio at any point. However, if decided by the captains prior to the game, other ratios may be acceptable. A common alternative ratio is 5-2, or five men and two women.

 

On-field Play

  Figure 1: Ho-Stack

Mixed teams often run a ho-stack offense in comparison to a vert-stack offense. Ho-stack gives each cutter and handler more room and space to make their cuts. Remembering from last week’s ho-stack explanation, each cutter is spread out evenly in a horizontal line as shown in figure 1. Each cutter can move without waiting on another cutter to initiate, giving the offense a more constant flow than vert-stack, which can be more stagnant as each cutter waits for the one behind to cut.

 

Figure 2: Poaching in Vert-Stack

Vert-stack can also be victim to poaching by off-gender defensive players. As shown in figure 2, in a vert-stack a woman on offense (white circle in the back of the stack) may be cutting from the five. A man on defense (the second diamond), who is supposed to be guarding a male offensive player (the second circle), may then jump out of the stack formation to make a play on the disc. This is called “poaching,” where the man on defense leaves his designated player in person-to-person defense, to play an impromptu zone defense or make a play on the disc. Poaching is a tougher defensive skill that can have consequences if done incorrectly. The offensive player who is then unguarded can do whatever they want without a defender to guard them against getting the disc.

 

Basic Offensive Formation: Horizontal Stack

Horizontal stack, short-termed to “ho stack,” is the second most basic offensive formation in Ultimate. Compared to vert stack, ho stack is much less formulaic. The secret to an effective ho stack formation is field awareness, disc movement, and good chemistry.

Figure 1: Ho stack

The Setup

First, let’s discuss how ho stack is set up. There are now three handlers back compared to the two in vert stack. This additional handler is needed because there is a lot more disc movement laterally compared to Vert Stack. The cutters are lined up horizontally in a line about 10 to 15 meters away from the handlers. The two outer cutters, C1 and C4, are called wings. Their job is to move up and down the field vertically, drawing their defenders out of the under space into the deep space, as seen in figure 1. They give the handlers a deep look but then can also come back under for a quick pass. The two inner cutters, C2 and C3, are called the poppers. Poppers must time their cuts into the under space to give the handlers a short pass opportunity. Usually, they work together in a diamond formation with C3 starting the cut into the under space towards H2, and C2 cutting out into the deep space. The diamond formation in figure 1 shows how C2 and C3 work together to make open space in the center of the field.

An Effective Ho Stack

As mentioned above, for ho stack to be effective teams must have great field awareness, quick disc movement, and solid team chemistry. Ho stack is a much more go-with-the-flow offense than vert stack is. Vert stack is formulaic which can be easier for beginners to learn and apply. Ho stack requires the cutters and handlers to be more aware of the field. This means knowing where the disc is, where each player is, and where each defender is. Good field awareness will tell an individual when he or she should cut to a space without cutting someone else off. Quick disc movement is also key to ho stack because it keeps the defense on their toes. If the other team learns how the ho stack is functioning, then they will try to clog up spaces where the disc is trying to be thrown. Quick disc movement prevents the defense from reacting. Finally, solid team chemistry is a must-have. Because there is no obvious first initiator, like the five in vert stack, the cutters must initiate off one another. If each teammate knows what the other is thinking then there is a higher chance that they can make a continuation cut, maintaining that quick disc movement.

Overall, ho stack is a very fun offense to run because of the unpredictability and flow on the field. However, most beginners can struggle with ho stack because they do not have a grasp on field positioning and awareness.