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.
