¶ Drill 9: Deep Positioning & Foul Awareness Drill
Skills Focussed:
- CUTTING: Deep Cut (3.2), Boxing Out (3.11), Reading the Disc (3.6)
- MARKING (Cutter): Positioning pre-cut (4.2.4), Boxing out (4.2.5)
Other skills for which the drill can be used: THROWS: BH basic > 20 (1.1.1.3), FH basic > 20 (1.2.1.3)
Concepts to know before doing the drill: Basic catching skills
Drill Focus:
- Improve deep cutting timing and body positioning to win contested catches
- Train defenders to prevent catches without fouling
- Teach players to recognize, call, and resolve fouls during high-pressure plays
Set-up:
- Group size: 8–12 players
- Field space: 30–40 meters
- One thrower (preferably experienced)
- One offensive runner, one defender per rep
- Two cones: offense starts at the front cone, defense starts 1–2 meters behind
Drill-flow:
- Offense begins with a 1–2 meter head start.
- Defender chases as soon as the offense starts cutting.
- The thrower releases a floaty deep throw that allows both players to contest.
- Jumping is not allowed for the first few reps to focus purely on positioning.
- Players must use body positioning (not arms) to secure or deny the catch.
-If contact occurs:
The offensive player (or defender if obstructed) calls “Foul!” if it affected the play.
- Players discuss and resolve as per rules: agree, contest, or retract.
- Play resumes with a check and both players jog back to rotate roles.
Coaching Points:
Offense: - Time your cut so you meet the disc at its highest catchable point.
- Use your body to shield the defender without initiating contact.
- They should simply run deep at full speed. The disc will catch up with them.
Defense:- Stay close, maintain balance, and use smart positioning instead of physicality.
Throwers: Deliver floaty throws to create genuine contested situations.
All Players: Practice proper foul communication: call clearly, explain briefly, and restart play calmly.
Progression/Regression:
- Allow Jumping in later reps to add realistic game timing.
- Sandwich Defense: Add a second defender to force offense to use creative positioning.
- Disc Reading Challenge: Throw outside/in-side throws, forcing players to read flight paths.
- Game Flow Variant: Begin with a short pass or live play, then transition into the deep contest.
Source: Page 16, 122 & 123 Ultimate Trainers Manual