¶ Drill 43: Dominator play
Skills Focussed:
- OFFENSE: Other offense (5.6)
Concepts to know before doing the drill:
- Basic catching and throwing
- Rules of Ultimate
- Give and go
Drill Focus:
- Practice dominator play
Set-up:
- Players: 5–6 per group
- Cones: Set up a line of cones (3–4 cones spaced 8–10 meters apart).
- Positions: 1 offensive player starts with the disc (the dominator).
- Other offensive players stand at each cone.
Drill-Flow:
- The dominator works the disc upfield, aiming to receive every second pass.
- The exact passing pattern is flexible—the only rule is to keep the disc moving continuously.
- After reaching the far cone, all players rotate forward one position.
- The player at the first cone becomes the next dominator.
Coaching Points:
- Make sure everyone understands what dominator play is.(dominator play occurs when one player consistently receives every second pass, keeping the disc moving at high speed. This constant throw-and-go movement forces the defender to react continuously, often losing balance. As a result, the offense gains powerful attacking options and momentum.)
- To execute successfully, players need quick catch–fake–throw–run skills
- Simulate defense: Players should fake one direction, throw the other, and stay aware as if guarded.
- Early movement: Dominator should already start moving before fully releasing the disc.
- Stable throws: Accuracy over speed. If throws get wobbly, slow down slightly.
Progression/Regression:
- Add a defender: After one round, the previous dominator becomes the defender. A tired defender keeps the drill challenging but manageable for the offense.
- Tired dominator challenge: Change rotation so that the former defender becomes the new dominator. This forces the dominator to perform under fatigue, testing throwing accuracy and decision-making.
- Second defender (poacher): Add a poaching defender roaming the field.
Source: Page 154 UTM