Covering a Cutter
to react and be in position for a block or
interception should a throw come her
way—or even to eliminate the threat the
BY MICHAEl BACCARINI AND TIINA BOOTH
cutter poses. This cushion helps defenders
neutralize the head-start advantage of
In one-on-one coverage, a defense hopes to create individual
cutters while remaining close enough
to recover if a cutter instead goes to the
matchups that benefit defenders and cause turnovers, whether
break side. Defenders strive to maintain
by an interception, block, or forced throwaway. If marking
and reestablish the triangle throughout the
point, although they may change its shape
is strong and players guarding the cutters maintain solid
somewhat. Two suggested approaches
fundamental position, these athlete-versus-athlete matchups
to establishing a defensive triangulating
technique are fronting and backing.
become tougher for an offense to win, placing considerable
pressure on throwers. This pressure increases the likelihood that FRONTING RECEIVER
the defense will force a coverage sack, in which no one is open
Figure 6.8 exhibits a fronting position,
in which the defender positions herself
and the offense is left with nothing but lowpercentage choices.
between the cutter and the thrower,
providing a slight head start in taking
TRIANGlE POSITIONING the cutter whom they are guarding while away any underneath cuts back toward
To be effective in guarding a cutter in keeping an eye on the current thrower the thrower. This position negates the
a one-on-one strategy, a defender must and marker. Figure 6.7 shows the triangle cutter’s advantage of surprise by gaining
not only get into appropriate position but created by these three points. time and space to read the cutter’s
also maintain or recover it throughout a The defender sets up in the force-side jukes and actual cuts. This positioning
point. Establishing this position is simple, passing lane so that she can see both the is effective against an offense whose
but keeping it as an offense is in motion is cutter and the thrower peripherally or with cutters often cut back in for the disc from
hard work and requires plenty of practice. a slight turn of the head. This position downfield, and particularly on a team’s
As with marking, good individual body also provides a reaction cushion for the main throwers. The fronting defender also
position helps in this effort. Defenders are defender to “absorb” cuts on the force has the ability to see other cutters beyond
most effective when in position to see side. It allows her extra time and space hers, permitting greater awareness of
44 Ultimate Canada Magazine —
www.canadianultimate.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56