STAGE 3: Ages 8-12


Learn to Play (L2P)


L2P focuses on athletes mastering basic Ultimate skills through training. Structured competition is introduced during this stage to test and refine skills learned in practice. Athletes begin to learn about training elements and mental preparation.


Goal - Learn fundamental movements and link them together in play. SOTG - Encourage children to keep a positive attitude during play and experience the basic joy of playing. Technical - Develop throwing and catching. Physical - Get children running, jumping, twisting and balancing through various activities. Children should be encouraged to play at least three sports, with one being Ultimate. Psychological - Design activities that help the child feel competent and comfortable! Have fun and build the child’s confidence to try new things.


At the Field


Competition format: Participate in one hybrid- event tournament each season (games and skills development).


Special rules: Players are introduced to simple rules of Ultimate. All players are selected for teams/programs. No zone played or statistics recorded.


Game format: Indoor/outdoor 4v4 or 5v5 games, using standard ultimate rules, with game length based on equal playing time. Coaches may introduce speed-point later in this stage.


Game format 4v4


5v5


Team size 8-12


10-12


Specialization: All players should play all positions and have a chance to pull, pick up the disc after a turn over, etc.


Equipment: Smaller/lighter discs (145g), shoes/ cleats, cones, and uniform/pinnie.


Recommended training times: 1 hour/session, 1-2 times/week.


Season length: 4-12 weeks. Playing field proper Width


18 m/20 yds 23 m/25 yds


Length


27 m/30 yds 39 m/42 yds


Endzone Length 3 m/3 yds


13 m/14 yds


Refer to full document for more information


Stage by Stage - LTAD


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