STAGE 5: Ages 15-19


Train to Compete (T2C)


T2C focuses on creating a strong support network to assist the athlete with their development as demands in and outside of Ultimate increase. Athletes at this stage are committed, competitive and focused on their performance at an advanced level. Care must be taken during this stage as elite Ultimate teams begin to express interest in recruiting talented junior players. Support networks must ensure that the long-term interests of the player are protected.


Goal - Perform basic and Ultimate-specific skills under a variety of competition conditions. Build strong support network for athletes to ensure continual development. SOTG - Athletes/team demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and application of SOTG and rules during training and competition. Technical - Players demonstrate a high degree of consistency completing throws and catches during competitive play and begin to consolidate cutting and defensive skills. Tactical - Introduce advanced zone offense and defense strategies. Physical - Athletes are fit enough to train and compete without injuries or burnout. Athletes enter this stage if they have chosen to specialize in one sport and excel at the highest level of competition possible. Psychological - Athletes should love the game and thrive on competition.


At the Field


Competition format: All divisions should maintain a 40:60 training to competition ratio. Recommendation to attend 1-2 tournaments per month. Total game play should not exceed 4.5 hours per day.


High school: Max 90 min games, max 2 games back to back, max 3 games per day.


University & club: Max 100 min games, max 3 games per day.


Game format: Full-field games during competition and small-sided games for training.


Game Format 7v7


Team Size 16-28*


Width 37 m/40 yds


Specialization: Performing in one position while maintaining others.


Recommended training each week: 2-3 practices; 2-3 complementary training sessions including weight training, sprinting and other sports. Training sessions may be combined together and/or incorporated into practices. Recommendation of at least one rest day which can include throwing and stretching.


Season length: 4-5 months/season with athletes competing in 2-3 seasons/year.


Playing Field Proper Length 64 m/70 yds


Endzone Length 18 m/20 yds


*16-22 is average team size for national tournaments while a larger roster 18- 28 is recommended for international tournaments.


Refer to full document for more information


Stage by Stage - LTAD


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