Sports Recommendation

 

Flying Disc

Flying Disc, also known as “Flying Saucer” in Hong Kong, is not only a popular beach, parent-child or pet’s fun game, but also a professional sport that demands self-discipline and mutual respect among players. What began as a niche pastime has gained rapid momentum in development, taking root in over 100 countries as at 2022 and thereby earning the title of “the fastest-growing team sport.” Flying Disc has emerged as a major international competitive sport. There are currently seven mixed-gender teams, four women’s teams, and seven open teams in the city to compete for Hong Kong in international competitions across Europe, America, and Asia.

Originated in the US in the 1960s, Utimate drew inspiration from rugby and American football, while incorporating the unique throwing and catching techniques of Flying Disc. After the sport was introduced to Hong Kong in the 1990s, its avid fans contacted peers to found the Hong Kong Ultimate Players Association (HKUPA) in 1996, which was later renamed the Flying Disc Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKFDF), with an objective of promoting the sport. The HKFDF has since then developed into a recognised NSA subvented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in addition to a member (observer) of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and a member of the World Flying Disc Federation. The HKFDF has a membership of around 450 and regularly organises flying disc training courses, leagues and championships for athletes and the public alike.

A Unique No-Referee System: The Value of Self-Discipline

The sport of flying disc upholds importance of fair competition, and promotes self-discipline and mutual respect among players, who must move fast while avoiding physical contact. Chief among the features of the sport is its no-referee system, where players are expected to exercise self-refereeing. If fouls are committed during collisions between offensive and defensive players, or disputes arise owing to the disc going out of bounds or the possession time expiring, players must resolve and reach consensuses on such issues themselves, highlighting the valuable self-discipline.

Flying Disc features diverse play styles, including Ultimate, indoor flying disc, and beach flying disc, each with its own distinctive rules and characteristics, with emphasis on teamwork, individual skills and team tactics.

	Ultimate stresses teamwork, speed and quick responses. Originated in the 1960s, it had gained popularity across universities in the US in the 1970s. The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), established in 1984, aimed to promote and coordinate the development of Ultimate. The sport is now immensely popular across the globe, with tournaments and championships attracting tens of thousands of participants each year.
	The gameplay and rules of indoor flying disc are broadly the same as those of its outdoor counterpart. That said, since it is not affected by wind, the throwing techniques and tactics required differ from those of Ultimate, which is played on outdoor turf.
	Beach flying disc is a variation of outdoor Ultimate, with the same set of rules but played on a smaller field (75 metres by 25 metres) by fewer players in a team (five per team).

Simple and Clear Rules

In flying disc competitions, players are not allowed to move while possessing the disc. They must pass it to a teammate in the opponent’s scoring zone to score. Scoring is similar to that in American football and rugby, in that points are earned by advancing into the opponent’s scoring zone.

Official matches are played with seven players on each side on a standardised field measuring 100 metres by 37 metres. At each end of the field is a scoring zone measuring 18 metres by 37 metres. If a field does not conform to the standard size, both zones can be divided in a 1:3:1 ratio.

When a match starts, players in both teams line up on the boundary line of their respective scoring zone, and the defensive team throws the disc first to the offensive team. Once a player catches the disc, no further steps can be taken. Rotation is allowed only by pivoting on one foot, and the pivot foot must remain grounded when making a pass. If a defensive player enters within 3 metres of the disc holder, the defender must loudly count down from ten seconds, known as “stalling,” and the disc holder must pass the disc to someone in ten seconds. If the disc has not been released after ten seconds, possession is turned over. During defence, players must not have contact with the disc holder, with their arms remaining extended. There must be no wrapping around. A possession turnover takes places as well when the disc is intercepted by defensive players, touches the ground or goes out of bounds, or offensive players score and then pass the disc to the opposing team for restart.

Given there are no referees for all levels of Ultimate competitions, players must exercise self-refereeing.

Simple Equipment: Ready for Play Anytime

What a player needs for the sport are just a 175-gram flying disc and a pair of cleats. Since fields are mostly turf, players with cleats can run better and faster. The studs must be made of plastic rather than metal. As regards attire, players should don sports shorts and bring two jerseys, one dark and another light, for team identification during matches. Besides, players may also choose to wear gloves if needed to prevent disc slippage.

Flying Disc Techniques: Catching and Throwing

	The most basic catching technique is known as the “sandwich” catch, where one hand is positioned above the disc and the other below.
	Backhand throw, a basic throwing technique, involves facing the target and turning the body to the left. While standing sideways, hold the disc and swing it from the side of the body, releasing it with a controlled wrist flick.
	Forehand throw, another basic throwing technique, begins by facing the target while standing sideways. Hold the disc with the thumb on top, press the index and middle fingers against the inner edge, and keep the ring and little fingers together against the outer edge. Swing the arm towards the target with a wrist flick, and release the disc by transferring force through the middle finger.
	As far as Ultimate competitions are concerned, cutting refers to the movement players make to distance themselves from defenders, thereby creating sufficient rooms for effective passes. Cutting demands abrupt changes of direction, acceleration and deceleration, with emphasis on great speed, flexible coordination of tactics and good timing. Effective cutting puts players in a better position to catch the disc and advance into the opponent’s territory.

Sport of All Ages with Multiple Benefits

In recent years, flying disc has gained immense popularity, which can not only train athletes’ coordination skills but also foster teamwork and a tactical mind. This sport would really bring multiple benefits. Moreover, the equipment is simple and accessible, making it a sport of all ages.

The HKFDF regularly organises various leagues and annual championships, such as the Hong Kong Pan Asia Tournament, and has been taking proactive efforts to promote the sport in the community and secondary schools. The HKFDF selects, on an annual basis, members for the Hong Kong squad, which is comprised of the open teams, mixed-gender teams, youth teams (U24/U20, for players under 24 and 20), and master teams.

In addition, the HKFDF holds flying disc experience sessions for participants of varying skill levels, such as organising the beginner, intermediate, and advanced training courses in collaboration with the LCSD. On another front, the HKFDF also organises casual group matches for participants to enjoy the fun of flying disc, while hosting “Bring a Friend” events for those who have never tried the sport.