The Ten Yard Pass

The ten yard pass

The ten yard pass is the most important in ultimate. A faulty dump pass or an errant swing pass just gives the disc too easily to the other team, typically close to the goal line. The ten yard pass is also the most typical pass that starts a play, or offensive flow.

The elements of a successful ten yard pass are simple:

Aim—the pass should be aimed at the chest of the receiver.
Target—the receiver should provide the thrower a target, with their hands in receiving position in front of their chest
Lead—the pass should lead the receiver along their current path, allowing them to continue running without changing direction
Placement—while aiming for the chest of the receiver, the placement of the pass should also be on the side away from the defender
Pass type—in general (for right hand throwers), a pass to the right should be a flick, and a pass to the left should be a backhand.
Pace—the pass should be of moderate pace (speed), so it has stable flight, but not so hard as to not allow the receiver to react.
Height—if there is no wind, the pass should be chest high—higher passes are more difficult for defenders to lay out and block.
Angle—the pass should have a slight angle, so the disc curls in slightly to the receiver.
Eye contact—you should have eye contact with the receiver before you release the throw.
Pivot/fake—do not forget to pivot and fake to make space for the throw and to confuse the defense.
Weather/wind—in windy conditions, keep the throw lower, with more spin.
After the pass—after a successful completion, don’t forget to move, cognizant of the play that is called. Move up-field out of the way, move in dump position, move for a give n go, just move!

In addition, you should be able to complete a ten yard pass to any side of the field, no matter the mark, force, weather, poachers, or other factors.

Advanced throwers are also able to throw a flare pass. The flare pass actually curls out and around the cutter/defender, leading the cutter to open space away from the defender. This pass is very difficult to block, and is important to learn to throw when cutters are guarded closely.

Patrick M. Wright
© 2007