The first question that will come to mind for anyone when it comes to this sport is, "What is Ultimate?"
Ultimate Frisbee is a game that started out its beginnings in the East Coast. In 1968 an idea formed between two students at a High school in Maplewood, New Jersey.
A few years later, the first inter-collegiate game took place and soon after Ultimate became a respected college sport.
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Now, in the inuagural year of professional Ultimate Frisbee, AUDL (American Ultimate Disc League) has set social standards for people all over the country who play.
The game consists of seven against seven (ideally), where the object of the game is to catch a disc at the opponents' end zone. Passing, defense, and overall stamina are part of Ultimate.
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If you live in the Tri-Valley and enjoy Ultimate then you probably have played with the Dublin/Pleasanton team at some point and tossed a few discs around on a sunny Saturday morning.
In the Bay Area alone there are over 25 groups of community driven meet ups for Ultimate. Sportsvite is a preferred website for finding sports activities.
Ken Saito, 34, of Pleasanton, started playing Ultimate at UC Berkeley where he attended college.
An avid Ultimate player, Saito began the group "Dublin/Pleasanton Saturday Pick Up Game" on Sportsvite four years ago and since then the group has grown to 86 members. He comes out every Saturday morning with people from all over the area who enjoy Ultimate: Men, women, kids, and teens alike.
"I like how Ultimate makes a non-stop cardio workout enjoyable when you are participating as part of the team, while improving your skills doing some advanced frisbee throws and diving catches," explains Saito.
Team work resonates with others as well. Ultimate focuses on real positive reinforcement as a team, while still being able to compete with one another.
"I love the fierce competition balanced out by a principle called 'Spirit Of The Game' which emphasizes sportsmanship, fair play, and respect. Ultimate doesn't utilize officials but rather relies on players to govern themselves," said James Harper, 35, of Dublin.
The Dublin/Pleasanton pick up games have moved from Val Vista to Muirwood Park in Pleasanton, currently. Whether rain or shine, these players come out for three hours starting around 9am Saturday.
Plays that originate from two-time National Champion Brodie Smith of Florida, make quite an impression on those who follow the world of Ultimate.
Smith's completed trick shot thrown from a bridge and having it caught from a buddy below in a boat, was recently aired on ESPN along with other videos.
While the game itself may not be known by most, Ultimate Frisbee is definitely growing in popularity.
Formerly known as just a break time activity or college sport, Ultimate is sure to catch the attention of more fanatics like Saito and Harper.
"We just like get out, have some fun, and exercise," adds Harper, "plus, there's nothing more fun than a great layout catch or 'D'!"
If you are interested in joining the Dublin/Pleasanton group for Ultimate Frisbee or finding any other groups, contact Ken Saito through Sportsvite. The group also has a Facebook page you can join.
