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If you’ve ever wondered how many players are on an ultimate frisbee team, you’re not alone. Ultimate frisbee is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in North America, including right here in Calgary, Alberta. It’s an exciting, fast-paced game that combines endurance, agility, and teamwork making it perfect for players of all skill levels. Before you grab a disc and join a local league, it’s important to understand the basics starting with how many people make up a team.
The Basics of Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee, often simply called “Ultimate,” is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc. The goal is simple: score points by catching the disc in the opposing team’s end zone. What makes Ultimate unique is that it’s self-officiated at almost all levels meaning players call their own fouls and resolve disputes through communication. This concept is called the Spirit of the Game, which emphasizes fairness, respect, and sportsmanship above all else.
Ultimate frisbee is played in various formats outdoor, indoor, and beach each with slightly different team sizes and field dimensions. Understanding these variations will help you decide which version best suits your interests and fitness goals.
How Many Players Are on an Ultimate Frisbee Team?
In outdoor ultimate frisbee, the most common version of the game, each team has seven players on the field at a time. So, it’s 7 versus 7, with each side competing to move the disc up the field and into the end zone. Teams usually carry a roster of 12 to 20 players to allow for substitutions during long games or tournaments.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 7 players on the field per team (outdoor)
- 12–20 players total on the roster
- Unlimited substitutions between points
The players are divided into two main roles:
- Handlers – The primary throwers who control the disc and set up plays.
- Cutters – The receivers who make quick, strategic runs to get open and advance the disc.
The dynamic between handlers and cutters creates a rhythm that keeps the game both tactical and fast-paced.
Indoor Ultimate Frisbee
When Calgary’s winter season rolls in, many players head indoors to keep their Ultimate skills sharp. Indoor ultimate frisbee is played with five players per team on a smaller field, usually inside a gym or sports dome. The smaller team size means quicker passes, faster plays, and a greater emphasis on agility.
Indoor Ultimate is ideal for improving short throws, reaction speed, and teamwork under pressure. It’s also a great introduction for beginners who want to learn the sport without the larger field size of outdoor play.
Indoor Volleyball in Calgary
Many indoor sports facilities in Calgary offer more than just Ultimate. Indoor volleyball is another great team sport that shares similar benefits teamwork, coordination, and fitness. In recreational leagues, volleyball teams typically have six players per side on the court, with substitutions allowed throughout the game.
Both sports promote social interaction, cardiovascular health, and skill development. Whether you’re spiking a volleyball or catching a frisbee, these team sports are fantastic ways to stay active year-round especially during the colder months in Alberta.
Where to Play in Calgary
For those looking to dive into Ultimate frisbee or volleyball locally, The Beach YYC is one of Calgary’s top indoor recreational facilities. They offer sand-based courts for multiple sports, including Ultimate and volleyball, creating a unique and fun environment that mimics summer play all year long. The soft sand surface reduces impact on joints and adds an extra challenge for your balance and movement.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, The Beach YYC provides a friendly community where you can learn, compete, and have fun no matter the weather outside.
Final Thoughts
So, how many players are on an ultimate frisbee team? In outdoor games, there are seven players on the field per side, while indoor games feature five. Both versions of Ultimate are fast-paced, social, and perfect for staying active. If you’re in Calgary, Alberta, and looking for a place to play Ultimate frisbee or indoor volleyball, check out The Beach YYC where fitness, fun, and community come together under one roof.