Columns & Departments: Defence

One of the most important and under appreciated aspects of defensive play is the mark. The mark is integral to every type of defense: man to man, zone and clams. The mark is a ‘blue-collar’ aspect of ultimate that does not get much glory, however a pivotal D block can make you a star and will get your team’s adrenaline flowing. Most high-level ultimate games are won or lost by which team wins the battle of the mark. Many elements of the mark are basic like keeping your balance and staying on your toes, but there are a few learned skills that can turn good markers into team heroes. The skills to be discussed for better marking include knowing when to take a gamble, watching the thrower’s eyes, and keeping your arms bent.

One skill that creates better marks is learning when to take the gamble of changing the direction of your force. At high counts (stalling six or seven), the defense gains an advantage because the offensive player must soon throw the disc. The marker, normally marking one direction (either trap forehand or backhand), can rotate around and cut off all throws without as much risk of a detrimental break. Death or Glory (DoG) have become masters at utilizing this

gamble while marking. For example, if a thrower is trapped on the backhand line with a high count, the marker will swivel to a straight up force and deny both the backhand and forehand throw. If the thrower turns to dump the disc, usually with an unmarked forehand, the marker will turn with the thrower knowing the disc must be released. Often a gamble in a situation like this will result in a crucial block or a forced throw away.

Another important marking skill and one that many veteran players use is to read the thrower’s eyes. At high counts, looking at the thrower’s eyes can indicate where the thrower is going to put the disc, and give you a little edge to get your hand out for a devastating block. This should be a calculated gamble at a high count because skilled throwers can burn the mark that overextends. The marker should be extremely careful not to foul by keeping ample space between themselves and the thrower. The thrower can often draw a foul at a high count, once again gaining the advantage over the marker.

A final marker lesson, and one of the least obeyed tips, is to not fully extend your arms while marking. Only fully extend your arms to make the actual block. It is easier to move your hands in the right place if your elbows are bent and you can reach out to spots rather than having locked limbs that you have to move. Imagine a high backhand over your shoulder. If your arms are fully extended at waist level you need to swing your arms all the way up to block this throw. If your arms are bent, you can shoot them up to block this throw. In addition, a thrower may not realize the width of your ‘wingspan’ and put the pass right in your palm as you extend.

In physical competitive games, a strong presence on the mark is critical and yet often goes unnoticed as bodies fly horizontally and vertically. Learning the above skills can increase your own ability and bring success to your team.
— James Studarus
Santa Barbara Condors