Toss Up: The legitimacy of disc games as sports

Ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee golf, or “frolf,” have received bad raps lately as some sort of non-sports that are only suitable for those under the influence of mind-altering substances. In reality, though, they are a great test of skill for any athlete.

The two main disc-based sports require skill sets that a lot of people do not possess. These two games proudly display their awesomeness in three different ways: skill, athletic prowess and, lastly, how much better both disc games are than a lot of other “sports.”

The skill sets in these sports require a look into physics to learn how to get the most out of the throws. How many other sports allow throws that can reach distances up to and over 300 yards? Golfers can get into that range using a tiny ball and an extended stick, but the club does most of the work. No tool is used between the disc and the torque that launches the plastic over multiple football fields.

Anyone that has played Ultimate knows that you have to have multiple throws on file to keep the offense moving. A well-placed hammer toss, going behind the back, or a snapping quick forehand keep the defense off balanced and all are thrown different ways. Losing any one of the throws limits players to regular backhands that will get knocked down repeatedly.

Both games use a curve, are affected by wind and have to change angles, but players know to work with these forces. There is no excuse for a bad throw in the game.

For athletic prowess, just compare a Frisbee player to a bowler or a golfer and you will see fitness and athleticism that goes above and beyond those other sports.

Ultimate has people running constantly with no true defenders or designated offensive players. Everyone has to do his or her part and one weak link can ruin a game. This is true of teamwork in any great sport.

Lastly, look at the popularity of sports in the world. The discus has been in the Olympics forever. The dude in that statue has a discus. This shows the superiority of the disc: It’s a survivor. It may not be in that form any more, but why now is there no love for the disc? It survived through the ages. While its most recent incarnation has only been around since 1968, everyone knows of it and anyone can play with it.

It’s quick, simple and easy, yet a pure test of strength and skill makes both frolf and Ultimate forces to be reckoned with.