Cutting in Ultimate – The Finer Points

A cut is a simple movement on the field but it’s often done poorly since most people have never learned how to cut. This article contains tips that will help you become a better cutter, that will help you think smarter on the field, and that will improve your foot speed, improving your overall game.

First of all, why do players tend to cut poorly?

Players who cut poorly tend to do so because they’ve either never been taught about body movement or because they haven’t practiced enough. Just because you’re fast doesn’t mean you’re a good cutter. If you can only run straight then you become very easy to defend. However, if you know how to fake your defender and change direction really quickly, then you will be a much more effective cutter.

Jerry Rice, arguably one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, was said to not be the fastest player, but it was his quickness and cutting skill that helped make him one of the great ones. So, how can you become better? Well, first I’d recommend watching a few videos. These videos are great examples of why speed doesn’t always determine if you will get open to make the catch. Speed definitely helps but having a quick start and being able to change direction are huge factors as well. Now, take a few minutes and check out some of the videos. Then continue reading.

I’ve shown two videos of football because I think the cutting in football can help you tremendously with your cutting in ultimate. Whether you watch videos and practice what you see, or if you have access to a football receiver/running back/defensive back to come out to one of your practices and teach your team about cutting, this will help your game in a major way.

And not just on offense, but on defense as well. If you’re defending someone who keeps faking you out and burning you deep, then you’re not doing your job on D. Learning how to more better on the field and how to read what the other guy is going to do will help you get more D’s, get beat less and contribute to your team’s success overall.

There are many ways to train for quickness and agility. This video is one of my favourites:

The first time you try agility drills, you’ll probably feel that you are clumsy, uncoordinated and awkward. But it does get easier to do the drills with practice. And then you can start really challenging yourself. After watching these videos, I’m excited to try some of these moves out on the field. I think I’m going to surprise a lot of defenders when I fake them out and strike for a point.

Try them out, send me your suggestions for how you train for cutting and good luck on the field!