Jackpot is a simple, high-energy flying disc game that blends catching skills, spatial awareness, competition, and fun. It is commonly used as a warm-up or skill-building activity in Ultimate Frisbee, but it works just as well for physical education classes, camps, or casual play in the park.
How the Game Works
One player is the thrower and all other players are catchers.
Before each throw, the thrower:
- Calls out a point value (for example 25, 50, or 100), and
- Announces whether the disc must be caught in the air (“alive”), picked up after it hits the ground (“dead”), or either.
The thrower then launches the disc into the group. All catchers compete to track the disc, move into position, and make the catch or pickup according to the rule that was called.
The first player to legally control the disc earns the announced points.
Scoring and Winning
- Players keep a running total of their points.
- When a player reaches the agreed-upon score (commonly 250 or 500), they become the next thrower.
- Play continues as long as desired, rotating throwers as players reach the target score.
Ultimate Frisbee Coaching Benefits
Jackpot is an excellent teaching tool for Ultimate because it naturally develops:
- Reading the disc in flight – players learn to judge angles, float, and spin.
- Timing and positioning – success comes from cutting into space at the right moment.
- Boxing out and body awareness – players must protect space without contact.
- Communication and fairness – players self-manage calls and disputes.
- Focus under pressure – especially when high-value throws are called.
Easy Setup
- Open space such as a gym, field, or playground.
- 1 flying disc.
- 4 or more players.
Simple Variations
- Team Jackpot – divide players into teams and add team scores.
- Only Alive – all throws must be caught in the air to score.
- Movement Bonus – award extra points for catching while cutting at full speed.
- Jackpot Call – when the thrower calls “Jackpot,” the catcher immediately becomes the next thrower.
Jackpot is easy to learn, endlessly adaptable, and one of the best entry-level games for building Ultimate Frisbee fundamentals while keeping every player active and engaged.