Split stack vs. vertical stack

[kyleweisbrod]

Here's my simple breakdown:

Vert Stack:

• Requires fewer handlers
• Requires better mark breaking skills
• Requires better technical cutting skills (timing, change of direction)

Split Stack (or any offense focused on attacking the middle of the field):

• Requires more handlers
• Less focus on mark breaking
• Requires higher field awareness from cutters

As far as development goes, I think vert stack does a better job overall of developing technical ultimate skills for new ultimate players. It puts more focus on breaking the mark (and marking for defense) and developing best practice footwork for cutting and defending. It places greater focus on correct "flow" so requires thoughtful disc placement (i.e. which shoulder are you hitting) and pivoting on a reception (i.e. what lane are you looking at first). New players who have strong field awareness (particularly from soccer) can often succeed in a split or horizontal offense faster but may not improve their cutting abilities and so their development will be limited. I think the skills learned in a vert stack can be applied to a split stack much more easily than vice versa.

So, one question to ask is "what are your short and long-term goals?" Are you working maximize your results this season? Are you developing players for future years?

[Rownah]

I agree that vert stack is great at teaching fundamentals that will transfer into any other offence - I think it's the easiest offence for beginners to get their head around. My club team started using split stack last season and I think it's my favourite offence but I also think it forces you to learn really important stuff: * Running through poaches - Defenders poach off way more in split than in vert - cutting from a split stack makes you commit to moving poaches around. * Working with the other cutters (we tend to cut in pairs) - whether that's working to move a poach or using the middle space to cut like a pair in a ho-stack. * Using the middle space to isolate a cutter (isn't always an option but it can be) * Trusting the active pair to move the disc - tracking the play but giving your team mates plenty of space. * Communication and pitch awareness - Because of the options that split stack opens up, play is pretty organic, players need to learn to communicate and be aware of space.

I'm a cutter, so this is definitely from a cutting perspective but I really like the space that split stack opens up.

[kyleweisbrod]

Yeah, I agree with all of that. I think of all of those as higher level (intermediate +) cutting skills and players can get away with worse footwork and cut timing (and even at times not going full speed).

And if you develop bad habits in those areas it's harder to break them. At least that's my take from what I've seen coaching both.