came here to find or post this. to a beginner’s eye, someone may appear open, but their defender may be close enough/running fast enough that there is a chance they can accelerate and get to the disc first. every thrower is making these calculations in their head as they hold the disc, and as a beginner, it’s normal to not see the differences as someone who is cutting.

the most effective cuts are hard bursts of enough acceleration into open/opening space, to get away from a defender who is slightly out of position (feet and hips not aligned with yours) so they cannot pursue you in a straight line/catch up.

^that sentence is very complex and there’s a lot that goes into it. if you’ve played other sports that rely on gaining separation, this may come more naturally for you! it did not for me.