The BOSM English Press (BEP) met with Vatsal Agarwal, the Captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team, to discuss the team’s preparations leading up to BOSM 2024.
Vatsal described the sport as ‘dynamic’, involving eighteen players in each squad and seven players on the field at any given time. The objective is to score points by catching the frisbee in the opposing team’s end zone. Unlike some other sports, players are not permitted to run while holding the disc, instead, they must establish a pivot foot and pass the disc to teammates. The game requires a blend of endurance, speed, and tactical acumen. Vatsal remarked that, as a relatively new addition to the campus sports roster, the sport has been rapidly gaining traction among students, which he attributed to ‘its engaging gameplay and strategic depth’.
Vatsal mentioned that the team has placed a strong emphasis on refining their strategic gameplay this year. He shared that they have introduced new techniques such as vertical and horizontal stacks, and zone defence, drawing inspiration from successful teams at other institutions. To integrate these strategies, training sessions have become more rigorous, with some stretching to three hours a day.
Vatsal highlighted the difficulties in coordinating practice schedules, managing resources, and ensuring a balanced team composition. He discussed the gender ratio challenges faced by the team. The official team structure for ultimate frisbee is mixed-gender, with a 4:3 ratio alternating between boys and girls for each round. However, due to the sport’s limited popularity among female players, the team has relaxed this rule to a 5:2 ratio, fielding five boys and two girls. He said that issue is not unique to BITS, as many other college teams also struggle with female recruitment and retention. To address this, the team had organized a workshop specifically aimed at recruiting more female players, which resulted in five new girls joining the squad.
Despite these challenges, Vatsal expressed optimism for their upcoming performance at BOSM. He believed that the team has consistently delivered ‘strong’ results in previous years, securing second place in 2022 and coming third last year. This time, they are aiming for an even better outcome, with aspirations to compete in national-level tournaments in the future. In parting, Vatsal stated that he is confident that the team is well-prepared for BOSM, and with a ‘solid’ game plan and a dedicated squad, they are eager to make a significant impact and contribute to the vibrant sporting atmosphere on campus.