Tossing a plastic disc back and forth seems fairly straightforward. Yet, terms like "inside-out forehand" and "inside-out backhand" makes Frisbee lingo sound like a completely different language.
Members of the Arizona women's ultimate Frisbee team speak that lingo fluently and have used it well. Their squad has been a part of the Arizona family of club sports since 2002, when the team took third in its region.
The women who compete under the name "Scorch" have grown more competitive and expanded their skills with each passing year. Because they don't have any real competition in the state, they hit the road, literally going to great lengths to compete with other schools.
"Ultimate is all about endurance," said team captain Christina Roberts, a fifth-year senior. "There is a grace and skill to it."
The team's big message is encouragement, as every potential player, regardless of experience, is welcome to join.
The team is so eager to spread the gospel of the sport that when talking about it, players sound more like they are making a sales pitch.
"It's a great way to meet tons of different people while being able to stay active and play a competitive sport," said junior Julia Tenen, a three-year Scorch veteran.
Each woman on the team's 20-member roster has a different motive for falling in love with the sport.
Roberts, a seasoned volleyball and softball player, said she was drawn to ultimate Frisbee by the pure athleticism it requires.
Sophomore Kristin Korby, in her second year with Scorch, said her only prior experience with the game was occasionally tossing a Frisbee around with friends. She said she loves to play because it keeps her in shape.
Many of the team's tryouts have no idea how to play the game or have any real experience, while others have played or still play in leagues. Still, members said they just want everyone to know how much fun they are having.
"I like it because you can stay competitive in the sport, and it doesn't take up too much time," said freshman Rachel Davis, who came out for the team last week along with a friend.
The team practices twice a week for two hours a day. The practices are pretty relaxed affairs, as players fill the time with drills, practice tosses and gossip, most of which revolves around game rules and humorous daily happenings among teammates. (By the way, catching your own pass is a definite no-no.)
For the team's seasoned participants, ultimate Frisbee has been all about the memories born while playing.
"The first tournament I ever went to, I commented to the captain that that day was the best day of my college experience," Tenen said. "You are just with awesome women, and you build lasting friendships with the people you play with."
The team holds open practices at Bear Down Field on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.