This article introduces an ultimate frisbee defensive concept known as the "clam". It's a hybrid of a zone and a man-to-man defense, designed to maximize defensive coverage. The primary players in a clam are the four "hinges", who set up on the weak side of the field and act as the first line of defense. The rest of the team works in a shift system to rotate and cover offensive players. The goal of the clam is to confuse the offense and limit their options while the defense regains possession of the frisbee.