Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/318

 >96 average weight for a forward of good physique is twenty-two ounces. A back ^ - ^ J-. (or half) ' may use one a few o u n c e s heavier. Her work is of a more vigorous c h a r a cter. She is re- quired to strike more forcibly than a for- ward, and being a de- f e n s i V e Goe^I line. player, she Fig. 2. The striking circle serves a definite purpose, for except the ball be within it when it W^lll have tO is struck no goal is scored. That is to say, a goal can be scored only when the ball is at J-^ i t t h C rest or in play within the striking circle, ,, V,orrlpr and further than an attacker. Moreover, she has to do far less " nice " and quick work than the forward. A forward's stick may well be a little shorter than a back's. Recently a novel pattern of stick has been introduced, known as a " bulger " on account of an increase in thickness on the upper side of the striking part, but the value of this is slight, and an ordinary stick would be best for the novice any way. All sticks are made in varying lengths, and the purchaser should be careful to select one in accordance with her own height. How to Hold the Stick The correct holding of the stick is an important matter, and is well shown in the adjoining illustra- tion. The left-hand grip is close up to the end, the shaft lying slantwise across the palm. This prevents any cramping of the hand, the palm of which is turned in- wards. The reverse is the case with the right-hand grip, and it is a matter of individual choice whether the thumb be brought across the fingers or placed along the shaft. For a girl of average height, the right hand should be so far down the handle that from her little finger outside edge to the top of the stick will be about eight inches. There are some players, it is true, especially among those who play forward, who prefer to take a con- siderably lower grip, al- leging that the handling of the stick for dribbling is favourably influenced thereby. Such a grip is to be deprecated. In the first place. RECREATIONS ball actually pass between the goal-posts and over the goal line. That is to say, a goal can only be scored when the ball is at rest or in play within the striking circle. Behind each goal a net is fixed, being at- tached to the cross- bar, which is seven feet from the ^Tound, the goal - posts, and to the ground. ° The Stick Reference has already been made to the most suitable dress, and the restrictions as to foot gear. The stick, and how to use it, is the next consideration. Its weight is limited to twenty-eight ounces, and its size such as to pass through a two-inch ring. This, however, does not debar a player from fixing an indiarubber ring (four inches in diameter when in position) below the handle, and every player is well advised to use this convenience, as it prevents the hand from shpping down. The head of the stick must be flat-faced only on its left side, and must not have any hard wood or metal fittings of any kind. Sharp edges, if occurring, ought to be smoothed down, and all splinters removed. If liked, a surgical binding may be affixed to the head of the stick — i.e., the part below the top of the splice. Umpires have the right to refuse the using of a stick that does not comply with the legal requirements. The Light Stick versus the Heavy Although twenty-eight ounces is the limit weight, few players can be ad- vised to use so heavy a stick ; certainly not for- wards, who have to do a great deal of running about, and with whom the weight is a consideration. Some forvards use a stick of so light weight as six- teen ounces, but this is not to be recommended. A hght stick is all very well, and very useful for dribbling, but it is possible to err in this direction. A good The proper way to hold the stick