Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/249

226 when goal is crowded, and when your object is to drive the ball to any particular man of your side. It too often degenerates into swiping; is the safest guard, but severe on the netting of the crosse.

The side of the netting with which you cut, depends upon the kind of ball, and the position from which it is thrown. Balls may be cut well with either side; but it is better to take the most of those which come above your hips, with the opposite side to which you play, handle down; all below, with the playing side, if they are thrown from a straight point in front. Balls which come swiftly at your centre, from a right or left angle, however, should be met by the side of the crosse which will bring the wood towards the flag pole, past which the ball is coming;—for instance, if it is thrown from a point at right angles with the flag pole on your right, meet it with the left face of the netting and vice versa, The principle of this is, that the nearer the ball strikes to the wood the less likely it is to bounce off, and that you meet it sooner with a wider surface. A goal-keeper must, nevertheless, have equal confidence in either side of his netting.

Cut by a half hook, catch and strike. When the