Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/250

Rh ball is just touching the netting, draw back your crosse quickly, which will deaden the shock and prevent the rebound of the ball, and in another motion cut it away to any point desired, or retain it if you have a chance to throw. This sudden retroceding motion, as if recoiling from the ball after it touches the netting, and then striking it away, is one of the most important parts of stopping. Swiping at a ball is both injurious to the crosse and unscientific. Study the art of cutting to right and left, wherever particular points may be. Under some circumstances, such as when one or more opponents stand at the goal-crease, ready to knock in a ball about to be thrown, you must strike at it without the receding movement. Prefer cutting to either side of goal than to the immediate front, but keep your eyes open and cut to the man least checked. Study to cut exact to any distance.

2nd. The Block—Is the other common guard for all balls, especially short quick throws and tips. The difference between the cut and the block is the same as in meeting a ball with a cricket bat, to score, and with your hands as in hand catching. The rule in the former as in the cut, is for the bat to strike