Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/251

228 the ball, not the ball the bat; while in the latter, as in the block, the ball strikes the hands, not the hands the ball. The aim of the batsman is to score by a good hit; of the goal-keeper to block, so as to retain the ball for a throw. If you do not wish to retain the ball, block and cut. The receding movement described in preceding section is advisable. You may use either side of the netting, but the former rules, given in connection with this, apply as well to the block as the cut.

If the ball slips in a block or cut, catch it up smartly and draw it towards the front.

3rd. The Cover (see ) is often available, but requires practice and caution. In blocking, you may secure the ball by a quick cover check; but it is principally intended for grounders. Always cover with the reverse side of the netting to which you play, and do it quick and close. The ball should stop about the middle of the netting.

Special use of Hands, Feet and Legs.—The laws very justly allow the goal-keeper to touch the ball with his hand, while within the crease. Very often a slip is recovered and patted away by the