Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/219

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
196
FIELDING.

and hit it, or catch it on the wing, and sweep it in with force. Very often he has several antagonists to contend with, and several of his own side with whom to co-operate; and must not only have wit to fight his foes, but sense to aid his friends. Though he is Home, a tip in proper time to one of his side near by, may be more useful than if he had aimed direct at the flags.

Home should perfect himself in frisking the ball, quick straight throwing from the front and sides, and quick playing into the crosses of his side. The Indian Home puts the ball in for long shots, but when several are near the crease, he is no more Home than any other. This is as it should always be. Any man throwing at goal, should prefer angle or diagonal to front balls.

A sharp Home is the bugbear of a goal-keeper. He has opportunities for a specialty of play, and can develop a peculiar style, valuable to every man, but more especially so to himself. The ball comes to him in such a variety of ways, and so many changes occur in close contests around the flags, that he must exercise unusual sharpness and agility.

Fielders and Fielding.—The eight fielders—