Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/733

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Ten-Net— An Indoor-Outdoor

Game

���*Ten-net," the new game, in action. On the left, the net is extended immediately after the ball has been shot. On the right is the attitude of the player receiving the ball

��IF "Ten-net," a novel game invented by Halvor Achershaug, of New York, meets with the popularity which is predicted by those who have played it, iDOth indoor and outdoor sports will be forced to look to their laurels.

Many different games may be played with the nets patented by the inventor, ranging from a modified form of handball for indoor work to an exciting outdoor game somewhat resembling lacrosse.

��At the right, a player about to shoot the ball into the air for a high "fly;" open- ing the arms throws it into the air with great force

����A player receiv- ing a ball from a high "fly." The net is held at an angle to catch the ball without having it bounce away

��The nets are made of whipcord, fastened to two wooden handles in much the same manner that a hammock is slung between two posts. A triangular loop of resilient spring wire projects from each handle, and to this the edge of the net is securely bound.

In the center of the net is a cradle- like arrangement which is also made of spring wire. This gives added strength to the point which stands the greatest shocks during the game.

In playing "Ten-net," the players use a tennis ball, and throw it back and forth, using the hand nets both in catching and throwing. When the ball comes speeding through the air, the player spreads his net, and allows the ball to hit it. At the moment of impact, the handles are quickly brought together, and the net breaks the force of the ball. A turn of the wrist, and the net is lowered, with the ball held securely inside.

In throwing the ball, the net is used as a sling. The net is relaxed, since the handles are held close together. To get the greatest speed and distance, the net is held behind the head, and is suddenly brought forward; at the same time, the hand grips are spread apart. The ball speeds away to an astonishing distance, where it is caught by another player, holding another out- stretched net.

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