is marked. About ten feet from the net on both sides is marked the "short line." The players select sides and take positions behind the toe line. The beginner bounds the ball on the floor, striking it with either hand, as it descends again, to direct it over the net to the opposite player. Failure to send the ball over the net, or to land it within the lines on the other side of the net, results in forfeiting the ball to the opposite side. Should the opposite side, however, fail to return a properly directed ball, or drive it over the lines, the first player scores a point. Failure to stand between end lines at start of game, or, touching the net with any part of the body, counts a point for the opposite side. In active play the delivery can be made from any place within lines.
Indoor Base Ball
Rules published annually in Spalding's Athletic Library, American Sports Publishing Company.
Ling Ball
(Physical Education, Vol. IV. , No. 7, p. 91.)
The number that can play this is limited only by floor space.
Two lines parallel to each other are drawn upon the floor about 25 feet apart. An indoor base ball and bat should be used. The batter stands just behind one line, near its end, and behind this same line all the men that are to bat should stand, while the other team should be stationed about so as to catch the fly or pick up the grounders. The pitcher should stand on the line about two yards from the batter, and throw up the ball which the batter strikes. If the batter thinks that he cannot reach the opponents' side before being struck with the ball, he may go to one side, still keeping behind his own line, and wait for a chance to reach there. If he succeeds in getting there and back without being struck, it is a run.
Any number of men that have batted may be behind the lines at once, as long as there is a man home to take the bat in his
