Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/160

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140
CATCHING, AND CARRYING THE BALL.

The netting should be presented to the ball, as seen in illustration 3, not batted against it, and should receive it on the head or centre surface; never on the lower angle. If a checker is near, let your catch terminate by a curve or sweep of the Crosse from his direction, whether he is on your right or left. If in proximity to more than one, make a little leap upwards, and strike the ball away to one of your side, or to a point you can reach before any of your antagonists; or, if possible, frisk it in the air to one side and catch it. You may frisk with the head surface of the netting, at full length of your crosse, sweeping the ball over your head to one side without letting it fall to the ground, and terminating by a sinking and sweeping dodge to secure it. This is one of the prettiest feats of play. Your entire body, from head to toe, must give special action, as well as your crosse, to complete any catch among opponents, so as to evade a check. The mere catch is insufficent without an accompanying agility, which gives grace to your feat and guards your subsequent movements. You may be a master of every point and guard of fencing, but without the proper use of your legs, an agile