forward thrust; but the general fault is in thrusting too high, by which you cannot command the ball with ease.
The great secret of success lies in accurately anticipating and timing checks, and promptly avoiding them. If the checker waits until you begin your dodge, your chances of success are not as consoling as if he commenced a check at your right; because the latter shows you his play, and gives you opportunity to accommodate your dodge to the result of his blow. This is the difficulty in making this plain check. It is sometimes varied by changing the crosse quickly, as you pass it across your body, into the other hand. When approaching a dodger, you may hold your crosse out straight towards him at nearly full arms length. If he strikes in time, suddenly draw it back to escape the check, and then make the sweep across the front of your body to left.
2. Past Checker's Left.—Instead of carrying your stick across your front, thrust it suddenly to your right, at a right angle with your right side, making a dash past checker's left. Take a short grip of the crosse, if possible.
