What New Recruits Should Know About The Game Of Hockey

Chronicle (Levin), 21 April 1949, Page 7

What New Recruits Should Know About The Game Of Hockey

Les M.

Murphy,

(By

Wellington Hockey Critic)

Of late years hockey has become exceedingly popular as a young women's winter pastime throughout New Zealand, due, no doubt, to the visits of the Indian teams and the Eriglishwomen tourists who left a' good impression of the hjgh qualities of the sport in the Dominion. It is pleasing to note that ■-here is an influx of new players to the game' this comihg season in practically every district in which it is played in the Dominion, Horowhenua being no exception, and it is my ardent desire that, as a result of these articles, the gqme in the district will benefit in every respect.

Hockey has eslablished itself as a pleasant and healthy exerciss. When first introduced to this country, I am told by old stalwarts, hockey did not appeal much as a suitable game co in-dulge in, but as the years rolled on and the game developed into a most scientific and interesting sport, its following gradual'y increased until today we find it being piayed in practically every town throughout the Domin-. ion. Reasons for the special suc-! cess of hockey in supplying the' wants of ladies in the winter months are not far to seek. Thej game is athletic, interesting andl not • dangerous ; moreover, it is easily learnt.

Choosing A Stick. For the convenience of those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the game and in particular new recruits who propose indulging in it this season, I will give a brief outline of the rules. etc., in a series of articles each week. There are all sorts and styles of hockey stick&~cn the market. The cheap stick simply consists of a piece of wood bent inco a hook at one end. The regularly used ones have spliced cane handles, and are boun-d in just the same manner as a cricket bat. The thing to note in choosing a stick is the grain. This should run with the curve of the stick and should be fairly close. If the grain runs partly across, the stick will in all probability split.

The question of weight is also important. The rules state that the totdl weieht of a stick must not exceed 23 ounces. The most suitably weighted stick for a forward is 20 ounces, and for a half or full-back 23 ounces. Tastes in sticks, of course. vary considerab y; some players like a thick-handled stick, others prefer a thin one. The latter has the ad- ■ vantage in ,hat it can be more ifirmly gripped, and does not strain the hands. -A stick should be weJ , tried as to balahce and weight be|fore it is purchased. All sticks j must be of such a size that they can be passed through a tw.o-inch ring. Objects Of Game.

When everything has been prepared and the field is ready marked, the time comes for the actua game. Two teams of eleven-a-sfde are the regu'ar numfcers. The object of each side is to score goals by. sending the ball through the uprights and under the crossbar of the goal frbm within the striking circle which surrounds the goal. The bafi must be hit wi,h one side of the stick only, the back or rounded side not being used. The ball must not be carried in the ha'n'ds, but may be caught and dropped, or stopped wi-h hands or feet. It must mt be kicked or p'ayed forward by the body. The goalkeeper is the only player on the field who is permitted to kick • it clear of her charge. Fur'her advice on- the rules will be published in this page next week.