LADIES’ HOCKEY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 May 1939, Page 8

LADIES’ HOCKEY

ADVICE TO PLAYERS WHAT RECRUITS SHOULD KNOW. CHOICE OF A. STICK. (BY LES. M. MURPHY) (Wellington Ladies’ 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 English women tourists who left a good impression of the high qualities of the sport in the Dominion. It is pleasing to note that there is an influx of new players to the game this season in "practically every district in which it is played in the Dominion, Wairarapa being no. exception, and it is my ardent desire that, as a result of these-articles, the game here Will benefit in every respect. The- game has established itself as a pleasant and healthy exercise. When first introduced to this country. I am told by old stalwarts, hockey did not appeal much, particularly to the ladies, as a suitable game to indulge in, but as the years rolled on and the game developed into a most scientific and interesting sport, its following gradually increased until today we find it being played in practically every town throughout the Dominion. Reasons for the special success of hockey in supplying the wants of ladies in the winter months are not far to seek. The game is athletic, interesting and not dangerous; moreover, it is easily learnt.

For the convenience of those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the game and in particular new recruits, I' will give a brief outline of what players should know and study in hockey. Choosing A Suitable Stick. There are all sorts and styles of hockey sticks on the market. The cheap stick simply consists of a jaiece of wood bent into a hook at one end. The regularly used ones have spliced cane handles, and are bound 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. I can recall some incidents at Karori and Newtown Parks, Wellington, when sticks split up layer by layer, pieces coming off. every time a hit was made. The question of weight is also important. The rules state that the total weight of a stick must not exceed 23 ounces. The most suitably weighted stick for* a forward is, in my mind, 20 ounces, and for a half or full-back 23 ounces. Tastes in sticks, of course, vary considerably; some players like a. thick-handled stick, others prefer a thin one. The latter has the advantage in that it can be more firmly gripped, and does not strain the hands. A stick should be well tried as to balance and weight before it is purchased. «

All sticks must be of such, a size that they can be passed through a: twoinch ring. Various handles are- fitted to sticks. Nearly all good varieties have a cane cover, but the covering varies very much. The ordinary stick is bound with cord; sometimes with a rubber cover. Some have cork round the handle, others surgical tape. Personally I think the plain corded handle is the most preferable. , The ball is simply an ordinary cricket one, either painted white or made of white leather. Two should be provided in. a match and a change made at half-time. The inner portion of the ball must be composed of cork and twine. The weight of the ball must not be more than ss' ounces and not less than 51 ounces. Its circumference must not be" more than 9.1 inches and not less than 8 13-16 inches. Any other ball is strictly forbidden. Such then are the requisites'for the game. It will, however, be necessary to consider minor accessories. The chief of these are pads and boots. A good fitting laced-boot is the best, but one seldom sees them being used today. Flat-heeled shoes are mostly worn, but unless one has remarkably strong ankles it is inadvisable to follow the fashion. Shin pads are a source of much dispute; many refuse to wear them, considering them unnecessary, but the wise player will not go on to the field without them. They save many bad knocks and are therefore of practical use. When everything has been prepared and the field is ready marked, the time comes for the actual game. Two teams of eleven-a-side are the regular numbers, though of course in practice this’can be much varied. First of all, a word must be said ! as to . the general rules of the game. The object of each side is to score goals by sending the ball through the uprights and under the crossbar of the goal from within the striking circle which surrounds the goal. The ball must be hit with one side of the stick only, the back or rounded side not being used. The ball must not be carried in the hands, but may be caught and dropped, oi’ stopped with- hands or feet. It must not be kicked or played forward by the body. The goalkeeper is the only player on the field who is permitted to kick it clear of her charge. Further advice on the rules will be published next week. (Continued next Friday.)