Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/120

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100
FACING.

develope variety and skill, is the contrary position: an inch or two above the collar grasped by the left hand, the butt by the right, the left leg advanced. In both positions the body inclines forward from the hips easily, and ready for instant action.

The objections to position first are, that it is only safer than the other for forcible methods of facing; that it does not allow of as free action and spring as the other; that the butt of the crosse is more likely to interfere with the body; that it takes the right hand from the natural grasp at the butt, which should be avoided as much as possible, and that it actually prevents several methods of facing not much practised, but nevertheless calculated to be as often successful, if not more so, than forcible methods now mostly in vogue. When we see a Centre stand and grasp as in position first, we are almost sure that he intends to take the ball by the up and over or some forcible method; but in the other position, while a Centre can accomplish the up and over, he is in an attitude for others of more variety. However, the best method for any Centre is his most natural or his most successful; though we hope no one will be above giving up an old method if he discovers a better.