Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/196

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DODGING AND CHECKING.
173

Evasions are only checkmated by quick leg action and long strokes.


UP, DOWN, AND SIDE STROKES.

The most of checks used to be downwards; but as Lacrosse has improved and new methods of dodging been added, upward and side strokes have become a necessity. The upward and side strokes are useful, when you have made and missed the down hit, and cannot recover in time to repeat it; also in the various exigencies and opportunities, when the down stroke would be an experiment or a failure. All checks depend upon the position of the dodger’s crosse, and it is important to know when and how to use the different strokes. The best way to learn this and every other part of checking, is to pair off and practice quietly. You cannot experiment in the excitement of a game, and only cool heads discover.

Part of Crosse to use.—When you strike the netting of dodger’s crosse, always, if possible, bring the full face of your netting to the direction of your stroke; but if you hit the bare stick, you may strike without bringing the netting to bear. The former rule is more effectually to dislodge the ball, the latter