Part 7

Besides an official starter, there is an umpire who judges the races; a judge or judges of the finish.

The different kinds of crews are: Single--one oarsman; doubles--two oarsmen, each pulling two oars; pairs--two oarsmen each pulling one oar; fours--four oarsmen each with one oar; eights--each with one oar.

Paddling

Closely allied to rowing is paddling. This is done in a canoe by one, two, or more people. If by one, she seats herself in the stern, facing the bow; if two, one is in the stern and one is in the bow, back toward the stern. There are rarely more than three or four in a canoe, the average being two people to a canoe.

The Indians of the Canadian backwoods usually delegate the responsibility of steering to the bow man because of rough water or the danger from submerged rocks in swift running streams. Usually, in more civilized waters, the steering is done by the paddler in the stern, who, by a twist of the wrists, turns the blade of the paddle toward the canoe or away, according to the direction desired. The paddle is held in both hands; the near hand is held pretty far down the blade, more than shoulder’s width from far hand, which is held over the top of the paddle. There are many forms of paddling; some prefer straight, others bent arms. The reach with the paddle should not be so far ahead of the paddler that she is forced to lean forward. The paddle is brought out of the water when both arms are straight back, body in a normal position. It is carried forward but a few inches above the water with blade flat.

An Indian custom that has come down to us is the double paddle. The paddle is fashioned with a handle in the middle and paddles at either end. The paddler sits in the center of the canoe. First the paddle is dipped in the water at the left and then to the right. Steering is done by turning the paddle, in or out, as you would go, left or right. The double paddle is fascinating, but hardly so safe for the novice as the single.

Practice and experience are the two best teachers.

Tennis

Tennis scarcely needs an introduction. It is one of the finest games--for girls or men--we have, and it has proved its worth through years and years of play.

Tennis is played on a rectangular court, either of turf, clay or cement, provided that it is level. The dimensions of the court for doubles are 36 by 78 feet. The 78-foot lines are known as the side lines; the others as the end or base lines. Parallel to each base line and 18 feet distant from are two service lines, drawn from side service line to side service line. Parallel to each side line and 4-1/2 feet distant from them is a side service line, drawn from end line to end line. A line exactly in center joins the two service lines, thus making four service courts. The net is stretched exactly across the center of the court, and should be 3 feet high in the middle. It is desirable that there be no obstructions within 3 feet of the court on the side and 12 feet at ends, and that there should be backstops of considerable height. The posts to which net is attached should be 3 feet away from the court.

The game may be played by two, three or four players, who bat a ball across the net with a racket until one or the other fails to return the ball. If only two play (or, as it is termed, “singles”), the side lines are dispensed with and the side service lines are the boundary lines (27 × 78 feet).

The ball is put in play by the server. The courts and service are determined by a toss; the winner may choose either the end of court or the serve, but not both. The server, standing on the right-hand side of her base line, with feet behind the line, sends the ball into her opponent’s right-hand court. The player receiving ball after it has bounced must return it over the net so that it touches inside the court; then the server returns, etc., until there is a failure to return the ball. This counts a point for opposing player of the one who makes the fault. Then the ball is again served, this time from the left-hand side, next from the right, continuing to alternate until the game is finished. A game is always begun by serving from the right-hand court.

The game is won when a player has scored four points, except in the case of deuce, when more are necessary. The first point is “15;” the second, “30;” the third, “40;” the fourth, “game.” If both players have “15,” it is “15-all;” if one, “15-love (or naught).” The server’s score is always called first. If both have 30, 30-all; if one has 30, the other none or 15, it is 30-love, or 30-15. If both have 40, it is “deuce.” In deuce it is necessary to play extra points. The first point won is “advantage in” (server) or “out” (striker), as may be the case; the next point if won by the same player is game, but if won by the other player it is deuce again, and so on until one player wins two points in succession.

The server, after the first game, becomes the receiver, and the serve is alternated with each game until the end of the set. A set consists of six games won by one player, unless the opposing player is less than two games behind, that is, a set cannot end at 6/5, but must be played until one or the other obtains a two-game lead. Ends of the court are exchanged after each set. The server should always keep the score.

It is the aim of the players to return as many good balls as possible. A ball is “good” when it is sent within the court. It is a “fault” when it hits outside the boundary lines, or does not clear the net--a ball, however, which touches net but still falls on the right side (a “let ball”) is “good.” Faults count one point for opponent or opponents. Other faults that count for opponent are: Server serves two faults in succession; volleying the ball before it has touched the net; volleying a served ball before it bounds (any other ball may be volleyed); failure to return a ball. It is a fault to touch net while ball is in play, or to touch the ball with any part of person except the racket, or to touch ball with racket twice.

The receiver may hit the ball in the air (except serve) or after the first bounce, but may never hit after the second bounce.

A player in tennis must never be caught napping. Tennis calls for wide awake, quick playing. It is best to stand either near the net or back farther toward the service line. For most girls I would recommend the base line game. Never stand where your opponent can drop a ball directly at your feet; always be ready for her. You must always watch where she is and try to place the ball in the spot most difficult for her to reach.

In order to be ready the racket should be held firmly and easily so that it may be prepared for any stroke. Above all, keep your eye on the ball; if you look at the place you want to hit the ball and not at the ball, you do not hit it squarely and you give your play away. When you receive, do not stand too far away or too near. If you are too far away, you are apt to tip it; if too near, you bend your arm and do not get a good stroke.

The game of tennis is divided into two main divisions, serving and receiving. First, let us take up serving. This is the method of putting the ball in play. The server must stand behind the base line of the court. She must serve her ball into the diagonally opposite service court. She is allowed two balls; if the first is a fault she is allowed to serve the second. To be a good ball it must touch the ground in the service court, fairly clearing the net. A double fault on the part of the server counts a point for the opposing side, that is, it is a fault to serve two balls which do not clear the net, or do not touch inside the service court. When the ball touches the net but goes into the proper service court, it is called a “let ball” and does not count, but is served over again. Failure to return the ball after it is served counts one point for the server. The server must not step across the base line while serving, nor must she step, hop, walk or run.

In serving it is important to study the grip of the racket, the method of hitting the ball, and the way to toss the ball into the air. The racket is held tightly in the hand by what is known as the long grip, hand at the end of the racket--usually the right hand. There are many different swings and twists used. It is best to adopt one that brings into play the full strength of the arm and shoulder, thus an overhead swing of the racket is most often used. The ball is tossed into the air and the racket, in its exact center, should hit the ball directly over the net into the opposite service court. Before a cut or a speedier serve is developed, the player should make sure of a steady ball that as a rule is good. After that is acquired, practice the cuts and put as much speed as possible into the serve. It is very important that the ball and the racket should meet at the psychological moment. If the ball is hit too low, it does not clear the net; if it is hit while too high in the air, it goes out of the service court. The follow through of the stroke should be natural and never chopped.

In receiving and returning the ball there are many different strokes to use. It is advisable for the beginner to perfect both forehand and backhand strokes. For these strokes, the racket should be held in the short grip, that is, the end of the racket is at the wrist, hand reaching up the handle; the forearm should be in a line with the racket.

One stroke, the drop stroke, the arm is back of the body, extended to full length; then move--rather sweep--forward to meet the ball as it is about waist high, giving a little upward turn to your racket. Always follow through. The arm should be straight in this stroke.

Besides a forehand stroke, a backhand stroke is also necessary to learn. In the forehand, the weight is on the right foot, but in the backhand it is on the left foot. There are many different kinds, but the most natural is the best for the beginner to use. The arm and racket, of course, are across the body. Swing back and meet the ball squarely, with body turned greatly to that side. Be careful to follow through.

A great many people spoil their game of tennis by wild playing and smashes. It is much better to be deliberate and calculating, carefully placing your shots out of reach of your opponent. Try to make every play count. In other words, use your head rather than brute strength.

A good racket--carefully chosen for weight and balance and to which you have become accustomed--practice, a deliberate study of the game and your playing--these will help the average player.

The most suitable dress for tennis is a light weight waist or a middy blouse; a short, wide skirt, and rubber or felt-soled flat-heeled shoes.

TENNIS MATCHES OR TOURNAMENTS.

For a tennis match there should be an official referee, who determines questions concerning the rules; an umpire, who judges all balls except those on the lines, which are judged by the linesmen; a linesman for each of the seven lines, whose duty it is to judge the ball near her line. There may be a scorer, but this duty is generally assumed by the umpire, who announces each point, the score of each game, and how the sets stand.

Each player should enter her name in advance; then each draws for opponent, the winner of one match meeting the winner of another, etc., until the final match is played. This is an elimination tournament. In doubles, the pair may be entered or the partner may be drawn for.

A favorite form of tournament where the number of entrants is small is the round robin tournament, where each contestant meets every other, irrespective of victories. The championship with its trophy is given to the girl winning the greatest number of matches.

Tournament play is greatly to be recommended, especially for schools or clubs. Match play adds considerably to the pleasure of the sport and usually has beneficial results, both physical and physiological. I have seen diffident girls taught to gain self control and composure at all times by competitive athletics. A tennis tournament can be made a gala social event as well as one of keen and interesting sport.

Cricket

Cricket is not widely played by girls, but there is no game which might be adopted to better advantage. It may be played without any danger of over-exertion. A cricket crease may be placed on any level grassy field, usually a ground 100 yards square, although a smaller field may be utilized. The equipment required includes two sets of wickets, a cricket ball, at least two bats, the wicket-keeper gloves and leg guards, and a leg guard for each of two batsmen who are in. There are eleven players on each team and the game is divided into innings; that is, a side has its inning when it is at the bat. Two batsmen are “in” at a time.

The wickets are set in the middle of the field, opposite, parallel and 22 yards apart. On a line with the wicket is the bowling crease, 8 feet 8 inches in length. Four feet in front and parallel to it is the popping crease, of unlimited length.

The batsman who is first striker takes her position with bat on the popping crease, the bowler at the opposite wicket, well behind bowling crease; also the second batsman, bat in hand, ready to run when hit is made. The bowler delivers the ball. It must be bowled, not thrown, tossed, or jerked. The bowler is allowed a run in her delivery, but she must keep one foot on the ground behind the bowling crease and within the return crease, otherwise it is no ball.

The bowler must deliver the ball so that it shall come to the batsman on the ground. If it is delivered high or wide, the umpire shall call “wide ball.” Six good balls make an “over;” the bowler shall be allowed to change ends when she pleases, provided she has not bowled two “overs” consecutively in one inning. The captain of the outs places the field as she deems wise, depending upon the skill of the batsman.

The striker hits the ball; if it is caught before it touches the ground she is out; if the wicket is knocked down by a bowled ball she is out. If she hits it safe she runs to the return crease and the other batsman runs to the opposite popping crease and a run is scored. If the hit is long enough the batsmen continue to run, and each time they exchange creases a run is counted. The fielders endeavor to get the ball and throw in to the wicket-keeper in order to knock off the bails before the batsman touches her bat to the ground within the crease. When the bail is knocked off in this manner the batsman is out. When a batsman is out for any cause she is retired for the inning, and the side is retired when ten of the eleven strikers are declared out.

Usually in the matches for girls only one inning for each team is played, although the rules call for two and three-day matches. The game affords ample opportunity for outdoor exercise and muscular activity. For a full description, see Spalding’s “How to Play Cricket.”

Cricket has been successfully played by girls. Miss Dorothy Wooster writes the following short article and gives a diagram and score card showing how the game is played at Smith College.

Cricket as Played at Smith College

BY DOROTHY WOOSTER.

In order to adapt cricket for practical use, the following additions and changes have been made in the official rules, as published in the Spalding Athletic Library.

_A. Additions_:

1. Diagram of Field: Use center line, “_x_,” drawn between wickets. Cross this line by another line, “_y_,” drawn parallel to the popping crease.

2. There shall be 3 innings to a game, each inning consisting of 3 “outs” on a side.

3. There shall be a definite batting order.

4. If a batter touches the ball with the bat she must run, or take her “out.”

_B. Changes in Rules_:

10. ... and to be a good ball, the ball must hit the ground on or across the center line “_y_.”

13. A “Bowling Over” shall consist of six “good balls,” or four “wide balls,” or four “no balls.”

33A. ... except in case of a “Caught Ball.” The ball is then in play until it is settled in bowler’s or wicket-keeper’s hand. This change gives an opportunity to put two runners out on one play; i. e., “Caught Out” and “Run Out.”

The scoring has been simplified. For practice games, when full teams are not present, an individual score is kept. Using these changes the game progresses rapidly and holds the interest of both players and spectators.

Soccer

Soccer or association football is a particularly suitable game for girls and women, since it furnishes splendid outdoor exercise without unnecessary roughness. It resembles field hockey in that it is mainly a running game, although there are many essential differences. The popularity of the game is rapidly increasing and it is played by many schools and colleges.

The game is primarily a running and kicking game. No player but the goal keeper in her own goal area is permitted to touch the ball with the hands. Two teams of eleven players each line up in their half of the field. The captains toss for the choice of end or for the choice of the kick-off. In making the choice, the wind and the position of the sun should be considered. The ball is put in play by a kick-off. To advance the ball to the opponents’ goal and to kick the ball between the goal posts and under the bar is the object of the game. Each goal counts one. The team having the highest score at the end of the two halves--time of which is determined by the captains--is the winner. Thus the two opposing teams are either attacking or defending. If one side has possession of the ball it should advance toward the opponents’ goal, thus attacking; if the ball is not in their possession they are checking their opponents’ advance, thus defending. The players who do most of the attacking are the five forwards, assisted by the halfbacks. It is their duty to advance the ball by short and long passes, by dribbling, by a volley, i. e., hitting the ball with head or chest, or kicking it before it has touched the ground. The fullbacks and goal keeper, assisted by the halfbacks, do the defensive work.

The positions are: center forward, inside right and inside left, outer right and outer left; left, center, and right halfbacks; right and left fullbacks; goal keeper.

The beginner in soccer should pay particular attention to the following: kicking, tackling, heading, and dribbling. The ball is not kicked with the end of toe, but rather the toe is inserted under the ball, the instep bearing the brunt of the work. The leg should be drawn back to get a good drive. Kicking is not merely sending the ball as far and hard as possible, but kicking as accurately as possible so that each shot tells. Therefore, particular attention and practice should be given to kicking until the proper amount of control can be exercised over the ball. Every kick should be gotten off quickly and cleanly, toe well under the ball so that it is raised.

In shooting for the goal the kick should be hard, with all the force of the toe behind it. In all defensive work the kicks should be carefully sent to the forwards; not too hard, since the ball then may go too far.

The player should learn to kick with either foot so that the ball does not have to be maneuvered into a suitable position for kicking.

Every player--the forwards in particular--should know how to dribble, since it is frequently a handy art. Often, if a player wishes to get in a better position for a kick, a few dribbles will put her there. To dribble successfully, the ball is moved forward, just touching the toe, thus insuring complete control. For the inexperienced player, control in dribbling and speed seem a hard combination to achieve; but by practice, dribbling slowly at first, control is acquired and speed soon follows.

A common fault sometimes due to dribbling is the monopoly of the ball by one player. Any individual should be self-sacrificing for the good of the team.

Stopping the progress of an opponent, or “tackling” as it is termed, should be carefully practised, particularly by the defense. The best policy seems--to run directly toward the player with the ball, thus making her pass hurriedly or fumble. Never give up if your opponent gets away, dodges or slips past you.

Many times it is an advantage to “head” the ball, that is, hit it with the head before it touches the ground. When the players are massed together, a jump in the air and good “heading” may save the day. Remember that the ball ought to be hit with the forehead, not the top of the head. This makes for accuracy.

There should be, as in all other team games, team work. The forwards should bear the responsibility of the attack. They should carry the ball down the field by passing, dribbling and volleying, i. e., hitting the ball in the air before it has touched the ground. Forwards should know how to shoot hard and accurately. It is well for a forward to know how to shoot and pass with the inside of the foot. In dribbling and in passing, the forward must remember to pass quickly to some one of her team who is unguarded. You should always be waiting to receive a pass.

The outsides are generally fast players with great skill in the dribble; the insides, like the center, are fine offensive players, fast and capable of shooting goals.

The halfbacks feed and help the forwards attack, shooting for the goal if the opportunity arises. The attack should be constantly varied by these players. The halfbacks are also the first line of defense, necessarily they have a great deal of running to do. These three positions are generally filled then by players physically fit, with speed and with stamina for endurance. Center half is a particularly strenuous position. The halves should always try to keep the ball in the opponents’ territory; when on the defense, they should be quick to tackle, to intercept passes and to guard their opponents.

The fullbacks are the mainstay of the defense. They are cool-headed players who use great judgment. It is up to them to block any opponent who has gotten by a halfback. Often the fullbacks have so carefully studied their opponents’ play that they know exactly what the forward will do under certain circumstances. Above all, the fullbacks should never give up.

The goal is a very vital point. To be a goal keeper, you must think quickly, keep your nerve, be cool and act instantly according to your judgment. In fact, a goal keeper should be able to cover every inch of the goal in an instant; she must be able to move rapidly, jump, and reach into the air. Two points a goal keeper should remember: Never kick when you can use your hands--you can get rid of the ball quicker and for better distance. Get the ball out of dangerous territory as soon as possible.

Dress is an important consideration. The essentials are a middy blouse, a short, wide skirt or bloomers, with heavy enough shoes to allow for kicking and yet light enough to permit of speed in covering ground.

SOCCER RULES.

[From Spalding’s Athletic Library No. 358--Official College Soccer Guide.]

I. There are eleven players on a team.