The scorer must also keep out of the field proper and have her mind on her portion of the work. In Fig. 617 the scorer is designated by a square.
When all stand ready the
Game
begins. The referee tosses up the ball, and every one of the players on the field eagerly watches the two centres as they strive to catch the ball. The centre, gaining the advantage, endeavors to toss it to a girl on her own side, while the other centre does all in her power to prevent the ball from reaching its destination, often running in front of the victorious centre, blocking the way and still further interfering by throwing up her arms. If the first centre succeeds in tossing the ball to one of the forwards on her side, that forward immediately strives to get the ball in the opponent’s basket, but is constantly followed and opposed by the opponent guard, who endeavors to frustrate the play. Should the forward decide that the chances for gaining the goal are better if she throws the ball to another girl on her side, she does so with the hope that the other forward will succeed in caging the ball. If, however, the last forward be baffled, she tosses the ball either to her own centre, back to the first forward, or over across the field to one of her own guards, anywhere the rule permits in order to keep the ball from the hands of the opponents.
If one of the opponent forwards succeeds in capturing the ball she tries either indirectly, with the aid of others on her side, or directly, by her own exertions, to cage the ball in the basket of the opposite side.
The centre catching the ball from the referee is privileged to throw it to any player on her own side, either forwards or guards, at one end or the other of the field, her action depending upon circumstances. Sometimes it is more advantageous to toss the ball in one direction, again it is better to throw it in another. Therein lies the secret of good playing, the ability to see opportunities in time to profit by them and quickness and accuracy in measuring distances, so that the ball may land where the player intends to send it, not falling short or getting too far. The opponent centre constantly follows the centre having the ball, and is ever at her side trying to obtain the ball or prevent it from reaching its destination.
The forward catching the ball after it has been advanced to her by her own centre or by guards from the other end of the field, or obtaining it from an opponent, generally throws for the basket, and she must be able to make the goal under many difficulties and from various positions. Should the ball miss the basket the forward will have no time for regrets, it being necessary for her to turn her immediate attention to regaining possession of the ball or to preventing it from falling into the hands of the opposing guard.
The forward must have a cool head, must be calm, and able to decide and judge quickly; she must take the situation in at a glance and make the most of any, even the slightest, opportunity of forwarding the interest of her side.
The guard’s principal duty is to prevent opponents from getting the ball into the basket belonging to the guard’s team, and when possible to obtain the ball and throw it to the centre on her side, or across to her own forwards.
The guard’s position requires that she be very skilful and constantly on the watch to defend her goal.