FORWARDS The forwards must be good swimmers who can catch a ball, quickly judge distances, pass, dribble, and shoot strongly and accurately from any portion of the field of play. One of them should take up a position either on the right or left of the opponents' goal, but outside the prescribed limit. The other should take the opposite side, but be a little farther away from the goal. Both should always be on the alert for the ball, but in place of holding it should make quick, short passes to each other or to the centre forward, the ball in all cases being passed to the side furthest away from goal, and never direct into the other's hands, unless uncovered by the opposing back. If it be passed directly to a covered player, he will almost to a surety be tackled with it ; whereas, if it be passed on the outside of him, he at once gets an opportunity, if he be a fast swimmer, of clearing himself from the cover. The forwards should always hold themselves ready for a quick stroke or two, so as to clear ; but this ability will come by practice. When this is acquired, the forwards will find that very often an almost free throw at goal can be obtained.
When dribbling the ball the forwards should clear on the outside and pass rapidly if likely to be tackled by an opposing player.
They should keep well up towards goal, and if the centre forward gain possession, one of the other forwards should at once take his place, because if the attempt at goal be frustrated he will then be in a position to renew the attack.
It is the duty of the forwards to keep free, as far as pos sible, from the opposing side, and, when a change has taken place owing to their opponents' defence play, to get back to position as quickly as possible. They should take care not to infringe the rule prohibiting a player from taking up a position within a yard of the opposing goal, and should also avoid placing themselves too far over to the side of the bath or field of play.
When engaged in attacking, if the ball be in danger of cross ing the goal-line, care should be taken to avoid touching it. The opposing back should in this case be hard pressed, pre vented from making a long shot, and, if possible, compelled in self-defence to concede a corner. No time should be lost in taking the corner throw, because, although the rules prohibit a change of position between the blowing of the whistle and the taking of the throw, delay allows the backs to get their bodies better balanced for a quick start, and the advantage accruing from the free throw is thereby neutralised.