How to Throw the Ball - hand, pass, arm, player, body and stroke

HOW TO THROW THE BALL As may be easily imagined, ability to throw the ball and pass it accurately only comes with practice, and no amount of description will assist a feeble player. A few hints as to the various methods may, however, be useful.

If, when using the breast-stroke, the player desires to pass the ball back, the hand should be placed under it and the arm quickly raised. As soon as the arm is above the surface, it is thrown over the head rapidly, and the ball forced to travel high or low, according to the distance and direction in which it is required to be sent. Either hand can be used, but it is always best to throw with the arm which is farther away from the nearest opponent. When throwing, a stroke with the legs should be taken, and the disengaged arm forced downwards, to stop the slip given to the body by the throw. If this be done well, it will enable the player to apply more force to the throw or pass.

The throw from the shoulder or side of the head is a very old plan, and is generally used when a deliberate shOt can be taken. The ball is picked up and carried to the shoulder, being held somewhat after the fashion of a weight in athletic competitions. It is rested against the side of the head for accuracy of aim and the better send-off that is obtainable, and is then sent forward with as much force as possible. The legs and disengaged hand are driven down rapidly in the water, and the body shot forward as the aim is taken. A develop ment of this throw is the ricochet shot, which, if properly taken, is vastly puzzling to a goal-keeper. The ball is sent in with all possible speed, and so thrown as to hit the water a few yards in front of goal. Unless force can be imparted to the ricochet shot, however, it is practically giving away points to attempt it.

Another breast-stroke pass is that from side to side with either hand when outstretched. The hand is turned with the palm outward and placed under the ball, which is at once lifted out. This is a valuable pass when pressed, especially if

it can be done with right or left hand.

The

pass, when swimming' on the side, is managed by placing the hand under the ball. In this posi tion it can be thrown straight back, and, with practice, to the blind side of the body as well as out to other side. To pass to the blind side, the arm, when it rises with the ball, must be rapidly forced over the body, and the im petus to the ball given from the lower part of the forearm, wrist, and hand. Many players can perform this diffi cult pass so accurately as to know almost ex actly in what part of the field of play the ball will fall.

There is plenty of scope for a back-swim mer at water-polo, especially when long shots are required. The body is thrown back, and the arm outstretched. As the legs are closed, the arm shoots forward, and the ball is driven at a great pace.

As before stated, the Trudgen ' stroke offers the best opportunities for a brilliant water-polo player. The overarm pass can he done with either hand, and the ball placed without the player having to turn round for aim. The arms are so placed that the pass out to right or left can be accomplished instantly, and the disengaged arm and legs used to maintain steadiness. With the Trudgen ' stroke the ball may be punted rapidly up or across the bath, the player at the same time being free from tackling ; because in punting the ball is driven for ward by either hand, as the player swims, and is not held. This stroke is again of essential service in dribbling, which is accomplished by allowing the ball to get between the arms.

Then, as the swimmer progresses, the ball goes with him, it hitting first one arm and then the other, or the chin, but not getting out from between the arms.