Striking

Now as to the using of the stick. In striking, only the flat face of the blade must be used, and the stick must not be swung so that any part of it rises above the shoulder level. Doing this in a game will give rise to an immediate cry of "Sticks!" and, whether intentional or accidental, leads to the awarding of a free hit to the opposing side if the fault be committed outside the striking circles. Should two players simultaneously err in this respect, a bully is ordered.

In striking at the ball the face of the stick should be as nearly as possible at right angles to the ground. To turn the right hand so that the palm comes uppermost when hitting (and the stick face is brought uppermost) will lead to under-cutting - which is forbidden. Under-cutting is the lifting of the ball high in the air and is punishable by a free hit to the defenders, if within the circles, and the same if without if the offenders be attacking. If defending, a penalty "bully" or "corner" is the punishment. Now, by holding and striking as suggested above, under-cutting is rendered far less liable.

But "scooping" the ball (except in the case of a free hit) is quite permissible. Scooping is usually practised by forward players, and is made by placing the blade under the ball and lifting it up so as to "scoop" it from an opponent's stick.

The Back-Hand Stroke

Occasionally it may be advantageous to make the back-hand stroke - as when the ball is on one's wrong side for hitting, and it is required to bring the ball to the front of the feet to allow for a fair shot. The same stroke is also valuable for passing back to a friendly player, and is then necessary, since the ball may not be struck with the rounded side of the stick. The hands may be turned so that the left elbow is pointing away from the body and the head of the stick moves from left to right. Either action brings the point of the blade towards one's toes with the flat side of the head facing the direction in which the ball is to be sent.

With the latter movement the wrists become crossed, and sometimes it is made with only the right hand grasping the stick. One-handed stick play is, however, not to be recommended generally. Occasionally it serves a useful purpose, as, for instance, when trying to get at the ball when it is in danger of being possessed by an opponent.