Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-12
CAPTAIN CRAWFORD.

CAPTAIN CRAWFORD.
chs most prominent are those Of Rich
rnond College, the Regimental Armory,
and the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation.
An effort will soon be made TO form a
league among the teams Of the city,
whose object will be to furnish legitimate
sport, healthful exercise. and to popu-
larize the game.
HOW 1T IS PLAYED.
Basketball may be played on any
grounds or gymnasium floor cleared OF
apparatus. though any building or this
nature will suit. Baskets consisting OF
hammock, nets OF cord suspended from
metal rings--one at each end and ten
feet above ths groune-and the floor is
ready for the game.
Teams for match games consist OF nve
men, unless otherwise mutually agreed
upon. The ball is put in play as follows:
The teams line up in their respective
positions and the referee throws the ball
up In the middle Of the floor. This Is done
at the beginning OF the game. at the
beginning Of the second half. and after
each goal. The fime OF actual play Is
two twenty-mtnute halves
Each side defends one of the goals
while endeavorlng to put the ball In that
of their opponents. by passing IL from one
70 another and trying TO throw II into
the goal.
The bali may be thrown In any direction
with the open hands, but cannot be
struck with the fist or kicked. Any
player has the right to get the ball at
any time while II is in the field of play.
provided only he handles the ball and
not the opponent. A goal Is made when
the ball is thrown or batted from the
ground by any OF the players into the
basket The score Is counted by points.
A goal counts points,; foul, point
for the opponent. The majority OF points
decides the game.
ADVANTAGES OF THE GAME.
Basketball is very interesting. and may
be played by men of any size and in any
condition of training. II Is peculiarly
adapted for giving health without in
volving a severe mental strain. 1t has
survived the various tests that have
been applied TO IT, which. instead of kill
ing. have developed II.
Basketball is not game intended mere
~ for amusement. but Is the attempted
solution of a problem which has been
pressing on physical educators.
Most OF the games when are played
out OF doors are unsuitable for indoors,
and, consequently, when the season closes
the game. together with all the benefits
20 be derived therefrom, Is dropped
II is true that some players have been
accustomed to keep up a desuitory kind
OF training but IL lacks the all-'round de-
velopment that is so requisite. and very
frequently fails to give the exercise foi
the heart and lungs. which is so desirable
Basketball exercises a man all round
Every part OF his body gets q share OF
attention. His legs are used to sustain
his body. and his arms are exercised In
handling an object. which is a normal
function.
In the bendings and twIstings of the
trunk and limbs the vital organs receive
such exercise as will make them healthy
and strong.
II cultivates In man the different ener-
giles Of which he Is capable.
Agility is one of the prime requisites In
q game when the bali must be secured
before an opponent can reach II. and when
obtained he must be bafiied In his at.
tempss TO take 1t away
Fhysicai judgment is required, and cul.
tivated IN handling the bali. receiving II
from one Of your own side and eludine
an opponent.
This requires that man should keeT
complete control OF himself or his play
l. likely TO count for nothing A wronp
pass may give the opponent q decided ad
vantage. and an instant's hesitation 4.
Eufncfent 10 lose the best opportunity thai
might be offered. 1t developes that manly
courage. which is so essential in every
true gentleman.
Basketball has mono OF the reputeC
roughness OF football. For this reason
kicking al the bail and striking at il with
The fist are prohibited, All running will
the ball was done away with. becaus,
VIXEN a man runs with the ball tacklin.
fs necessary 10 stop him. and II Is at thii
point that the roughness OF football Il
almost severely felt. Thus It makes
game which can be played without rough
ness.
A mans whole attention IL centersd oil
the bail. and not on the person OF IN,
opponent, and opportunity for persona
spite Is thus taken away.
The coming game between Norfolk ant
Richmond at the Regimental Armory
viii be one OF intense interest