[HPforGrownups] Quidditch Question from the Spouse

[Pam Hugonnet]

No: HPFGUIDX 17744



Amanda Lewanski wrote:

> On Quidditch. Jan came in and asked if players are allowed to *hold*
> the
> Quaffle. Heidi and I found the passage in QTA that indicates they do
> (p.
> 20), covering the older quaffles with holding straps, and how the new
> ones have Gripping Charms. So they clearly hold it.
>
> So then he asks if they hold it away from their bodies, or do they
> "tuck" it under an arm? And if the latter, how can it be "taken" from
> them by other players?

    I think that it can be stripped away from them by an opposing
player, much as the ball is stripped during American football or rugby
even.  Quidditch seems to be a very rough sport, so I imagine that there
is a great deal of phyiscal contact, both attempted and accomplished.

    On the other hand, I don't think there is only one way of holding
the ball during a match.  Some Chasers may prefer to tuck the ball and
others, hotdogs that they are, may simply grab on and go.  Again, think
of American football as the analogy; there are many different ways for a
running back to hold a ball.  As an aside, I think James Potter was a
more grab and go type guy.  Since one is more vulnerable to having the
ball stripped when carrying it in this position, it would take a little
more skill to hang on and score.  James seems a like a flamboyant
guy--at least on the pitch.

Simon wrote:

> My guess on this is based on netball. In this sport when you have the
> ball
> you are only allowed limited movement (a couple of step or something
> in
> that line) and you move the ball down the pitch by passing it between
> yourselves and then running down the pitch when you do not have the
> ball.
>

    By netball, do you mean basketball?  I think this could be a
reasonable analogy as well.

BTW, have you guys tried the new Bludger Practise game at the WB site?
It is very difficult (at least for me) and really gives me a sense of
how difficult it must be to play Quidditch.

drpam