Kansas University Weekly.
21
LITERARY.
It is only within the last two or three years that basket-ball has been played to any great extent. It was started as an indoor game, but it is now played nearly as much out-of-doors as within the gymnasium. Its adaptation for being played both within and out of doors is a great advantage, as there are few active, interesting games that can be played the year round.
When played within the gymnasium, usually the largest rectangular place obtainable is used. The baskets are circular in shape, about two two feet in diameter and one foot deep, and are fastened upon the wall ten feet from the floor. The mouth of the basket must be in a horizontal position. The regulation ball is a round foot-ball, eleven inches in diameter. When played out-of-doors the size of the field depends upon the number of persons playing. The average field is a little larger than a tennis-court. Here the baskets are placed upon poles so that the mouths are ten feet from the ground.
Two teams, each consisting of at least five men, are needed to play the game. There must be one center-man, two goal-keepers, and two guards on each team. The guards stand at the goal of the opposing team, their duty being to try to prevent their opponents from making a "goal," to get the ball when they can and then to send it back to their own goal. The object of the game is to make as many "goals" as possible, as each "goal" counts three points.
The ball is put into play by the umpire, who, standing in the center of the field, throws it. The ball must be caught by one of the centermen, and then it is in play. The center-man who catches the ball throws it to one of the goal-keepers on his own team. The guards may stop the ball before it reaches a goal-keeper or after it has left his hands, but must not knock it out of another's hands. It is considered a foul if any one holds the ball for longer than five seconds, also if any one kicks
the ball intentionally, knocks it in any way but with the open palm, runs with the ball, or holds another person to prevent him from getting it. When a foul is made, "time" is called by the umpire and the side making the foul must give the other side a free throw at the goal. The ball is then given to the umpire who starts it again. The game is played in two-halves of twenty minutes each. To be a good player one must be very accurate and quick in throwing and catching the ball. The main interest of the game depends upon this.
When played within the gymnasium great skill may be shown in throwing the ball against the wall and ceiling so that it will rebound at a certain angle. Those accustomed to playing within-doors get so used to practicing this method of play, and so interested in it, that they feel that the game played out of doors would not have half so much interest. But out of doors there is the freedom and fresh air missed within and that seems to compensate for the advantages given by the walls and ceiling.
There are now few colleges with well equipped gymnasiums that have not their basket-ball teams, and many colleges with gymnasiums too small for basket-ball have grounds where the game may be played in pleasant weather.
The game is especially well adapted for girls as quickness and accuracy count instead of muscular strength. In girls' colleges in the east where physical culture is compulsory in the Freshman and Sophomore years, one of the greatest events of the season is the match game which is held each year, between the Freshmen and Sophomore classes. All of the classes turn out in full force to see this great game. Often each class adopts some particular dress for this occasion. For instance, the members of one class may all dress as nuns, those of another may all wear white, so that the spectators present a very attractive appearance. Each team is vigorously cheered by the members of its class, and in case the Freshmen win a victory