three, and so on around
the outer edge to court six; although there is no rule to prevent
throwing the ball wherever a player pleases. As a general rule, the
more zigzag the path of the ball, the more open the game. Short passes
make a better game than long ones.

Players must remain in their own small courts except when progressing.
It is optional, however, whether any penalty shall be attached to
momentary stepping over the lines between small courts in the
excitement of rapid catching and passing. This point should be decided
before the game opens, and would probably be used only with
experienced players. No player may step over the outer boundary lines,
except to get the ball when it goes afield. A throw for a basket made
with even one foot outside of the outer boundary lines is a foul.

Guarding is done by holding the hands or arms over the opponent's ball
to hinder the aim, but neither the ball nor the holder of it may be
touched. Only one player is allowed to guard a thrower, no matter how
many players may be in the small court where the thrower stands. The
two opponents who first pair off at the opening of the game when
places are assigned, act thereafter as guards one to the other, no
other players being allowed to fill that office.

When two players have possession of a ball, the one who touched it
first has the right to it. If this cannot be decided instantly, the
ball is thrown up between them as at the start of the game, the
nearest player tossing it. For a good game this rule should be
strictly enforced, no discussion over the possession of a ball being
allowed.

When the ball goes outside of the outer boundaries of the court, only
one player may go after it. All of the players in the small court
through which it left this boundary may start for it, but the first
one over the line continues and secures the ball. Players from other
courts may not try to get a ball that thus goes afield. When a ball
has gone afield, the player picking it up must throw it from the point
where it is picked up to any court player. No running or walking with
the ball is allowed in thus returning the ball to the courts.

In playing on the ball, no player is allowed to hold the ball or to
run or walk with it. A player may turn around quickly with the ball,
but must throw it at once. A player transgressing these rules must
give the ball to his opponents--that is, to the opponent who has been
paired off with him.

FOULS.--No