Do you have a child who would rather stay indoors playing video games and watching television? If your child loves fantasy or is a huge Harry Potter fan, you can encourage him or her to get more exercise by organizing a game of Quidditch.
Yes, the game that was developed by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series is now a legitimate sport that has been gaining popularity in colleges across the country. It has become so popular that the final for the International Quidditch World Cup is held annually in New York City. Though there are no flying wizards and witches, the sport is re-interpreted to be played on the ground but the game tries to stay true to Rowling's description.
Here is an overview of the sport to help you organize your own Quidditch match this summer:
The Basics
The area is usually about the size of a hockey rink and three circular goals are allocated on opposite ends of the field. These goals are typically hula hoops on a stand. Throughout the game, all players must have their brooms between their legs except for the snitch runner, a neutral player usually wearing gold or yellow and sometimes even wings. In the Potter novels, the snitch is a magical object; in this game, it is merely a tennis ball tucked in a sock held by the snitch runner.
The snitch runner will run beyond the dimensions of the field and seekers will attempt to catch him or her. Catching the snitch runner will result in 30 points for that team, but if not caught, the snitch runner will return to the field at a specific time to taunt the other players.
The quaffle, typically a deflated volleyball and two bludgers, represented by dodgeballs are placed in the middle of the field. Once the snitch runner has gained a considerable lead, the game begins with the referee yelling, "brooms up."
Each type of player has a task to accomplish
Chasers - There are three chasers in each team and they will pass and shoot the quaffle into the opponent's goals.
Keepers - Each team can have one keeper in the game. The keeper protects the goal similar to the way a goalie in soccer would.
Beaters - Three or four per team, the beaters will try to hit the opposing chasers with the bludgers and block bludgers thrown at their team. When a chaser is hit by a bludger, he or she must step out of the game for a set period of time.
Seekers - The seekers will try to catch the snitch runner and are allowed to leave the boundaries of the field to do so.
The team that scores the most points in the allotted time is the winner.
So with a few household items, old sports equipment and some snazzy DIY uniforms, you can easily organize a game of Quidditch. This strange magical sport will surely get your fantasy loving child or adult moving and running this summer.
More from Kathrine:
Play Beach Handball and Get Fit
Kathrine played high school and collegiate soccer. Ever since then, she's always integrated fitness into her everyday life. She enjoys trying out new outdoor recreational activities during her spare time.
