Hawkshead Attacking Formation

Chasers form an arrowhead pattern and fly together

towards the goalposts. Highly intimidating to opposing

teams and effective in forcing other players aside.

 

52

 

Parkin’s Pincer

So named for the original members of the Wigtown

Wanderers, who are reputed to have invented this move.

Two Chasers close in on an opposing Chaser on either

side, while the third flies headlong towards him or

her.

 

Plumpton Pass

Seeker move: a seemingly careless swerve that scoops the

Snitch up one’s sleeve. Named after Roderick Plumpton,

Tutshill Tornado Seeker, who employed the move in his

famous record-breaking Snitch catch of 1921. Although

some critics have alleged that this was an accident, Plumpton

maintained until his death that he had meant to do it.

 

Porskoff Ploy

The Chaser carrying the Quaffle flies upwards, leading

opposing Chasers to believe he or she is trying to escape

them to score, but then throws the Quaffle downwards

to a fellow Chaser waiting to catch it. Pinpoint timing is of

the essence. Named after the Russian Chaser Petrova

Porskoff.

 

Reverse Pass

A Chaser throws the Quaffle over one shoulder to a team

member. Accuracy is difficult.

 

53

 

 

Sloth Grip Roll

Hanging upside down off the broom, gripping tightly with

hands and feet to avoid a Bludger.

 

Starfish and Stick

Keeper defence: the Keeper holds the broom horizontally

with one hand and one foot curled around the handle,

while keeping all limbs outstretched (see Fig. G). The

Starfish Without Stick should never be attempted.

 

Transylvanian Tackle

First seen at the World Cup of 1473, this is a fake punch

aimed at the nose. As long as contact is not made, the

 

54

 

move is not illegal, though it is difficult to pull off when

both parties are on speeding broomsticks.

 

Woollongong Shimmy

Perfected by the Australian Woollongong Warriors, this is

a high-speed zigzagging movement intended to throw off

opposing Chasers.

 

Wronski Feint

The Seeker hurtles towards the ground pretending to

have seen the Snitch far below, but pulls out of the dive

just before hitting the pitch. Intended to make the

opposing Seeker copy him and crash. Named after the

Polish Seeker Josef Wronski.

 

 

55

 

T

 

 

here can be no doubt that Quidditch has changed

-232beyond all recognition since Gertie Keddle first

watched “those numbskulls” on Queerditch Marsh.

Perhaps, had she lived today, she too would have thrilled

to the poetry and power of Quidditch. Long may the

game continue to evolve and long may future generations

of witches and wizards enjoy this most glorious of sports!

 

 

56