Quidditch

Quidditch is the most popular sport in the Wizarding World. Originating in the 1000's, it is played all around the world. The sport of Quidditch involves two teams flying on broomsticks around an oval shaped grassy pitch. The teams attempt to score points through three rings by throwing various sized balls. Each player on the team (seven in total) has various tasks to complete, each task having a vast impact on the game.

The name "Quidditch" comes from the term "Queerditch Marsh", the place where the game originated. Spanning over a millennium, the sport of Quidditch has changed a lot to reach its current form. Below is some detailed information on all aspects of Quidditch.

The Team

A Quidditch team consists of seven players. These players include the following:

3 x Chasers
It is the job of the three Chasers to score the teams points. The Chasers have to handle the Quaffle (the largest ball) and throw it through the hoops. Each 'hoop' scored gives the team in possession 10 points.

2 x Beaters
It is the job of the two Beaters to protect their team from the two Bludgers, the powerful balls which fly around the pitch, attempting to knock players of their brooms. The Beaters have a club (similar to a baseball bat) which they use to knock the Bludger off course. (Or into the path of opponent's team.)

1 x Keeper
It is the job of the Keeper to protect the team's goal. The job is somewhat like a soccer goalkeeper. The Keeper uses no more than his or her hands, and is required to perform tricky manoeuvres on his or her broom in order to keep the hoops protected.

1 x Seeker
The job of the Seeker is considered the most important job of all. The Seeker is required to catch the Golden Snitch, a small, golden, walnut sized ball. The Snitch earns the team 150 points and stops the match. A game of Quidditch only ends when the Golden Snitch is caught.

The Balls

A Quidditch match is played with four balls. Each ball is different in all aspects and they are all equally important in the game play.

1 x Quaffle
The Quaffle is about the size of a football and is scarlet red. It is built with a Gripping Charm in order to help players catch it. It is also fitted with a charm that reduces its speed if it falls. After all, if it was dropped without the charm, it wall fall directly to the ground.

2 x Bludgers
The Bludgers are smaller than the Quaffle and are heavy and made of iron. They target players, attempting to knock them off their brooms. The Bludgers have to be restrained before a Quidditch match because they would attack anyone in their range.

1 x Golden Snitch
The Golden Snitch is considered the most important ball because it gives the team in its possession 150 points. It is small (about the size of a walnut) and has two wings. It rapidly circles the pitch and is extremely difficult to spot. The game of Quidditch only ends when the Golden Snitch is caught.

Move to Quidditch Rules

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