🤸 Cardinal Ball – Techniques & Stance Guide 👟

👟The Throwing Stance: Footwork is Key!

One of the most fundamental rules in Cardinal Ball is where you stand when you throw. Your foot placement determines a legal or illegal throw.

The Rule: All throws must be made from behind the front line of your pole. You can lean over the line, but your foot (or any part of your body touching the ground) cannot be on or over the line when you release the ball.

Consistently maintaining a legal stance ensures fair play and keeps the game competitive. Umpires (or fellow players) should watch for foot faults!

🏀Mastering the Bounce Throw

The “Mandatory Bounce Throw” is your primary weapon in Cardinal Ball. While it seems simple, a well-executed bounce can be very effective.

• The Goal: The throwing ball must bounce at least once on the ground before it hits (or attempts to hit) the opponent’s pole or target ball.
• Finding the Sweet Spot: Experiment with where you make the ball bounce. A bounce closer to your opponent’s pole might come in at a tricky upward angle. A bounce further away might arc more.
• Bounce Height & Power: Consider how hard you throw and how high the bounce is. Too soft, and it won’t reach; too hard, and it might be unpredictable.

Visualizing a successful bounce throw arc. The ball (red) bounces once before striking the target (yellow) on the pole (grey).

Tips for the Bounce Throw:

• Aim for the Pole: Sometimes, hitting the pole itself with a well-placed bounce can be enough to dislodge the target ball, especially if it’s not perfectly balanced.
• Consider the Surface: Grass, concrete, or dirt will all affect the bounce differently. Adjust your technique accordingly.
• Watch Your Opponent: See if they have trouble with high bounces, low skimmers, or bounces to a particular side.

🚀The No-Bounce Throw: Precision & Power

The “Optional No-Bounce Throw” is your high-risk, high-reward play. It requires accuracy but can net you double the points!

• When to Use It:
  • When you’re feeling particularly accurate.
  • If the target ball seems very stable and a bounce might not dislodge it.
  • When you need to catch up quickly and are willing to risk the penalty for a miss.
• The Aim: This is a direct shot. Focus on a clean release and a straight trajectory towards the target ball.
• Remember the Penalty: A miss means you retrieve the ball AND take two drinks (if playing with drinks). Factor this into your decision!

While there’s no specific bounce to illustrate here, imagine a direct line from your hand to the target. Accuracy is paramount!

💡General Throwing & Aiming Tips

• Consistent Release: Develop a comfortable and repeatable throwing motion. This will help with accuracy for both bounce and no-bounce throws.
• Follow Through: A good follow-through can improve your accuracy and power.
• Focus on the Target: Keep your eyes on the specific spot you want to hit on the target ball or pole.
• Practice: Like any skill, the more you practice your throws, the better you’ll become! Try different angles and power levels.
• Adapt to Conditions: Wind can affect lighter throwing balls. A wet surface can change how the ball bounces. Be ready to adjust!