S. H. Shoveller is perhaps the greatest individualist the hockey
field has ever seen. His book, however, follows very closely the convention of the average athletic text-book, whether the subject chosen be football, cricket, racquets or lawn tennis. There are chapters on the history of the game, the equipment for the game, the elements of the game. Each position in the field is dealt with separately. There are some general hints on captaincy and team tactics ; the laws are set out and there is a concluding chapter, by far the most interesting part of the book because it is a personal record, dealing with some international matches and players. For the beginner such a book is extremely useful. It will give him the facts, and one must have facts. But a text-book such as this can really no more teach one to play hockey than a history of oil painting can teach one how to paint. The analogy is not unsound, for hockey, like every other game, is a romantic adventure. After we have been playing any game for a year we have begun to realize our own limitations and capabilities, and also the capabilities and limitations of the team with which we are playing. When a situation arises we follow the course best suited to our style of play and to the style of play of our side. After the elementary stage has been passed a game is learnt by example, by watching the tactics of better players, and from the advice of a team coach who will point out individual faults. A book such as Mr. Shoveller's makes agreeable enough reading, for the sportsman always likes to read about the game lie loves, but it is unlikely to be of great practical value to anyone with much experience of hockey.
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