Any number may play at this game. Two are selected to choose sides. Five points in the field are then marked out with stones or sticks, one for a home, the others for resting-places. One of the players from the side chosen to begin holds the ball (which should be a soft India-rubber one) and a netted battledoor with which to strike it. One of the players on the opposite side must stand near, in order, if possible, to catch the ball; and if she succeeds in doing this, the opposition side are out. The moment the ball has started, the player runs round the course marked : if she is hit by the ball, she cannot again play until three rounders are accomplished by some of the players on her side. If the ball strikes the runner when she has arrived at the post or the home, it does not count.