10 Species of Quidditch Player
There are so many ways to be a good Quidditch player and an asset to your team. Just like in the Animal Kingdom, across the sports scene you will see players with different talents. Though don’t get too comfortable, these talents could be used against you! Here I have identified ten types of player to appreciate and remain on guard for. Time to buckle up and whip out your cameras!
Note: This was written in no particular order, because they are all either a dream or a nightmare, depending whether they are playing for or against you...
What is said in the presence of a Rhino: "Good grief, here they come...” (or some blue card-earning variant!)
These players are powerhouses that can just plough through anyone. Often hero-runners, they are tough enough to run right for the goals and struggle through tackles with ease. If anyone even tried to tackle them, that is... other players may have a reasonable fear that trying to tackle a Rhino would actually result in themselves coming off worse.
What is said in the presence of a Hare: probably nothing, everyone is too busy struggling to stop them for a few seconds.
The Hare is another player who is likely to be a trusted hero-runner. Light on their toes, they can neatly dodge bludgers or the outstretched arms of other players. By style, they are ‘springy’, often jumping with perfect timing, whether that’s to help them dodge or block a bludger, or to block a goal aimed for the high hoop... or for a go-for-broke dive for the snitch. This also looks really cool, so it’s these players that are often snapped by the tournament photographers!
What is said in the presence of a Terrier: “I see you’re back again.”
The Terrier plays with resilience and determination. Their effort is at such a level that it translates into their physical ability, as they have the energy to put in their best non-stop. They are unpredictable and their game distracts and wears out their opponents. The Terrier are not intimidated by anyone, thus they will cause problems for everyone. Well, they can’t just make it easy, can they?
What is said in the presence of a seagull: “I’m free, pass to me …oh.”
Type: Interception, often by means of Speed, Agility or Strength.
The ball might be yours now, but soon it will be theirs. The Seagull is just as bothersome on the pitch as it is outside a fish-and-chips shop. Whether they use their reach or dart in front of your intended-receiver teammate, they will rudely interrupt your otherwise-perfect pass! Otherwise, if not the interrupting kind, a Seagull might yank a ball right out of your hands.
What is said in the presence of a Raccoon: “Don’t let them have it!”
The Raccoon is a cunning and analytical player that may be found in any position on the pitch. Often they will start to stand out when their team is faced with a rival team made up of more Rhinos. You might not realise you have encountered one, until it becomes clear that they never make the same mistake twice in a game. One to think fast, the Raccoon observes their opponent’s strengths and will avoid playing into their hands. They will try a variety of tactics until they find one which is successful.
What is said in the presence of a Homing Pigeon: “Watch out!” That’ll be all the advice you’ll get, because generally you can do little but watch their last act of doom.
Homing Pigeons are scarier than Voldemort The Homing Pigeon has sharp aim, which means a ball under their wing is bad news. Their feats may include scoring whilst far away from the goals, or beating a target in an area where they can’t deflect the bludger. A Homing Pigeon beater often intimidates their opponent by simply holding up their bludger for you to see. That’s enough... because it’s a silent threat to not come closer. They can and will kill beat you.
What is said in the presence of a Chameleon: “…oh, dang it!” (because you get a blue card for swearing on-pitch, people!)
They are the beater you don’t see until you’re beat, or the chaser you didn’t spot trolling until too late. There’s a price to pay for underestimating or not keeping an eye on them. Not that they’d make it easy for you to do so - they are subtle, don’t shout about where they are and they pick their moment carefully. Their playing style is almost like that of a hunter. Like the Raccoon, the Chameleon’s time to shine tends to be in games where their team cannot rely on muscle alone.
What is said in the presence of an Octopus: “How can they...?!”
As to be expected of someone with an intimidating amount of limb, the Octopus has a knack for multitasking. A skilled all-rounder who can fend for themselves, they are cool under pressure and seem to be aware of anything that comes their way. They are the chaser that can cling onto the quaffle whilst simultaneously escaping a tackle and fending off a bludger. Or the beater that will hold a bludger out of their opponent beater’s reach, then use it to beat a chaser a second later.
What is said in the presence of a wolf pack: “You mark that one… and you mark that one over there!”
This feels like an appropriate term for a group of quaffle players who can score, even when faced with an intimidating defence, by working as a team. They know and fully exploit the fact that it’s difficult to stop three or more players at once. By shaking off beaters and marking opponent chasers, they give each other a choice of passing options and multiple attempts to score. Often they have matched abilities so they can keep up with one another.
What is said in the presence of Meerkats: “Everyone’s a winner~!”
Meerkats work together as a unit. They utilise their entire team and everyone has a role to play. Each of them will either know what their teammates will do and trust them to make good decisions, or they will suggest and listen to their advice. They rarely blame each other when unsuccessful - not in favour of celebrating their successes. The team appreciates everyone’s abilities and contribution to the squad.... and then become known for this attitude by all around!
So, this rounds up the Ten Species of Quidditch Player. But anyone who plays Quidditch knows that there are far more than that, so tune in to the next article on the subject: Ten More Species of Quidditch Player!
