Anyone
who's seen a Harry Potter movie or read one of the books is familiar
with quidditch.
Each House at Hogwarts has a team and the teams
play against each other for the Hogwarts House Cup. The Goblet
of Fire introduces world class players in the Quidditch World
Cup.
In quidditch,
two teams of seven players on flying broomsticks assume specific
positions to score goals, play defense, and search for the elusive
Golden Snitch.
Chasers try
to score with the Quaffle, Beaters control the Bludgers, the Keeper
protects the goal, and the Seeker chases the Golden Snitch that
must be caught to end the match. The game can be quite dangerous,
especially during lightening storms or when dementors cause interference.
Real world quidditch
Harry Potter in full quidditch gear in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Today, quidditch has become a movie dream come true — as earth-bound games are played at Harry Potter parties, and real school teams in the US and UK do battle on campus in a modified version of the game played on the ground, resulting in ultimate contests of skill at national matches such as the Quidditch World Cup.
Quidditch controversies
As of 2022, American fans of quidditch have switched to quadball, the new name for the real-life sport that first took place at Middlebury College in Vermont in 2005.
In addition, organizers hoped the name change would also give the sport more opportunities to grow and not be bogged down by the trademark for "quidditch" being owned by Warner Bros.
The rules of the sport emain the same, with four balls on the field and four different positions, reflected in the new name.
How to play simple quidditch at home
We poor Muggles haven't yet learned how to fly, but this simple home version of quidditch -- for a party activity or backyard get-together -- can be just as fun with a little imagination.
1. First, you'll need a handful of cheap brooms you can pick up at any discount or dollar store. Also remember a soccer ball which will serve as the quaffle (for an indoor version a balloon can be just as fun.)
2. Next, divide players into teams such as Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin and assign a goalie to each of the teams.
3. Set up goals at either end of your quidditch field .... and have at it! Players must keep brooms between their legs at all times while attempting to kick the soccer ball into the goal. Set a time limit and award points for each goal. The team with the most points wins.
For a full-fledged version try these complete rules for playing Quidditch at home (with video goodness) that instructs on how to separate players into chasers, beaters, seekers, and keepers - and who gets to be the golden snitch.
More about quidditch around the Web:
Around the Web, learn more at top sites offering information on the history and background of the game including instructions on game play, related photos and videos, plus complete rules for Muggles who want to bring the fictional game to life in backyards and school playgrounds...
International Quidditch Association - The real world rules for Muggles including school team photos, upcoming schedule of matches, and membership information.
Quidditch
- Wikipedia - The complete look at the back story and history of the game including rules, positions and game progression with related photos, movie scenes, photos, plus lots of related references and resources.
The Encyclopedia of Quidditch - Rules of fictional play, historical timelines, notable teams and a complete A-Z list of terms, rules and fouls every quidditch player should know, including related references and resources from the Harry Potter Lexicon.
How to Play Quidditch at Home -
Want to organize a game for your next Harry Potter club or party? Here's everything you need including step-by-step instructions and game rules, materials and equipment list for playing the game (without the flying brooms.)