Quidditch For Beginners
Quidditch is a popular sport in the magical world, similar to soccer. This section provides a brief overview of the rules and gameplay.
The Pitch
The Quidditch pitch is an oval, 500 feet long by 180 feet wide. A central circle, approximately two feet in diameter, is the 'release point' for the four balls.
At each end of the pitch is a 'scoring area' with three 'goalposts' supporting scoring hoops. The surface is usually turf, but can be sand, ice, or water in some countries.
The Balls
Modern Quidditch uses four balls.
The Quaffle
The Quaffle is a seamless, reddish, leather ball, twelve inches in diameter. Chasers use it to score 'goals' in the opposing team's 'scoring area'.
The Quaffle was first colored scarlet in 1711 to make it visible in muddy conditions. If a Chaser gets the Quaffle through a hoop, their team scores ten points, and the Quaffle goes to the opposing Keeper.
Controls Relating to the Quaffle
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Shoot (when within the 'scoring area'): B Button
The Bludgers
Original Bludgers were charmed flying rocks, but are now iron balls, ten inches in diameter. Two Bludgers are always present in a game.
Bewitched to chase any player, Bludgers typically fly at the closest player. Beaters use bats to hit Bludgers away from their teammates.
Controls Relating to the Bludgers
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To start a Bludger attack: Y Button
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To guide the Bludger: Control Stick
The Golden Snitch
The Golden Snitch is a walnut-sized ball with wings, charmed to evade capture. It is the fastest and nimblest, and also the hardest to spot.
The Seeker's role is to constantly search for the Golden Snitch, avoiding opposing players and Bludger strikes.
When the Seeker catches the Golden Snitch, the game ends, and their team is awarded 150 points.
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See the Seeker Power Bar on p. 20 and Seeker Controls on p. 15 to find out more about catching the Golden Snitch.
Golden Snitches have been known to evade capture for over six months.
The Players
A regulation Quidditch match has two teams of seven players:
The Chasers
The Chaser's position is the oldest in Quidditch, as the game originally focused solely on goal-scoring. There are three Chasers per team.
Chasers need a keen eye and strong arm for passing, catching, and shooting. They set up play by passing the Quaffle, avoiding tackles from opposing Chasers, and must be aware of Bludger attacks.
A successful Bludger strike will cause a Chaser to fumble the Quaffle, losing it to the opposing team. The Chaser's main goal is to get the Quaffle through one of the three goalpost hoops in the opposing team's scoring area, earning ten points.
Chaser Controls
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Shoot (when within the 'scoring area'): B Button
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Quaffle Control: C Stick (push and hold in desired direction of pass or shot)
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Special Move Shoot: B Button + L Button + R Button
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Special Move Tackle: B Button + L Button + R Button
The Beaters
Two bat-carrying players, known as Beaters, are the main defensive aspect of Quidditch. They are the only players allowed to wield a bat.
Beaters are busy hitting speeding Bludgers away from their teammates, especially the Chasers. When defending, they often launch Bludger attacks against the opposing Chaser carrying the Quaffle. Beaters do not score goals or handle the Quaffle.
Beater Controls
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To start a Bludger attack: Y Button
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To guide the Bludger: Control Stick (after pressing the Y Button)
Beginning A New Game
To learn the basics of Quidditch, you must complete Challenges at Hogwarts. You cannot compete against other Hogwarts house teams until these Challenges are completed.
Main Menu Options
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HOGWARTS: Begin tutorial Challenges.
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EXHIBITION: Take part in a match against the computer or a friend.
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Quidditch World Cup: Available after winning the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup.
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INVENTORY: Load a saved game, start a new game, view Quidditch Cards, and check extras.
Press A Button to select the highlighted option. Other options may become available to more accomplished players.
Starting Your Career at Hogwarts
1. From the Main Menu, highlight HOGWARTS using the Control Pad and press the A Button.
2. After an introduction, the Team Select screen appears. Highlight your favorite house team with the Control Pad and press the A Button. The Challenges screen appears.
Challenges Screen Information
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Selected Challenge: The shield highlights the currently selected team's player.
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Record level completed: Shows team, house, and school records. Beat this for a place in house team history.
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Best time: Your best time achieved for the Challenge.
3. Press the Control Pad to highlight a tutorial Challenge and press the A Button to begin. Follow your teammate's instructions.
Not all Challenges are available initially;
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