Chaser

A Chaser is one of the three player positions on a Quidditch team. There are three Chasers per side, and their primary objective is to score goals using the Quaffle, a red, leather-covered ball. Each goal scored by a Chaser is worth ten points for their team. They are the main offensive players in the game, analogous to forwards or strikers in Muggle sports.

The Chasers' role is to gain and maintain possession of the Quaffle, passing it amongst themselves to advance towards the opposing team's side of the Quidditch pitch. They must then attempt to throw the Quaffle through one of the three fifty-foot-high goal hoops, which are defended by the opposing team's Keeper. While pursuing their objective, Chasers must simultaneously avoid being hit by Bludgers, which are targeted at them by the opposing team's Beaters, and evade the defensive manoeuvres of opposing Chasers. Several specific rules and fouls pertain to the Chaser position:

• Quaffle Possession: A Chaser can wrestle the Quaffle from an opponent's grasp, but they are not permitted to grab any part of another player's body or broomstick.
• Haversacking: This is a foul committed if a Chaser's hand is still on the Quaffle as it passes through one of the goal hoops. The goal is disallowed.
• Stooging: A foul where more than one Chaser enters the scoring area in front of the goalposts. Only the Chaser in possession of the Quaffle is permitted inside this area. This rule was introduced to prevent offensive overcrowding of the goals. (Source: Quidditch Through the Ages)

A successful Chaser must possess a combination of exceptional flying ability, agility, accuracy, and teamwork. Key skills include:

• High-Speed Flying: The ability to move quickly across the pitch to create scoring opportunities or defend against opponents.
• Agility and Dodging: Quick reflexes are essential for evading Bludgers, opposing players, and the Keeper.
• Accurate Passing and Shooting: The core of the position requires precise throws to teammates and on-target shots at the goals.
• Teamwork: Chasers operate as a unit, using coordinated plays and formations to outmanoeuvre the opposition.

Several named tactical plays are employed by Chasers, including:

• Hawkshead Attacking Formation: A strategy where the three Chasers fly in an arrowhead formation towards the goals, making it difficult for the opposing team to defend against all of them. This was famously used by the Gryffindor team.
• Porskoff Ploy: A deceptive move where the Chaser with the Quaffle flies steeply upwards, drawing opposing Chasers with them, before throwing the Quaffle down to a teammate flying below.

Numerous characters are identified as Chasers throughout the series, playing for both Hogwarts House teams and professional leagues.

• Gryffindor
  • Angelina Johnson (also served as Captain)
  • Alicia Spinnet
  • Katie Bell
  • Ginny Weasley
  • Dean Thomas (served as a substitute)
• Slytherin
  • Marcus Flint (also served as Captain)
  • Adrian Pucey
  • Montague
  • Warrington
  • Urquhart
• Ravenclaw
  • Roger Davies (also served as Captain)
• Hufflepuff
  • Cadwallader
• Professional and National Teams
  • Gwenog Jones (Captain and Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies)
  • Petrova Porskoff (Chaser for Russia) (Source: Quidditch Through the Ages)
  • Glenda Chittock (Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies) (Pottermore)
  • Wilda Griffiths (Chaser for Puddlemere United) (Pottermore)

In the film adaptations of the Harry Potter series, the specific rules governing Chasers, such as Stooging and Haversacking, are not explicitly mentioned. The gameplay is depicted with a focus on fast-paced action rather than tactical formations like the Porskoff Ploy. (film) The video game Quidditch World Cup allows players to control a team's Chasers, executing special moves, passes, and shots to score points. (video game)