Dopplebeater Defence
Move Information
History and Known Uses
The Dopplebeater Defence is mentioned by Ron Weasley during the wedding reception of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. While speaking with the famous Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum, Ron enthusiastically describes it as a new formation being tried by his favourite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons. Ron explains the move involves both Beaters hitting a Bludger at the same time toward the same opposing Chaser. Viktor Krum is unimpressed by the tactic, dismissing its name as “stupid” and considering the move itself to be rudimentary. He reveals that the Bulgarian National Team had already experimented with a similar manoeuvre, indicating that it was not as new or innovative as Ron believed.
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau of “doppel” and “Beater.”
- “Doppel” is likely derived from the German word “doppelt,” meaning “double,” or “Doppelgänger,” meaning “double-walker.” This refers to the double-impact nature of the move, with two Beaters acting as one.
- “Defence” is used here, though the move is described as an offensive tactic aimed at an opposing Chaser. It may be considered “defensive” in the sense that it aggressively neutralises an offensive threat.
Behind the Scenes
The Dopplebeater Defence is a detail unique to the novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and does not appear in the film adaptations or other supplementary materials.