Props

• Type: Quidditch Player Position
• Owners: Not applicable
• Maker: Not applicable

Props is a regional term, primarily used in Ireland, for the Quidditch player position more commonly known as a Chaser (Quidditch Through the Ages). There is no physical difference in appearance or equipment from a standard Chaser; the distinction is purely nominal. A Quidditch team has three Props on the field at any one time. Their primary objective is to gain and maintain possession of the Quaffle, a red, leather-covered ball. They pass the Quaffle amongst themselves and attempt to score by throwing it through one of the three fifty-foot-high goal hoops at the opponent's end of the pitch. Each goal scored is worth ten points for their team.

The role of a Prop requires a specific set of skills rather than inherent magical properties. Success in the position is dependent on the player's talent and training. Key abilities and tactics include:

• Flying Prowess: A Prop must be an expert flier, capable of high-speed manoeuvres, sharp turns, and sudden stops on a broomstick. Agility is crucial for evading opposing players and Bludgers.
• Ball Handling: Excellent hand-eye coordination is necessary for catching and throwing the Quaffle with accuracy, often while flying at great speed and under pressure from the other team's Props and Keeper.
• Teamwork and Strategy: Props must work cohesively, utilising offensive strategies to break through enemy defences. Famous Chaser tactics include the Hawkshead Attacking Formation and the Porskoff Ploy.
• Physicality and Defence: The position is physically demanding. Props must be able to wrest the Quaffle from opponents and defend against attempts to steal it.

The term Props is identified in Quidditch Through the Ages as the name used for Chasers in Ireland. The book notes that the reason for this particular name is “obscure” (Quidditch Through the Ages). The more common term, Chaser, was widely adopted after it was used in a letter by Gryffindor witch Gertie Keddle in 1162. Prior to this, the position was known as “Catcher.” The survival of regional names like “Props” indicates the long and varied history of Quidditch as it spread across the wizarding world.

The specific term “Props” does not appear in the seven main novels of the *Harry Potter* series. Its existence is known solely through the supplementary textbook, Quidditch Through the Ages. However, the position it represents, the Chaser, is fundamental to every Quidditch match depicted. Many of Harry Potter's friends and classmates were accomplished Chasers for their Hogwarts House teams. Notable Chasers for the Gryffindor team include Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell, Dean Thomas, and Ginny Weasley, who all played a significant role in the team's successes and failures throughout Harry's school years.

The name “prop” is also a key player position in the real-world Muggle sport of Rugby. In Rugby Union, the two props are part of the front row of the scrum, known for their strength. While the roles are very different, it's possible the name was borrowed as a regional variant to give the game of Quidditch more depth and history.