Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/simpleexplanatioOOstag PRICE 25 CENTS FOOT BALL SIMPLE EXPLANATIONS OF THE GREAT GAME .WITH DIAGRAMS FOR SPECTATORS BY A. A. STAGG (Yale '88) H. L. WILLIAMS (Yale ox) SIMPLE EXPLANATIONS OF. THE GREAT GAME OF FOOTBALL WITH DIAGRAMS FOR SPECTATORS BY s A. Alonzo Stagg (End Rusher in the Yale University Eleven, 1888-89) and/ Henry L. Williams Y > (Half Back in the Yale University Eleven, 1890) .>■ Hartford, Conn. Press of The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company 1893 0? yov is iSdf) Copyright, 1893, by A. A. Stagg and H. L. Williams, All rights reserved. PREFACE. A general knowledge of the science of modern football is constantly becoming more and more widely diffused, but at the great matches a large proportion of those present have a very superficial knowledge of the game. The real enjoyment of the contest would be enhanced for all such many times if the cardinal points of the game could be clearly set before them and the first principles of the science of interference and defense simply demon- strated. It is with the hope of being able to acccomplish this, in part, and of thus contributing in a small degree toward the better appreciation among the general public of the game of football, which is becoming the greatest American sport, that the authors have produced the present edition. A. A. Stagg, H. L. Williams. Oct. 30, 1S93. 11 , IN GOAL GOAL LINE ,60AL, GOAL LINE 160 FEET tO tO z. o 2 ID CD a: o X o o 25 YARD LINE DO o o o Lul 1- ^ z z o 3 CD O X 3NH ayvA s? o X o 13 o 1- o o h- 133J 091 |-8 3NI11V09 HV09; "1V09 Nl 3NH 1V09 |-8 EXPLANATION OF THE GAME. In attending a football match for the first time the eye of the spectator is immediately drawn to the arrangement of the grounds on which the game is to take place. With the aid of the accompanying diagram but a word of ex- planation is necessary to make clear the purpose of the various markings. American football is played on a rectangular field, three hundred and thirty feet long and one hundred and sixty feet wide, enclosed by heavy white lines marked in lime upon the ground. For the convenience of the referee in fulfilling his duties, the field is marked by ad- ditional lines five yards apart crossing from side to side, the fifth from either end being indicated by an especially heavy one known as the "twenty-five yard line." The " center of the field " is located at the middle point of the eleventh line. At the center of the goal lines at each end of the field two goal posts, from fifteen to twenty feet high, are erected eighteen and one-half feet apart, and connected by a cross-bar ten feet from the ground. Two " teams " of eleven men each contest in the game. Seven of them, called the rushers, or forwards, stand opposing a corresponding seven of the opposite eleven, whenever the ball is down for a "scrimmage." The one in the middle is known as the center rusher, or center, and on either side of him are the right and left guards, the right and left tackles, and the right and left ends, respectively. The four remaining players are the quarter-back, right and left half-backs, and the full-back, who stand behind 1* the line of rushers and occupy positions which vary ac- cording to whether they or their opponents have the ball. The positions which the players will occupy when about to execute the different movements of the game are shown by the diagrams in the chapter describing the various evolutions. At the beginning of the game the ball is placed at the center of the field. The side in possession of the ball constitutes the side of attack, and endeavors to carry it down the field by kicking or running with it, in order to place it on the ground behind the opponents' goal line. The other side, forced to act upon the defen- sive, are drawn up in opposition, and strive to check their advance and to get possession of the ball themselves, so that they may no longer act upon the defensive, but become, in turn, the attacking party. The rules of the game (see final chapter), place certain restrictions upon the attacking side and upon the defense, and it is the attempt made in accordance with these rules by each side to retain the ball in their possession and carry it down the field through all opposition, in order to place it behind their opponents' goal, which furnishes in rough outline the essential features of the American game of football. Before the game is to begin the captains of the re- spective teams decide by a toss of the coin which side shall first be given possession of the ball. The side having the ball then places it down upon the center of the field and arrange themselves in any formation which they de- sire, behind the line on which the ball is placed, in prepa- ration to force it into the enemy's territory. The side acting on the defensive are obliged to withdraw ten yards toward their own goal, and are there drawn up in oppo- sition to await the attack of their opponents until after the ball is put in play. As the " center rusher" of the attacking side puts the ball in play by touching it with his foot and passing it back to some other player for a run, or a kick down the field, the rushers upon the defensive side are at liberty to charge forward to meet the attack. The clash following this charge constitutes the first actual encounter of the game. When the runner with the ball is caught, or " tackled," thrown upon the ground, and there held so that he can advance no further, he calls " down," whereupon the ball is " dead" for the moment, and cannot be carried for- ward or kicked until the center rusher again puts it in play according to rule. As soon as " down " is called, an imaginary line, cross- ing the field from side to side and passing through the center of the ball, immediately comes into existence. Each player must remain on the side of this line toward his own goal until after the ball is " put in play," and it is one of the duties of the umpire rigidly to enforce this regulation. Should any player cross this line and fail to return before the ball is " snapped back " it constitutes an " off side play," for which the rules provide a penalty. To again put the ball in play the center rusher places his hand upon it at the spot where " down " was called. The rushers then "line up" opposing one another, the line of attack being drawn closely together for a greater concentration of energy, while the defensive rushers are slightly spread apart to facilitate breaking through the line and stopping the advance, when the ball shall be put in play. The captain upon the attacking side then shouts some signal, understood only by his own men- which indicates the evolution that he wishes his eleven to execute ; whereupon the center rusher puts the ball in play by "snapping it back," that is, by rolling it back between his legs. Immediately behind the center rusher the quarter-back has taken his stand. He receives the ball as it is " snap- ped back " and instantly passes it to one of the half-backs or a man in the line, for a run, or to the full-back for a kick down the field. Thereupon the first " scrimmage " of the game takes place as the opposing team attempts to break through the line and stop the play. One side is not allowed to retain indefinite possession of the ball without making gain or loss. The rules pro- vide that if the side having possession of the ball shall fail to make an aggregate gain of five yards, or a loss of twenty yards, in three consecutive "scrimmages" the ball shall be forfeited to the other side at the spot where it was last down. To make this clear we will take a hypothetical case. We will suppose that the side of attack opens the game by the use of a wedge play from the center of the field, such as is explained a little further on in diagram 56, and that before the opposing side can stop them, they advance the ball eight yards toward their opponents' goal. They have advanced the ball more than the requisite five yards, therefore the referee will declare "first down." Thereupon the center-rusher will take the ball and when the team has "lined up" on either side of him, put the ball in play by rolling it back between his legs to the quarter-back. The ball is "in play" the moment the center has " snapped it back," and it is allowable for the opposing team to attempt to break through the line the instant the " snap " is made. We will suppose that upon this occasion the attacking side is able to advance the ball only three yards. The referee will then say, " second down, two yards to gain." This will mean that two yards must still be gained to make the total of five, which are necessary before " first down " can again be declared. We will suppose once more that the ball is again put in play, but that this time an advance of but one yard is obtained, thus making a total of but four yards in the two attempts made since the "first down." The team will be allowed but one more trial, and unless in the next play they succeed in making their total gain since the "first down" equal, or exceed, five yards, they will be obliged to hand the ball over to the other side. If the captain is doubtful whether or not he will be able to advance the ball the required distance and thus secure the "first down" once more, he will prefer to kick the ball and send it far down into his opponent's territory before they can secure it, rather than run the risk of having to give it up on the " fourth down " without gain. When the ball has been kicked or when the opponents obtain it by any means whatsoever, the next down is always counted as the first down, and so the game pro- ceeds. Advances by running are made by the player directing his course through one of the six openings in the rush line, or around the ends, according as the signal may direct. The signal also indicates the player who is to receive the ball. The runner is assisted in his course by the players who border on the opening through which he is to go. These seek to enlarge the space by pushing their oppo- nents to one side. He is further assisted by others of his own players, some of whom precede, to "block off" the opponents from "tackling " him in front, while still others follow to push him farther if he is checked. The players who are to precede and the players who are to follow change with the play according as each man is enabled by his position to adjust himself to it. Four points are scored when one side carries the ball across the goal line and makes a "touch down." The side making the " touch down" is then allowed to carry the ball out into the field as far as they may desire in a line perpendicular to the goal line and passing through the point where it was "touched down," in order that one of their number may attempt to kick it between the goal posts above the cross-bar. The other side mean- while are obliged to take their positions behind the goal line. Should the attempt be successful, it will constitute a " goal," and two additional points be added to the score. But whether the attempt be successful or not, the ball must be delivered to the other side, who will take it to the center of the field and put it in play in the same manner as at the beginning of the game. If the ball can be kicked between the posts and above the cross-bar by a "drop-kick" or "place-kick" by any one of the players, without having been previously carried across the goal line, it will constitute a "goal from the field," and will count five points. In case the ball is kicked or carried across the boundary line on either side it will be " out of bounds " and must be brought into the field at right angles to the line at the point where it crossed. This is done by the side which first secures it after it passes out of bounds. It is usual to bring the ball into the field from ten to fifteen yards and then to place it upon the ground for a "scrimmage" as from a regular down; though the ball may be passed in, to any one of the players, at the point where it went out, provided that it is thrown in at right angles to the side line; or it may be " touched in " at the same point. Spectators who are not thoroughly acquainted with the game frequently find it difficult to distinguish between a " touch-down ", a " touch-back ", and a " safety ". A "touch-down" is made by carrying the ball across the opponents goal line and there holding it upon the ground, or by blocking a kick made by the opponents and then obtaining the ball while it is behind their goal. A " touch-down " scores four points. The ball is frequently kicked across the goal line from some point in the field and there secured by one of the opponents behind their own goal. This is a so-called "touch-back," and counts nothing. The side making it is then allowed to carry the ball out as far as the " twenty-five yard line " and from there either kick it or put it in play in the regular way. A " safety" is made when the side having the ball in their possession are forced back by the opponents behind their own goal line and are then obliged to place it down upon the ground ; or when the ball is secured by a player behind his own goal when the impetus which caused the ball to cross the line came from any member upon his own team. When a " safety" is made the other side are allowed two points for thus forcing their opponents to touch the ball down behind their own goal. A " punt " is a kick made by dropping the ball and then kicking it before it strikes the ground ; a " drop kick " is made by dropping the ball and kicking it the instant it rises from the ground ; while a " place kick " is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed upon the ground. The game is divided into two halves, of three-quarters of an hour each. At the end of the first half the teams change sides so that the advantage of wind or sun will be equalized as nearly as possible. The side scoring the greatest number of points will be declared the winners. Note. — The following diagrams with explanations are taken from our more advanced work of 275 pages, en- titled, "A Scientific and Practical Treatise on Ameri- can Football for Schools and Colleges," which con- tains seventy diagrams with full explanation of more than one hundred and twenty-five plays, including line-wedges, revolving wedges, flying wedges, criss-cross plays, double pass plays, opening plays, and a large number of trick plays, in addition to all the standard plays used at the present time in the foremost universities. The book also contains separate chapters upon the (i) CENTER, (2) GUARD, (3) TACKLE, (4) END, (5) QUARTER- BACK, (6) half-backs, and full-back, with full directions as to how each position should be played, with many hints and invaluable points ; also exhaustive chapters upon training, field tactics, signals, and notes for hand- ling a team upon the field. All football coachers, players, and those who care for more than a superficial under- standing of the game, are referred to this book. EXPLANATION OF THE DIAGRAMS. Before passing on to consider the following plays, a few words of explanation will be necessary. The side of attack in every instance, when in their regular positions, will be represented by the solid dots ,© 9 ,#) > an d the side acting on the defensive by rings (O O O). When it is desired to represent a player in a position other than that which he originally occupies the figures O O O will be used. The broken line ( ) will represent the course of the ball in the pass and the direction taken by the runner who receives it. A simple dotted line ( ) will be used to in- dicate that a player is to follow the runner with the ball, while the solid line ( — — ) indicates that the man shall pass in front to act as a line-breaker or interferer. The arrows indicate the direction which the players shall take. The men represented by the letters given in the diagrams are as follows : c, indicates the center ; qb, the quarter-back; rh, lh, re, and le, the right and left half-backs and right and left ends respectively ; the right and left tackles are indicated by R t and l t ; while f-b represents the full-back. It must be distinctly understood that the drawings are in a measure diagramatical and do not in all in- stances represent accurately the relative distance be- tween the players. For example : in the diagramatical representation, wide spaces are left between the individual men in the rush line, while as a matter of fact, when the game is in progress, the rushers stand so closely together that they can easily touch one another and are frequently placed shoulder to shoulder. This manner of representation has (75) 7 6 been decided upon as conducive to greater clearness in showing the relative positions and directions where a number of men are obliged to pass through one opening, and in case the beginner is misled by this in any way, his error will be readily corrected by careful study in other parts of the book. In arranging the positions of the side acting upon the defensive, the quarter-back has been placed immediately behind one of the tackles while-, a half-back has been brought forward and stationed behind the other tackle. The abilities of the two half-backs should determine which position they shall occupy ; the points to be con- sidered being the ability to catch the ball when it is kicked, and the qualification for meeting the heavy tack- ling in the line. Sometimes it is preferable upon the third down, or when the ball is to be kicked, that the half-back stationed behind the tackle should immediately return to his proper position. At all other times the quarter-back and half-back usually remain directly behind their respective tackles as indicated, after the ball is snapped, until it be- comes clearly apparent through which one of the openings the opposing side is to make their attack, and then to spring forward directly into this breach and meet the on- coming runner in the line. This is considered a safer and more powerful defense than to have either one of these men attempt to break through, in the hope of meeting the runner behind his own line before he reaches the opening, and is the method adopted by the leading college football teams in the country. When opposed to a team using the running game almost altogether, both half-backs may be sent for- ward to support the line, the full-back alone remaining well behind the line for safety. 77 It will be noticed that the ends upon the side acting on the offense are placed near the tackles and are drawn slightly back from the line. We believe that the ends are in the strongest possible position for an attack in any direction when they stand about a yard and a half from the tackles, and about a yard back from the line. From this position they are of equal value in blocking, should the play be made around their end, while in plays through the center and around the opposite end, their position back from the line enables them to get into the play with far greater rapidity, and wellnigh doubles their efficiency. From a position in the line the running of the end, with the ball, which may be made a power- ful play, would be extremely difficult. Nearly every diagram represents two plays or more, and it should be borne in mind that, whereas in the diagram a play may be represented as made to the left, the same play may also be made to the right, and vice versa. In representing the arrangement of the men in the wedges and in the opening plays from the center of the field, the formation is given which in the majority of cases would seem to be most advantageous. But this arrangement need not be considered fixed and may be changed at the discretion of the captain. 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American football is pre-eminently a game for the practice and display of what is known as ' ' team play. " No other game can compare with it in this particular. Not that the individual element in skill, in physical capacities, in strategy, and headwork are overlooked, but these are made subservient to the intent of the particular play in hand, and so adjusted to that play as shall best contribute to its success. To get eleven men to use their individual strength, agility, and speed, their wit, judgment, and courage, first in individual capacity, then working with one or two companion players, then as eleven men work- ing as one, is a magnificent feat in organization and generalship. The individual element, perhaps, is most prominently set forth in defensive play, although there is abundant opportunity in offensive play also for it to show itself; but individual and team play are so closely joined, as a rule, that the beauty of the latter is heightened as the individual efforts of each player are perceived. In defensive work the players have more reason to feel their individuality, because they are often compelled to combat alone one or more opponents before they can get an opportunity to tackle the runner. The defensive system, however, gives. a splendid chance for clever team play in the placing of the players, in the general and particular understanding that certain men shall nearly' always go through to tackle behind the line; that certain others shall wait to see where (221) the attack will be made and there hurl themselves against it ; that others shall go through the line, or not, just as it seems wisest at the time; and that still others shall never involve themselves in the scrimmage, but act only when the play has been carried into their territory. Furthermore, there is constant opportunity for the exercise of team play in the working together of certain players of the rush line in defense, and also in the work- ing together of any two or three players at special times; for example, when one or two men sacrifice themselves to clearing away the interferers so that a companion can tackle the runner; when one follows hard after the runner to overtake him, if possible, even after having missed a tackle; or helps check him from further advance when tackled, or endeavors to secure the ball. In the rush line the center and guards work together in defense, having an understanding with each other and with the player hovering in their rear, whenever it seems best to try to let him through on the opposing quarter- back or full-back, or whenever a special defense for certain plays seems best. Likewise the ends and tackles are closely joined in team play, in that they are the players relied on to stop the end plays and those between tackle and end. The most perfect adjustment and team work is needed in doing this, for they play into each other's hands while, at the same time, they seek to tackle the runner. Similarly, but less closely, do the guards and tackles work together in defense against certain plays. It is an essential point in the working out of this team play between the different parts of the rush line, that the players study most carefully the positions they should occupy to meet the different kinds of play — how far from each other they should stand for this play, how 223 far for that. In doing this, they must have regard for their own freedom to attack, not allowing themselves to take a position where they can easily be tangled up, nor one in which they can give their opponents an advantage in blocking them. Except on wedge and mass plays, the players in defense should draw their opponents apart sufficiently to give themselves space to break through on either side The backs supplement the work of the rushers in defensive play, arranging themselves behind the rush line at such distances from each other and from the forwards, as shall give the strongest defense. In that degree in which they make their work strong in team play, will they give the rushers encouragement and sup- port in going through the line. The forwards will thus be enabled to play as a unit, because they know that there is a reserve force directly behind them to lend them assistance and make their play safe. The backs work together in special defense on a kick, arranging themselves, either one or both, in front of the catcher to protect and encourage him, and to secure the ball, if muffed; or one stands behind to make the play safe, or to receive the ball on a pass from the catcher for a run or kick. The ends sometimes come back with their opponents at such times, to bother them all they can and to be in a position to interfere for the catcher, if he runs. The backs, also sometimes have a chance to help one another out by blocking off opponents, while one of their number makes sure of a rolling ball which, perhaps, has been kicked over the goal line or into touch. When one side has the ball, it is often possible for the opponents to guess in which direction it will be carried, by the way the half-backs or quarter-back stand; by their 224 unconscious glances in the direction they will take; by certain anticipative movements of the muscles; by false starts before the ball is put into play. Further informa- tion is often given by the rushers themselves — often by the rusher who is to carry the ball. Frequently the players who are to make the opening indicate by the way they stand, by shifting their positions after the signal is given, or by certain actions peculiar to them at such times, the general direction of the play, and, perhaps, the exact place at which it is aimed. All this is most valuable information and ought to be imparted to the rest of the team whenever sufficiently positive to be of service. Indeed, the team play of the future will not be considered satisfactory without a set cf signals being used to spread just such information. At the same time that it is possible to gather much information of this character from the side with the ball, it must be remembered that shrewd players, knowing how they are watched for these tell-tale signs, have cultivated certain false motions, and are using them as points in strategy to deceive their opponents into expecting a differ- ent play from the one which is actually made. From the foregoing, one draws the lesson to hide the intended play. At least, the play must not be indicated by any of these signs which the green player, and too often the experienced player, shows. Thoughtful self- control in every particular is what each player must cultivate, if he would do the greatest service for his team. Now and then, also, in offensive play the maneuver resolves itself into a test of individual skill, speed, endur- ance, and headwork; but this is nearly always the out- come of team play in the first part of the movement. Occasionally a mishap furnishes a player a chance to make a run wholly through his own unaided efforts. 225 The history of the evolution of the hundred and more plays in American football is the history of the develop- ment of a "team" game. The perfecting of this has largely increased the number of combinations now possible and has given a wideness in variety of play, and at the same time a defmiteness of action for each play, which makes it possible for every member of the eleven to assist powerfully in its execution. In fact, the execu- tion of the play depends on every player doing his particular work for that play. Hence, the interdepend- ence of the players is very close from the moment the ball is down until the run is made, or until a fair catch or a down by the opponents declares that the ball has been released. It is therefore exceedingly important that the adjustment of every factor in the play be made with per- fect skill and in exact sequence, from the beginning till the end. It is most important, however, that the starting of the play be well made, for no amount of cleverness afterward can atone for a bungling start. Team play from a scrimmage should begin the instant the center receives the ball from the hands of the runner (which should be immediately after he is stopped). Every rusher and back should be in position for the next play, and the signal be given before the runner has had hardly time to rise from the ground. The delay of one man in taking his place might be sufficient to spoil the play, whether that man be a rusher or a player behind the line. As soon as the ball is in play the rushers must give their united support to the quarter-back and the runner, blocking their opponents, if necessary, long enough for the quarter to pass the ball and the runner to get well started. The center and guards especially must work together to protect the quarter while receiving the ball J 5 226 and passing it, and then all or part of them may move elsewhere to help out in the play, or may stay in their positions to make an opening for the runner. There must be the most united work in these preliminaries to the run. Irregular snapping of the ball, either in direction or in speed, which causes the quarter to fumble or to be delayed in getting it to the runner, a poor pass from the quarter, a muff or fumble by the runner, the letting of an opponent through too soon, are usually sufficient to spoil the play. The rushers will do well in the preliminaries if the runner succeeds in getting up to the line without en- countering an opponent, or in the end plays if he is able to get under good headway. They perhaps need only to make a strong blockade in those parts of the line where the particular play is in greatest danger of being checked, but in order to do this well they must regard each other's position as well as their own, touching elbows when necessary, or separating according to the line tactics deemed most effective at the time. The work of a part of the rushers consists in preceding the runner whenever possible, working together by strategy and combination to make an opening for him and his interferers to go through. The others follow closely from behind to render what assistance they are able. This work comprises the hardest part of the whole play, for it must be executed in the face of the strongest part of the resistance. The rushers can block their men for a second or two, but to block them from three to six seconds is impossible against good players. It is here that the interferers come into especial prominence and value, for they are to clear the way of these free oppo- nents. It is in anticipating the probable positions of the 227 opponents in the vital stage of every maneuver, and in providing the cleverest team play to meet each con- tingency, that a team excels in advancing the ball by running. Several things are especially necessary to produce skill, ful team play. First there should be a wise selection of players, and they should be placed in their final positions as early in the season as possible. There also should be such judgment in the arrangement of these players for each position as will produce the least friction in working out the plays, and that arrangement will usually be most effective in which there is the least delay and ill adjust- ment in making the plays quickly. There should be hard, systematic daily practice, backed by a close study of every play by each player in his particular position. The same players should be used together as much as possible, so that they can become thoroughly acquainted with each other's style of play and know each other's weak and strong points. In this way only can the fine adjustments and combinations which go to make up team play be brought about. Team play in interference can only be the result of a carefully-planned system in which every player studies the general directions laid down for each play with a view to perfecting his particular work, varying his position on the field whenever necessary, starting like a flash in this play and delaying somewhat in that, blocking his man in one game perhaps in a certain way and in the next in one entirely different, because his opponent plays differently, sometimes taking another opponent instead of his own, when he sees that he can be of more assistance by so doing, and, in fact, doing whatever will most conduce to the furtherance of the particular play in hand. In most plays the part which each player shall take in the interference can be laid out very definitely, but in the end play, and plays between end and tackle, only part of the interferers are to take particular men; the rest block off whatever opponents come in their path. It is in this free running that there are frequent chances for the display of fine team play in interference in striking the opponent at the nick of time, in pocketing him, in forcing him in or out as it seems best on the instant (the runner being on the watch for either), and in the runner some- times slowing up to let an interferer who is close behind go ahead to take the man. Very often the reason that a play is not successful is because the interferer is too far in advance of the runner to be of any service to him. Interference must be timely to be effective. It must be the projecting of a helper at the moment a point of diffi- culty arises — the swinging into line of a series of helpers in timely sequence as the runner advances. Nor must the runner be delayed by the interferers except, perhaps, when the guard comes around on an end play where it is necessary to slow up a little at a certain point to let the guard in ahead. The execution of nearly all the play? depends for its success on each player doing his duty at the right moment. Here and there in certain parts of the play one or more pla)^ers must delay a particular work as much as possible, otherwise their action would be immature and so value- less ; but for the most part, the movement of each player should be quick and definite, and those plays are most effectively made in which every player does his duty quickly. Naturally, the end plays and the plays between end and tackle require more delicate adjustment of the players in 229 the interference than do the center plays. In the latter, the interference nearly always must be done after the line has been reached and penetrated. Here the extra men, who rush to the opening as soon as they see where it is, will be encountered, while in the end runs an opponent is likely to show himself here and there and everywhere before the runner reaches the line. In all mass and wedge plays where the pressure is brought to bear on one point in the line, the team play is not nearly so delicate and skillful. The virtue in the wedge play, be it quick or slow, lies in the power to pro- ject great weight and strength on a given point, while at the same time closely protecting the runner. Every play should be made as safe as possible by having at least one player always in a position to get a fumbled ball, or in case an opponent secured the ball, to prevent him from making a run. Where there are so many parts to every play in snapping, handling, passing, and catching the ball, there is constant danger of a slip. The value of having one or more players behind the runner is frequently demonstrated also, when, by the aid of a timely push, the runner is able to break loose from the grasp of some tackier who has not secured a strong hold on him, and so adds several yards to his run. In running down the field on a kick the rushers should run in parallel lines two or three yards apart, for most of the distance, converging as they approach the man with the ball, in order to pocket him. The ends approach the catcher in such a way that he will be forced to run in towards the approaching rushers, if he runs at all. All must be on the watch to thwart a pass to another man. There is a nice point in judgment to be considered by the rushers in going down on a kick. The end men being so far away from where the full-back will stand when about to kick, can start instantly down the field, leaving the half-backs to block off their men if they come through too fast ; for the ends' first duty is to be under the ball when it falls. Occasionally, when kicking from near the side line, it may be necessary for the end next the side line to block his man or to push him back as he breaks through to go down the field. What the ends will do in this case, the tacklers should do nearly every time that a kick is made. Both tacklers should feel it their bounden duty to support the ends by going hard after them the instant they judge their opponents cannot reach the full-back in time to interfere with his kick. Hence, anjr tactics which they can put into practice which will enable them to block their opponents and, at the same time, not delay them in going down the field are the ones to be used. The tackles must bear in mind that the distance from their positions to the full- back is not very great, especially on the side on which the full-back kicks ; but while this makes the duty of blocking on that side greater, the other tackle can afford to take an extra fraction of a second from blocking his opponent and use it in a quicker start. On the guards and center rests the greatest burden in blocking their opponents on a kick ; for while there is not that openness in the line, as at the tackle and end, which will let an opponent through quickly, the distance to the full-back is here the shortest and it is usually here that tricks are worked by which one or two men are let through, one usually being the quarter-back. They must, there- fore, be very careful not to be over hurried in going down the field, remembering that it is their first duty to block, following the tackles and ends as soon as possible. If the guards and center are very skillful there need be no great delay in doing this, for it is necessary to check their oppo- 231 nents only long enough to enable the full-back to punt over their heads. Whenever it is possible for the guards and center to carry their men before them for a few feet, it is generally safe to leave them and go down the field at full speed It is comparatively easy for the center to do this at the instant that he snaps the ball. Generally there is too much blocking done and too little "follow- ing the ball." In this connection, as a help to the rushers, several points must be borne in mind by the full-back in kicking. It is not enough for him to kick the ball as hard as he can each time it is sent back for that purpose. That would be a poor performance of his duties. He must kick for his team's advantage always, and therefore must regulate the distance, and direct his kick with the utmost skill. Even long and puzzling kicks are dangerous unless closely fol- lowed up by the rushers; for, let a good dodging half-back get free, with one or two interferers in a broken field of opponents, and he will be almost sure of a long run. The full-back must take into account the ability of the rushers to get down the field in time to prevent a run or a return kick and punt accordingly. He may find it nec- essary to elevate the angle of his kick so that it will give his men time to get under it, or he may find it best to di- rect the ball straight ahead, in order to give his rushers the shortest distance to run, and at the same time be able to advance in the best formation for checking a run. At least, he must punt the ball where it shall be difficult for the backs to reach it quickly, and so give the rushers the advantage of a longer time to get under it. Especially must he be very careful not to kick the ball diagonally across the field without weighing well the risk involved; in com- parison with the chances for increased advantage ; for the risks are unusually large in such a kick. It would be well 232 for the full-back to give the rushers a signal as to the direc- tion he meant to kick. This should always be done when he intends to kick off to one side of the field, or when he purposes making a high kick or one outside of bound in order to put his men on side by running forward. The rushers would be able to work some splendid team-play on such occasions. The question of when to make a fair catch and when to run is well worth the consideration of the backs, who are the ones almost always called upon to exercise their judg- ment on this point. It was formerly judged best, in hand- ling a kicked ball, to make a fair catch on all occasions. To-day there is a division of opinion, some adhering to the old way, while others prefer to run whenever they get a chance. There are two points to be considered in deciding this question: First, whether it is possible to kick a goal from the place where the ball will fall, or whether a punt from that point would be desirable; second, whether it will add much to the risk of not catching the ball, if the attempt is made to run. It is clear, that when near enough to the opponent's goal to try a place kick, every effort should be made to secure a fair catch. When a goal from the field would be impossible, it is almost invariably best to run with the ball, unless this would add greatly to the danger of muffing it. Catching the ball necessitates a positive loss of ground before again putting it in play, and it is doubtful whether this loss is compensated by the advantage of putting it in play unmo- lested by opponents and behind the whole team under slight headway. In attempting to run the player will at the worst be forced to make a down, which would furnish only slightly less advantage than a fair catch, while on the other hand it presents opportunities for gain. AXIOMS. Line up quickly the moment the ball is down and play a dashing game from start to finish. Never under any circumstances talk about your hurts and bruises. If you are unable to play, or have a severe strain, tell the captain at once. He will always release you. When thrown hard always get up as if not hurt in the slightest. You will be thrown twice as hard next time if you appear to be easily hurt by a fall. When coached upon the field never under any circum- stances answer back or make any excuses. Do as nearly as possible exactly what you are told. Always throw your man hard, and toward his own goal, when you tackle him. Never converse with an opponent during the game, but wait until the game is over for the exchange of civilities. If you miss a tackle turn right around and follow the man at utmost speed ; some one else may block him just long enough for you to catch him from behind. Never play a " slugging game " ; it interferes with good football playing. Try to make a touch-down during the first two minutes of the game, before the opponents have become fairly waked up. Play a fast game ; let one play come after the next in rapid succession without any waits or delays. The more rapidly you play, the more effective it will be. Therefore (262) 263 line up quickly and get back in your regular place in- stantly after making a run. When thrown, allow yourself to fall limp, with legs straight, and then you will not get hurt. Do not try to save yourself by putting out a hand or arm ; it may be sprained or broken. If you are flat on the ground you cannot be hurt, no matter how many pile on top of you. Always tackle low. The region between the knees and waist is the place to be aimed at. When preparing to tackle, keep your eyes on the runner's hips, for they are the least changeable part of the body. Lift the runner off his feet and throw him toward his own goal. When not near enough to do this, spring through the air at him and hit him as hard as possible with the shoulder ; at the same time grip him with the arms and drag him down. Always put the head down in doing this and throw the weight forward quickly and hard. Crawl up on the runner when he falls and take the ball away if possible ; at least prevent its being passed. When the runner is in a mass, or wedge, drive in and lift his legs out from under him, or fall down in front of him. If the runner's feet are held, push back on his chest and make him fall toward his own goal. Don't wait for the runner to meet you ; meet the runner. Always have a hand in the tackle. Don't " think " the runner is stopped ; make sure of it. Follow your own runners hard; you may have a chance to assist him, or block off for him. Always be in readi- ness to receive the ball from the runner when he is tackled. Fall on the ball always in a scrimmage, or when sur- rounded by opponents. When the ball is kicked behind your own goal, or across the side line, do not fall on it 264 until it stops unless there is danger of the opponents being put on side. Put your head down when going through the line and dive in with your whole weight. Call "down" loudly, but not until it is impossible to make further advances. Squeeze the ball tightly when tackled, or when going through the line. Never under any circumstances give up because the other side seems to be superior. They may weaken at any moment, or a valuable player be ruled off or tem- porarily disabled. Let each man encourage the others on the team by monosyllables and keep up a " team enthusiasm." Be the first man down the field on a kick. Block your men hard when the opponents have the ball. Tear up the line, break through and stop every kick that is made. Never take your eyes off the ball after the signal has been given, if you are a man behind the line. Do not be contented with a superficial reading on foot- ball, but study it carefully, if you would master it. A Scientific and Practical Treatise ON AMERICAN FOOTBALL FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. A. A. STAGG. H. L. WILLIAMS. 2 75 pages. Bound in Cloth. Price, $1.25. Containing 70 full-page 'diagrams, with full explanations showing the exact position of every man and the method of effecting the interference of more than One Hundred and Twenty-Five plays, including line wedges, revolving wedges, flying wedges, mass wedges, criss-cross plays, feint plays, opening plays, tandem plays, and a great number of trick plays, in addition to all the standard plays used at the" larger colleges. Separate chapters on the (1) Center, (2) Guard, (3) Tackle, (4) End, (5) Quarter-Back, (6) Half-Backs and Full-Back. Chapters on Training, Signals, Field Tactics, Team Play, Axioms, and the Official Rules of the game. For sale by Belknap & Warfield, Booksellers, Asylum street, Hartford, Ct. ; A. G. Spalding, New York, Chi- cago, and Philadelphia, or may be ordered through any bookstore. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 029 714 193 4