 Section 8 of a Scientific and Practical Treatise on American Football for Schools and Colleges by Henry L. Williams and almost Alonzo Stagg. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Section 8. The Halfbacks and Fullback The Halfbacks and the Fullback, who is practically a third halfback, stand usually from two to four yards behind the center of the line. They group themselves at short distances from one another and in a way to best assist in carrying out the play which is about to be made. There is a difference in the latitude given the halfbacks and fullback on different teams in arranging themselves for each play. Some captains require these men to occupy the same position on every play, claiming that it is of great advantage in obscuring the play to have a fixed arrangement. On other teams, the halfbacks and fullback are allowed to move about and shift their places to the position in which they think they can best help out the play. There is also a great difference among teams in the placing of the halfbacks and fullback in reference to each other and also in reference to the rush line. In general, the fullback is stationed behind the center and usually about a yard or a yard and a half further from the line than the halfbacks. On some teams, these three play close together, separated by not more than a yard or a yard and a half. On others, they are separated from two to three yards and a half. There is also a decided difference in the distance behind the line which the backs play. This varies from two to five yards. The arrangement of the backs should, in a measure, depend on the style of game to be played and the style of game should be determined by the composition of a team. That is to say that if it is deemed wise to play a center game, it can best be done by bunching the backs. While, on the other hand, the combinations can be best made for an end game when the backs are more spread apart. Captains who are limited in the selection of their players will find it well worth their while to consider the arrangement of the backs, both in regard to their relative distance from each other and also in regard to the distance which they stand behind the line. Indeed, there is an opportunity for fine generalship in deciding upon the place for these ground-gainers. When the three men who are to occupy positions behind the line have been decided upon, there is also need of careful consideration in determining which position each one of the three shall fail. The fullback is usually selected for his ability to kick, and yet it is sometimes better that the man occupying that position should act as a halfback until the signal for a kick is given and then drop back, while a halfback sometimes could do more effective work in the middle position during the general play. If one of the backs is slow, his best position is usually at fullback, for there he receives the greatest protection and help. The light, quick men can succeed better at halfback than the slow, heavy men. It frequently happens that one of the backs invariably carries the ball under the right arm and is able to use only the left effectively in blocking off, or vice versa. This back should be considered in determining which position the men shall occupy. It is unfortunate for a halfback to be so limited, but many of them are, and they do not practice with the other arm enough to train it. Some naturally run in one direction better than in another, or some are sure and stronger afoot perhaps, when running around on a particular side. A player is sometimes put in the right or left position because the interference is stronger on that side, or possibly the arrangement is made to take advantage of a certain known strength or weakness in the team which they are to meet. The halfbacks and fullbacks are largely the ground gainers for the team, and most of the advances into the enemy's territory are made by them. For this reason, only men who possess special qualifications are selected to fill these positions. In quickness and agility, they should equal the quarterback. In point of speed, ability to dodge, courage, and dash, they should be unequaled by any man on the team. Again and again, they must rush headlong into the line, oftentimes only to be hurled back by the opposing rushers who plunge through upon them. Yet, never losing courage. Again and again, they must come to the rally, now attacking the opponent's center by heavy plunging, now trying to make a detour around the wings. Two great emphasis cannot be placed on quick starting. The inability to get under headway quickly is very often the difference between a first rate halfback and a second rate one. The second rate halfback may be just as fast a runner, and may be just as hard to stop when once underway, but he does not get under headway nearly so often, because he loses so much time on his start that he is tackled before he passes the critical point in the run. On all plunges into the line, the utmost speed must be used in conjunction with the quick start. The distance is very short in which to get under headway, and there is need of the greatest force to project the runner through the resistance, as well as need to reach that point of resistance in the shortest time. It is common with many elevens to have one heavy back to do the plunging into the line, but frequently this man is so slow in his start that he is not so effective for line breaking against the strong defense, as the lighter man would be. It very frequently happens that in choosing the halfbacks, men have to be selected who have only part of the qualifications for the position, who perhaps can run fast, or again are what are termed fighters, but lack some of the other requisites. When such is the case, the captain should immediately take means to train these men in the other necessary qualifications for good halfback play. It is indispensable that a halfback should be able to run into a line hard, time and again, and with no fear or hesitation. It is likewise most necessary that a halfback should be a powerful runner and not easily stopped, one who does not fall easily, but keeps his feet well when tackled, and struggles on for the gain of a few feet. But he would be a much more useful man if, at the same time with this pluck determination and ability to stand on his feet under difficulties, and keep struggling forward, he also had the ability to dodge an opponent or ward him off with the extended arm, instead of running straight into him. Dodging and running can be cultivated through the study and practice of its points of deception. The underlying principle is the quick movement of the body, or a portion of the body, from a point where it would have been if it had continued in the same direction. In the most simple form of dodging, the runner suddenly changes his direction. As usually practiced, the runner is obliged to slow up a great deal in order to change his course, and all dodging, the runner, if at topmost speed, must slacken speed a little, just before he reaches the tackler, in order to reduce the size of his stride so that he may have a proper balance for projecting the body in another direction, or so that he may make certain preliminary body motions which cannot be made when at full speed. There are several ways of dodging, but one man seldom possesses more than one or two, the zigzag dodge, which used to be so common when individual running and poor tackling were in vogue, is performed by a combination of leg and body faints. Its weakness is that it retards the runner too much. In another dodge, the runner strides suddenly one side with a long step. This is a very effective method for long-legged runners. In another, the runner sways his body from one side to the other, the legs being planted wide apart as each step is taken in a zigzag course. The runner moves in the same general direction until the opponent has reached and then darts to one side. Still, another dodge is made by drawing the hips away, and in this dodge a clever use of the arm is valuable. It is one of the most effective, since the hips are usually the part aimed at in tackling. Another way is to duck under a tackler by bending the body low at the waist. This is practiced most effectively by small men and is most valuable against high tackling. Another method is to turn the body completely around when about to be tackled upon one foot as a pivot. This comes into splendid use when the tackler has been unable to grasp the runner with both hands. In another form of avoiding a tackler, the runner, on being approached from the side, slows up a little, whereupon the opponent delays just long enough to allow him to go around by putting on a burst of speed. Good dodging is not complete unless there is added to it the power to use the arms well in warding off. The latter supplements the former most effectively when well done. When the tackling is high, or when the runner is well bent over, the arm should be extended against the face or chest of the opponent. Often, on a long diver reach for the hips by the tackler, the runner can break the hold by striking down with his arm. All the above styles of dodging can be acquired by practice. It is better to practice them with only one or two men to act as opponents after the movement has been learned. There is another requisite needed by the half-back in addition to dodging, and that is the ability to follow and interfere or interfere as well. Half-backs differ greatly in skill on this point. The work of escaping a tackler should not rest wholly in the interferer's hands, as it so often does. The half-back should supplement the latter's work by taking advantage of the protection given him to work every ruse and think he knows. Where there are several interferers, there is a chance for the runner to move from one to the other as occasion suggests. It needs quick wit and agility to follow interferers well, but much can be learned by practice with or without opponents, and every half-back should devote himself to perfecting his play in this particular. The half-backs must be good catchers, not only of kicked balls, but also, and especially, of balls passed from the quarterback. Oftentimes, the falls of a muff or a fumble can be laid to a poor pass, but if the quarterback is unsteady on his part, there is all the more reason that the half-backs and full-back be skillful catchers. If weak in catching, much practice should be given by the half-backs to perfecting themselves. They should work at this in conjunction with the quarterback in order that they may get used to each other. In catching short passes, it is usually better to catch the ball with the hands. This is sure because the hands can adapt themselves much better than the arms to the position and shape of the ball when a man is running. In running sideways to the pass, as it is necessary to do in so many plays, the arms could not be used without checking the speed, while there need be no diminution in speed when the ball is caught in the hands, provided the quarterback does his work well. There are three ways of carrying the ball, and each has its proper occasions for use. When the play is straight through the center, the general order to the half-back is to put the head down on a level with the waist, gathering the ball up under the body with both arms, because there could be no use for an arm to ward off an opponent until the line has been penetrated, and there is great danger of losing the ball by the pulling and hauling to which the runner is subjected. After the runner is well through the line and has a chance to run freely, he should transfer the ball to the side of the body opposite the arm with which it is necessary to ward off. The runner should look for opponents as he emerges from the opening, and likewise for interferers. Where the play is through, the more open part of the line, the runner should usually carry the ball under the arm, which is away from the opponents who are likely to meet him first, shifting it to the other arm when necessary. In this case, likewise, it is occasionally better to carry the ball in both hands until there is need for warding off an opponent, at which moment the ball can be easily shifted to whichever arm it is desired. This provides for any emergency. This way of carrying the ball is especially valuable in dodging, since the ball can be placed quickly under either arm and a better defense made. For if forced to dodge, the runner may transfer the ball to the arm away from his opponent and have the other free to ward off. By moving the ball from one side to the other in front of the body while running, the dodge will be made more effective. In carrying the ball under the arm, it should be held well forward because it can be held more tightly in this position. The reason why the ball is often pulled out from under the arm is that it is held so far back that the strong muscles of the chest are of little assistance. When held in this position, the ball is often forced out from under the arm when the runner is thrown to the ground. By testing these two positions, it will be easily seen which is the safer way. If a runner is inclined to lose the ball, he should practice squeezing it in the most approved manner until he has trained himself to hold it fast under all circumstances. We have already spoken of the runner getting under headway quickly. It is also necessary that he should run with all his speed, whether he plunges into the center part of the line or follows the interference out to the wings, unless he is obliged to slow down in order to receive the ball, to let a runner in ahead of him or to get by an opponent. No runner is so invincible in all his play as he who rushes with all his strength, who shows by his every movement the determination and power with which he is charged, who inspires in his opponents a hesitancy and dread of tackling him, who never gives up when tackled but keeps struggling on, twisting, squirming, and wriggling himself out of the grasp of one after another until he can no longer advance. Such a man is worth a dozen who hesitate. The dashing runner is the one who usually makes the advances. If he goes through an opening he goes through on a jump. Such a man, when checked, will keep his feet and legs going like a treadmill and will bore his way through in spite of resistance. This sort of pushing accomplishes wonders. For effective application of power it is worth vastly more than the same amount of force applied slowly, for the attack is sudden and continuous. Its effectiveness, however, is altogether dependent on the head being well bent over, so that the whole weight and impetus of the body is forward, for the legs are then in a position to exert the greatest power. Another reason for running into the line well bent over is that it is much more difficult to tackle a runner when in that attitude. It is impossible to get under a short man in order to make a low tackle when he is coming straight toward one, and the result is that the tackler receives the runner's head in his stomach, or if he be good in the use of his arm, he will very likely have a hand thrust into his face or against his chest. At such times, the runner is very often able to slip past. Again, running with the head down enables the runner always to fall forward when tackled. This usually means a further gain of two or three yards. In running low, care should always be taken not to lose the balance. After considerable practice, the balance can be very well kept when running much bent over and still great speed be maintained. As soon as the line is cleared and there are no opponents very near, the runner should assume a more upright position so that he can run at his utmost speed, lowering his head whenever he thinks best. In making the end plays, the runner need not put his head down except, perhaps, when it is necessary to duck under a tackler. He must now put on speed up to the full limit of the interferers, following them very closely, now using this one and now that, according as the danger shifts. He must constantly be on the alert for changing his position to take advantage of every little help or to prevent from being pocketed, at the same time being ready to break away from his interferers if he sees he can gain more by so doing. In general, the runner should keep behind his helpers until the last, but now and then an opportunity comes which he ought to accept. The light-footed, agile man who can keep his balance well is physically best capacitated for running behind interferers. To do it while the runner should be able to change his stride to meet the emergencies which arise in passing from one interferer to another, or in following very close when a long stride would cause him to stumble over his interferers. Another requirement which the backs, or at least one of them, presumably the full back, should have, is the ability to kick. It would be well if all three possessed this ability, for there are times, now and then, when consternation could be brought to the opponent by the half-back returning a kick. But this could happen only occasionally, and it is much more important that the half-backs be especially strong in running with the ball, for that will be their main work. The full-back, however, should be a skillful kicker both in punting and drop-kicking. It requires long practice to punt well. The oval shape of the ball precludes simply tossing or dropping it from the hands and then kicking it to get the best results. The mechanical construction and adjustment of the muscles of the leg and body in their relation to kicking require careful study. Long practice is necessary to be able to regulate the power, and at the same time determine the angle and direction which the ball shall take. All the practice which the full-back can get to acquire skill in punting will be well repaid, for it will make him of inestimable value to his eleven. Where the full-back does not know how to punt, the following directions will be found helpful. Hold the ball between the hands, the ends pointing to and from the body, lacing up. Extend the arms horizontally in front and bend forward with the body until the ball is held just below the level of the waist. Take a short step forward with the foot not used in kicking, and at the same time drop the ball from the hands and bring the kicking leg quickly forward to meet the falling ball about knee-high. Do not try to kick hard at first. Attend simply to dropping, not tossing, the ball without changing the relative position of the axis. This must be closely regarded, or there will never be any certainty as to where the ball will go. The first point noticed by a novice will be that the ball reaches the ground before his foot meets it. This shows that the foot was not started forward soon enough. One way to obviate that difficulty is to drop the ball from a higher point. But the best point has already been selected, and the tardy member must be trained to be on time. It will also be noticed that sometimes the ball will meet the leg above the ankle. The aim should be to have the ball fit into the concave of the extended foot, and it will probably be necessary to give the ball a slight toss forward in order to make the kick powerfully. Care should be taken when doing this, that the ball is not turned or tossed so far that power is lost. In practicing in this way it will at first be noticed that the whole force of the blow will be given by using the leg from the knee down. This one can readily see. It would weaken the blow because the leverage is short in the muscles which extend the lower leg, not especially powerful, and at the same time it is very trying to the knee-joint. The most powerful kick would be one which had the leverage of the full length of the leg, thus bringing into play the strong abdominal muscles to add speed and power. In making this kick, the leg should be extended at full length, with toes pointed, and should swing on the hips as an axis. After the forward kick has been learned so that it can be well executed, the side kick may be attempted. In this case the ball is dropped a little to the outside. The great advantage in this side kick is, that if not too much on one side, a very considerable increase in power can be gained because a longer swing can be given to the leg, and because the swing is further assisted by some additional muscles which give increased power. Another advantage is that the full back can take a step to the side and kick around an opponent. In practicing, do not keep the leg rigid through all the swing. The muscles must be sufficiently lax to make the swing easy, the rigid contraction coming just before the foot reaches the ball. The angle at which the ball is kicked can be regulated by elevating or lowering the point of the ball farthest away from the body, or by dropping the ball in such a way that the position of the foot in the arc described by it shall regulate the direction which the ball shall take. If the kicker wishes to make a high kick, he drops the ball so that the foot reaches it when knee high or above, and when he wishes to make a low kick, he allows the ball to get closer to the ground before his foot meets it. By trial, it will be found that a point varying from about 6 inches above to 6 inches below the height of the knee is the place of greatest convenience in power. After punting and drop kicking has once been learned, the whole practice should be centered on kicking quickly. The ball should be caught, adjusted, dropped, and kicked just as quickly as possible. In practicing this, it will be found expedient to have several balls for the quarterback to pass. After practicing for a few weeks in this way, the fullback will find that he can stand considerably nearer the rush line and still avoid having the ball blocked. The drop kick is made by dropping the ball on one of the small ends and kicking it with the toe at the instant it rises from the ground. Some kickers prefer to have the ball lean toward them at a slight angle as it strikes. Others to have the ball lean slightly toward the goal and still others drop it with the long axis vertical. The latter style is most commonly used. Practice in all these will determine in which position the foot meets the ball most naturally. The ball should be kicked with a free and easy, though quick, swing of the leg. If close under the goal, the kick may be made more quickly with a short half swing. Whereas in punting, the leg is swung from the hip and the large abdominal muscles of the body brought strongly into play. In drop kicking, very accurate, rapid, and effective work can be accomplished when the swing is made almost altogether from the knee joint with only a slight swing from the hip. Beginners frequently make a great mistake in drawing the foot far back in preparation for a long drop kick by extending the leg below the knee quickly and suddenly so that the point of the toe will meet the ball at the instant it rises from the ground. Great distance can be attained with little apparent outlay of force. It requires a great deal of practice to be quick and accurate at the same time. The full back should place himself a little farther from his rush line in attempting the drop kick than in punting because the ball starts slower and it is not so easy to control the angle it takes. In trying for a goal from a place kick, the ball should be brought out to a spot from which the angle to the goal and the distance from it are most favourable for the trial. If the touchdown is made directly behind the goal or near it, the ball should not be carried far out into the field. A point should be selected where there will be no danger of the opposing rushers stopping the ball and from which it will be easy to kick the goal. Some men prefer to make the trial from a point not more than 10 yards away, while others carry the ball out 15 or 20 yards. The former always make a quick half swing of the leg and kicking, lifting upwards with the foot as they kick. The latter usually kick with the leg swinging full and free from the hip. The ball should be held between the outstretched hands of the quarterback or some other player as he lies extended flat upon his stomach. The best way of holding the ball is to place the fingers of one hand behind it about 3 inches from the lower end, the fingers of the other hand being placed at a corresponding point at the top and slightly in front of the ball. The ball should be held in firm but easy balance and the fingers should be so placed that it will be easy to turn it and at least interfere with it when placing it down for a kick. Great care must be given to holding the ball steady. When the spot has been selected from which the trial is to be made and the player who is to hold the ball has prostrated himself in firm balance on the ground at right angles to the line of direction and on the right or left side of the kicker, according to the foot which he is to use, the ball being properly held between the fingers with the elbows resting on the ground, the kicker must proceed to sight the ball. He first asks the holder to turn the leasing of the ball toward him, next he tells him how he wishes the ball to point and at what angle, if any, using such expressions as head forward and head up, meaning that the ball is to be tipped away from the kicker in the first instance and held vertically in the second. Other expressions like head out and head in indicate that the point of the ball is to be moved in or out in reference to the player holding it. The sighting of the ball toward the goal can be done best by using the leasing as a guide. The holder being directed to twist the ball out or in in reference to himself by the expressions, leasing out, leasing in. When the ball has been well aimed and everything is ready, the kicker should tell the holder to touch it down at the same time moving forward to kick. In touching the ball down, the holder must be very careful not to change the position. As the ball touches the ground, the lower hand is removed in order not to interfere with its course. It is well to remove beforehand all pebbles or tufts of grass at the spot selected for placing the ball down, for a slight unevenness is often sufficient to prevent a goal. The kicker should keep his eye on some point on the ball as he steps forward and aims to kick it in that spot. Practice beforehand will determine the best place to give the impetus. When the ball is vertical this spot will be found by trial to be very near the ground. When the ball leans toward the kicker, the best point for the kick is just below the leasing. The height of the point above the ground is nearly the same in both cases, but the point on the ball changes as the ball leans. If there is a wind blowing, the kicker must take into consideration its force and direction in pointing the ball. In catching kicked balls in long passes, it is usually better to catch them with the arms. Every effort should be made to take the ball when about waist high, for at that point the arms can be better adjusted to it. The body also, here much softer, can at this part be drawn into form a sort of pocket, as it were for the ball. Care must be taken not to have the ball strike high up on the chest, for it is then difficult to shape the arms well to receive it, and the ball rebounds much quicker from its firm walls. There are two ways of catching with the arms. In one, the arms work in conjunction with the body, the latter being used to stop the ball while the arms close around it. In this style, one hand and forearm should be held lower than the point of contact with the body, while the other hand and forearm should be held above that point. The arm should be bent and should not usually be extended far from the body. In the other case, the ball is caught entirely with the arms and hands. This can be done only when it is kicked well into the air. The arms are held parallel in front of the body about six inches apart, being half bent at the elbows and wrists. The instant the ball strikes, the hands are curled forward over it. The fault of catching in this way usually lies in the catcher failing to bring his elbows near enough together, and so leaving a space for the ball to go through. And nearly all plays the backs, from the nature of their duties, are among the first men to start. Their position behind the line renders their every motion conspicuous, and the watchful rushers upon the opposing team will be upon the constant lookout for some movement, glance, or position of the body that betrays the direction of the play which is about to be executed. On this account, the back should take the greatest precaution to conceal their intentions. It is of assistance sometimes in deceiving the opponents to assume a position as if being about to go in one direction when an entirely different move is intended, but if this is practiced too frequently, it will defeat its own end. End of Section 8 Section 9 of a Scientific and Practical Treatise on American Football for Schools and Colleges by Henry L. Williams and almost Alonzo Stagg. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Section 9, 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 and the side acting on the defensive by rings. When it is desired to represent a player in a position other than that which she originally occupies, the figures' dashed circles 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 indicate 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 player shall take. The man represented by the letters given in the diagrams are as follows. C indicates the center. QB, the quarterback. 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 RT and LT while FB represents the fullback. It must be distinctly understood that the drawings are in a measured diagrammatical and do not in all instances represent accurately the relative distance between the players. For example, in the diagrammatical 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 been decided upon as conductive 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 quarterback has been placed immediately behind one of the tackles while a halfback has been brought forward and stationed behind the other tackle. The abilities of the two halfbacks should determine which position they shall occupy, the points to be considered being the ability to catch the ball when it is kicked and the qualification for meeting the heavy tackling in the line. Sometimes it is preferable upon the third down or when the ball is to be kicked that the halfback stationed behind the tackle should immediately return to his proper position. At all other times, the quarterback and halfback usually remain directly behind their respective tackles as indicated after the ball is snapped until it becomes 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 oncoming 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 together, both halfbacks may be sent forward to support the line, the fullback alone remaining while behind the line for safety. 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 place 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 well-nigh doubles their efficiency. From a position in the line the running of the end with the ball which may be made a powerful 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 to the discretion of the captain. For special reason too it may in some instances seem best to alter the arrangement of the interference so that the positions of the preceding and following runners shall be interchanged. When there is sufficient reason for doing so there should be no hesitation in making the alteration. When nothing is said as to duties of a player in the description of the diagrams it will be understood that the player blocks his man. End of Section 9 Section 10 of a scientific and practical treatise on American football for schools and colleges by Henry L. Williams and Amos Alonzo Stag. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Section 10 plays with diagrams Part 1 Halfback between guard and center on his own side. To send LH between LG and C the halfbacks stand about three yards behind the rush line directly in the rear of the opening between guard and tackle FB stands directly behind center about four yards from line and the ends play in the line about one and one half yards from tackles or as shown in Diagram 5. Footnote The positions of the backs behind the line may vary from two to four yards dependent upon the quickness of the men in starting. And footnote The instant the ball is snapped LH FB and RH dash forward for the opening between LG and C LH receives the ball from QB as he passes him on the run and strikes the line at utmost speed between LG and C with head down as low as the waist and the ball clasped tightly into his stomach with both arms. At the same instant the ball is snapped LG lifts his man back into the left C lifts his man back into the right to make an opening while the ends and RT pass through the line at full speed in the lines indicated to be ahead of and interfere for LH and KC succeeds in getting through FB and RH following directly behind LH at full speed push him with all their might as he strikes the line The instant QB has passed the ball he follows behind LH and helps push him Note Many times when the runner is apparently blocked in the line he may be torn loose and carried on for long gains if all plunge and tear and push till the ball is down Never let any man cease work until down is called 2. Half back between guard and tackle on his own side To send LH between LG and LT the backs and ends occupy exactly the same position as in play number one The instant the ball is put in play LH, FB and RH dash forward as before LH receives the ball at about X on a short pass from QB and with head down and ball clasp at the summit with both hands dashes into the opening between LT and LG while FB, RH and QB follow directly behind and push with all their might as he strikes the line Footnote It will be a great advantage upon emerging from the line to shift the ball to one arm in order to have the other to use in warding off and footnote LT lifts his man back into the left while LG lifts his man back into the right the moment the ball is snapped in order to open the line LE, RT and RE also start the instant the ball is put in play LE dashes into the first man behind the opposing line making sure at the same time that no one reaches LH from outside of LT before he strikes the line while RE and RT take the directions indicated in the diagram to arrive ahead of and interfere for LH as they go together down the field Note It will the duty of RE and RT to block the opposing RH and FB and each should make for the point in front of LH where he can best interfere with and block his particular man 3 Halfback between tackle and end on his own side Footnote This play was made in the early stage of the development of the game when the runner's ability to dodge was trusted to in order to make the play successful but is now seldom if ever used End Footnote To send LH between LT and LE the backs and ends occupy the same position as in the preceding plays LH, FB and RH start forward the instant the ball is snapped as before and LH receiving the ball at X on a pass from QB dashes for the opening just the left of LT with his head down FB and RH and QB follow directly behind as in the preceding diagram to throw their whole weight against LH when he strikes the line and push him through in case he is blocked LT makes a supreme effort to carry his man back and in the right while LE runs directly for the opposing end and endeavors to force him out to the left RT and RE without stopping an instant to block their opponents pass directly through the line and take the directions indicated in the diagram to arrive in front of LH at the left end and interfere for him in case he passes the line successfully 4 Halfback around his own end To send LH around LE all the men occupy the same position as in the preceding plays of the series with the exception of LH who shifts his position several yards to the left without attracting attention as before LH, FB and RH start forward at utmost speed the instant the ball is snapped and LH receiving the ball as he runs on a long pass from QB sprints for the left side of the field in order to circle around and pass to the outside of the opposing end LE makes directly for his opponent and endeavors to force him in towards the center while FB, RH and QB follow at utmost speed as before FB and QB seek to overtake LH running to the inside of him and interfering for him as they go together down the field while RG follows as closely as possible behind LH to prevent his being caught from the rear RT and RE pass directly through the line and take the directions indicated as before to interfere for LH if he succeeds in circling the end 5 Halfback between guard and center on the opposite side to send LH between RG and C the ends stand about one yard back from the line and a yard and a half outside of the tackles the halfback stands between two and three yards directly behind the guards RH withdrawing slightly to RH too and the fullback stands between three and four yards behind the center the instant the ball is snapped FB, LH, RH, RE and LE dash forward for the point between RG and C RG lifts his man back into the right while C forces his man back into the left to make an opening FB dashes straight into the space, passes directly through the line, breaking an opening and jumps into the first man in his path behind the opposing line LH receives the ball from QB's hands as he passes on the run or by a short pass and plunges into the opening directly behind FB with his head down and the ball tightly clasped by the stomach with both hands RH, RE, LE and QB dash in immediately after LH throw their entire weight against him and push him through LT simply forcing his opponent to pass outside of him dashes in the direction indicated the instant the ball is in play to arrive ahead of and interfere for LH in case he succeeds in getting through the line it may be best for LT to select a particular back and make it his special duty to take him each time note, RH may go in advance of LH together with FB if so desired 6. Half back between the guard and tackle on the opposite side to send LH between RG and RT the men occupy the same position as in the proceeding diagram the instant the ball is snapped RH, FB, LH and LE start forward at utmost speed in direction of lines indicated RG lifts his man back into the left while RT lifts his man back into the right RH dashes straight through the opening and takes the extra man behind the opposing LT LH follows immediately behind and dives into the opening so made with head down the ball held as before LE leaves his position the moment the ball is put in play and follows directly behind LH FB and QB also dash in and all throw their combined weight in behind him as he strikes the line to push him through the play of LT is the same as in diagram 5 RE takes his own man and endeavors to force him out toward the side note, FB may be sent through the opening with RH ahead of LH to break the line and interfere instead of following and pushing from behind 7. Half back between tackle and end on the opposite side To send LH between RT and RE the men take the same position as in the preceding play as before LH, FB, RH and LE start in the direction indicated at utmost speed the instant the ball is snapped RE takes his opposing man and forces him out RH and FB dash for the opening to the right of RT ahead of LH take the first men they meet after passing the line and run in the direction indicated down the field to interfere for LH LH receives the ball on a pass from QB at X makes for the opening at utmost speed with head up and as he turns down the field takes a line a little to the outside of RH and FB to have the benefit of their protecting interference QB should, if possible, seek to arrive at the opening ahead of and interfere for LH LE follows LH closely to prevent him from being caught from behind LT, going through the line as before makes for the right side and the line indicated to block the opposing backs note, care must be taken by RH and FB that they do not run so far ahead of LH as to diminish the value of their interference they should proceed him from 1 to 3 yards 8. Half back around the opposite end to send LH around RE there is no change in the position of the men behind the line as before RH, FB, LH, LG and LE start forward for the right end the instant the ball is snapped at utmost speed RT blocks his man and forces him as far as possible to the left RE jumps directly into the line and either helps RT block his man or takes the first extra man RG blocks his man hard RH runs straight for the opposing end rusher whom RE has left entirely exposed meets him at about X jumps into him and knocks him over or forces him in FB following at RH's elbow will if necessary assist in blocking off the opposing end and pass on down the field in the line indicated to interfere for LH LH receives the ball on a pass from QB on the run and encircles the opposing end at top speed and passes down the field a little to the outside of the line taken by LG LG breaks away from his opponent as the ball is snapped and cutting in either directly behind QB or between QB and C dashes for the right end a little ahead of LH and between him and the line in order to interfere for him a slow and lumbering guard may not attempt this play LH may be obliged to withhold his speed until nearly at the end in order to allow LG to get ahead of him QB must succeed in arriving at the end before LH LE and LT play as in the preceding diagram or in case LG runs LT leaves his own man to be taken care of by LE and blocks the guard whom LG has left This play requires the perfection of cooperation at every point and can only be made successfully with constant practice The attempt to have the guard run should not be abandoned because of numerous failures Note, in case LE on the opposing side plays far out, RH may force him still farther out and FB and LH pass inside of him Judgement must determine each time whether to pass the end on the inside or outside 9. Fullback through the line between center and guard To send FB through the line between LG and C, the men are placed as in the second series The instant the ball is snapped, LH, FB, RH, LE and RE dash forward for the opening between LG and C At the same moment, LG lifts his man back and to the left, while C carries his man back and to the right to widen the breach LH rushes straight through the opening and down the field, making for the nearest back who opposes FB, receiving the ball from QB as he passes on the run, plunges in directly behind LH with his head down and the ball clasped at a stomach with both hands LE, RH, RE and QB rush in behind FB and throw their entire way to against him as he strikes the line to push him through in case he meets with any resistance RT slips through the line to the inside of the opposing tackle, without attempting to block him an instant and takes the direction of the line indicated to arrive ahead of and interfere for FB in case he succeeds in passing the line LT and RG block their men Note, it may be well for RT to run directly for the opposing RH and make sure that he is thoroughly blocked 10. Fullback between the garden tackle To send the fullback between LG and LT, the men stand as before All three backs and RE dash for the point between LG and LT, the instant the ball is put in play LT lifts his man back into the left, while LG lifts his opponent back into the right LH rushes through the opening ahead and takes the extra man behind the tackle FB receives the ball at X on a pass from QB as he runs and dashes into the opening, directly behind LH with his head down and the ball held as before RH, QB and RE follow immediately behind FB and throw their entire weight in to help him as he strikes the line LE takes the first man in the line outside of the tackle and prevents the opposing end from coming in RT, without holding his man an instant, plays a shoninth proceeding diagram 11. Fullback between the tackle and end To send the fullback between LT and LE, there is no change in the position taken by the men The three backs and the ends dash forward in the lines indicated the instant the ball is snapped LE takes the tackle, the extra man behind the tackle, or the first man in the line outside of him LH runs directly for the opposing RE who has been left free, blocks him and endeavors to force him out FB receives the ball at X on a pass from QB and runs in the line indicated at utmost speed with head well up QB cuts in close behind LT and endeavors to get ahead of FB in order to give him interference RH and RE, running behind FB at utmost speed, seek to protect and assist him RT plays as before, LT exerts every power to force the opposing tackle back and in toward the center Note, the ball should always be carried in the arm away from approaching tacklers, both as a protection and that the free arm may be that nearest the opponent to be of use and warding off It is fine play to shift the ball from arm to arm as occasion requires To send the full back around the end there is no change in the position of the men The play is made in almost identically the same way as shown in the preceding diagram except that in the present case LH endeavors to force the opposing end toward the inside while FB puts on utmost speed and rounds the end outside of him In all plays around the end circumstances may arise which offer an advantage in selecting the side of the opposing end other than that called for by the signal While as a general rule it is best to follow the signal, for the interferers are working with that in mind Still, a skillful runner may secure long gains for his side by judiciously seizing an unexpected opening LE takes the first extra man in the line outside of tacklers before, C diagram 11 Another play in which FB runs around the end is shown in diagram 63 13. End between the center and opposite guard To send the LE between RG and C, the positions are the same as in the preceding series The instant the ball is snapped the three backs in the ends dash forward for the point between RG and C and the lines indicated C lifts his man back into the left while RG endeavors to force his man back into the right FB and RH plunge through the opening abreast and close together LH follows directly behind FB and throws in his weight as he strikes the line while RH is followed by RE in the same manner LE works in slightly to LE2 before the ball is snapped and receives the ball from the hands of QB as he passes him LE then turns in immediately behind in between LH and RE, carrying the ball in the same manner as shown for FB in play number 1 Diagram 9 A flying wedge is thus formed as the men strike the line at the point between C and RG C cut B QB falls in immediately behind LH and LE while LT, who leaves his man almost instantly, follows directly in the rear of RE and pushes forward as the wedge strikes the line C cut B Note, a vital point in the play is that LE be close in behind his interferers and that the wedge, preserving its form as far as possible, strikes the line with dash and force 14. End between the opposite guard and tackle To send LE between RG and RT, there is no change in the position of the men, the instant the ball is snapped, RH, FB, LH and LE dash forward for the point between RG and RT RG lifts his man back and to the left, while RT forces his man back and to the right RH passes directly through close to RG and, butting the opposing guard with his shoulder if he blocks the way, proceeds down the field and interferes with the first man that he meets behind the line FB rushes diagonally through and runs directly into the opposing LT or the extra man behind the line while LH dashes straight through the center of the opening and rushes down the field to interfere LE receives the ball at X on a pass from QB and with head down dives into the line directly behind LH LT plays as shown in Diagram 13 After making the pass the best play for QB is to block the opening between RG and C to prevent the opposing guard or center from coming through and getting LE before he strikes the line RE takes the first man outside the tackle and prevents anyone from passing around RT and stopping LE before he reaches the opening 15. End between the opposite end and tackle To send the LE between RE and RT, preserve the same positions as in Diagram 14 RE plays as shown in Diagram 8 RH plays as LH in Diagram 11 FB plays as shown in Diagram 7 QB plays as shown in Diagram 8 LH proceeds in the line indicated at at most speed, takes the first man on the opposing side as he rounds the tackle and continues on down the field to interfere In case either the opposing LG or LT breaks through the line, QB must tackle him in order to prevent LE from being stopped before he reaches the end LT, leaving the line as shown in Diagram 13, follows directly behind LE to make the play safe and prevent him from being overtaken from behind RT plays as shown in Diagram 8 LE receives the ball at X from QB and passing inside the opposing LE Turns down the field and the line indicated at at most speed, passing to the outside of his interferers Note, the end must be careful to run just far enough behind the line to clear the opposing rushers as they break through 16. End around the opposite end To send the LE around the RE, the play is made in identically the same manner as shown in Diagram 15 Except that RH forces the opposing end rusher inside instead of out, while FB and LE, after sprinting straight for the sideline at at most speed, Turn down the field outside of the opposing end LG and LT might possibly play as shown in Diagram 8, though there would be danger of having LE tackled from behind As he would in this case have no protecting interferer behind him and might be obliged to withhold his speed slightly in order to allow LG to get ahead of him Note, this play, as nearly all end plays, depends for its success on the swiftness of the interferers and the man with the ball and upon the quickness with which all start Care must be taken that the interferers do not get too far in advance of the runner 17. Tackle Tackle between the center and opposite guard To send the LT between C and RG, preserve the same position C and RG play as shown in Diagram 5 RH and FB dash into the opening ahead of LT and take the first men they meet behind the opposing line LT breaks away from his man the instant the ball is snapped and receiving the ball from QB Turns in sharp around him as a pivot and plunges in behind FB and RH with head down in the ball plastered at the stomach with both hands LH follows LT and plays as does LT in Diagram 10 RE rushes in behind LT and plays as shown in Diagram 5 In case LT finds difficulty in getting away clear from the line LE jumps in and takes the opposing RT as the ball is snapped, if necessary LT is able to break away from his opponent without assistance LE may follow directly behind LT to prevent his being caught from the rear and to push him through as he strikes the line QB follows LT, playing as shown in Diagram 5 Note, LH may proceed LT if it is thought best 18. Tackle between the opposite guard and tackle To send LT between RG and RT there is no change in position RE, RH and FB plays as shown in Diagram 14 RH is near the opening and should pass through first FB will cut in directly behind him but both must take great care that they break through the line and are not stopped so that they choke up the opening and are thus rendered of greater hindrance than help to the runner LT leaves the line as shown in the preceding Diagram and dashes into the opening between RH and FB with head down and the ball tightly held under the right arm or clasp at the stomach with both hands Footnote, when RT runs he will carry the ball in the left arm In this way the ball will be kept on the side farther from the opponent where it will be less liable to be torn away while it leaves the arm towards the opposing tackler is free for use in warding off RG and RT play as shown in Diagram 6 QB and LE following LT immediately and push as shown in Diagram 17 RH also follows directly behind LT to throw in his entire weight and push him through as he strikes the line in case he meets with any resistance 19. Tackle between the opposite tackle and end To send the LT around the RT, the RH and FB all play as shown in Diagram 15 RE jumps directly into the line and either helps RT block his man or takes the first extra man in the line LG and RG hold their men and force them back RT blocks his man and forces him as far as possible to the left QB plays as shown in Diagram 8 or takes the opposing LT in case he succeeds in breaking through the line LT leaves the line as shown in Diagram 17 and carrying the ball in his right arm plays as does LE in Diagram 15 LE jumps into the line and blocks the opposing tackle if necessary or follows LT and plays as shown in Diagram 7 LH follows close in the rear of LT to prevent him from being tackled from behind and to assist him by interference as he rounds the end Note, and all plays around the right flank of the line. The rushes on that side must redouble their energy in order to make the play successful When the play is on the left, the rushes upon that side will in turn block with their utmost power 20. Tackle around the opposite end To send LT around the right end, there is no change in the positions taken RE jumps into the line and helps RT block his man RH starts the moment the ball is snapped and runs directly for the opposing end who has been left exposed, bowls him over, or forces him in toward the line FB also starts with the snapping of the ball and following almost directly behind RH passes slightly outside of him Helping block the opposing end rusher if necessary and then passes on ahead of LT to interfere for him in his rundown the field RT plays as shown in Diagram 8 QB plays as shown in Diagram 19 LT leaves the line as shown in Diagram 17 and taking the direction indicated encircles the right end at utmost speed and plays as does LE in Diagram 16 LH and LE play as shown in Diagram 19 LG, C, and RG block their man Note, it may be necessary in this play for LE to jump in and take LT's man as he leaves the line, otherwise he may follow into system as he rounds the end 21. Guard between opposite guard and center To send the LG between RG and C, the instant the ball is snapped, LG jumps straight back from the line, breaking away from the opposing guard He rolls directly around QB as a pivot and, receiving the ball from his hands as he passes, plunges into the opening between C and RG with the ball held as shown in Diagram 1 C and RG play as shown in Diagram 5 RE, RH, FB, LH, and LE all start instantly and throw their entire weight in behind LG as he strikes the line and force him through QB also follows immediately behind LG and plays as in Diagram 5 LT and RT block their man Note, instead of following behind LG, it is often better that RH should draw slightly nearer the line before the ball is snapped Dash into the opening ahead of LG and play as does FB in Diagram 5 22. Guard between the opposite guard and tackle To send the LG around between RG and RT, LG breaks away from his opponent, the instant the ball is snapped as shown in Diagram 21 receives the ball from QB as before and dashes into the opening with head down RG and RT play as shown in Diagram 6 RH starts forward, the instant the ball is snapped and dashing into the opening between RG and RT strikes the opposing LG with his shoulder with the greatest possible force as he passes through and then proceeds on and takes the first man behind the line FR crosses behind RH and rushing into the same opening plunges into the opposing tackle or the man immediately behind him RE plays as shown in Diagram 14 QB, LH and LE follow behind LG and play as shown in Diagram 18 LT plays as in the preceding Diagram Note, RH and FB must see to it that they break through the line and are not there blocked so that they fill up the opening through which LG, who is following immediately behind, is to pass 23. Guard between the opposite tackle and end To send LG around the opposite tackle, LG leaves the line as shown in Diagram 21 and receiving the ball from QB plays as does LE in Diagram 15 RH, FB and LH start for the right end at at most speed the instant the ball is put in play RH runs directly for the opposing LE, forces him out or bulls him over FB and LH cut in in the lines indicated and passing outside of RT interference by taking the first opponents whom they meet on arriving at the end RE and RT play as shown in Diagram 15 QB having passed the ball runs at utmost speed by the side of LG if possible between him and the line in order to give him protection and assist him by interference LE follows directly in the rear of LG to make the play safe and prevent him from being overtaken from behind LT and RG block their opponents End of Section 10 Section 11 of a scientific and practical treatise on American football for schools and colleges by Henry L. Williams and almost Alonzo Stagg This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Section 11 plays with Diagrams Part 2 24. Guard around the opposite end To send LG around the right end, LG leaves the line as shown in Diagram 21, receives the ball at X from QB and passes around the right end at full speed, swing back several yards from the line RH, FB and LH dash toward the right end the instant the ball is put in play RH runs directly for the opposing end, who has been left exposed and forces him in or blocks him off FB assists RH if necessary and then passes on around the end ahead of LG to interfere LH crosses in front of LG and cutting in close behind RT blocks the first free man on the opposing side RE and RT play as shown in Diagram 20, LT and QB play as in Diagram 23 LE follows LG to protect him from behind and to make the play safe 25. Chris cross halfback play around the end To send LH around the right end on a Chris cross between the halfbacks, the men stand in their regular positions with the exception of LH who works out nearer LE and slightly back without attracting attention to the second position as shown in the cut The instant the ball is snapped, RH starts in the direction indicated receiving the ball at X and passing close in front of LH carries the ball at his left side so that LH may receive it from him as he rushes by and proceeds on in the line indicated, LH stands in his tracks until RH nearly reaches him and upon securing the ball instantly starts in the opposite direction at utmost speed and passes around the right end RT, RG and RE play as shown in Diagram 8, FB works slightly to the left before the ball is snapped and stands still until RH nearly reaches LH and starting forward as indicated at the same instant with LH makes directly for the opposing LE and blocks him or forces him in LG breaks away from his man the moment that LH receives the ball and plays as in Diagram 8, QB having passed the ball, stands still until LH has received it and then plays as in Diagram 8 or in case an opponent comes through the line between C and RT, it is the duty of QB to attend to him LT blocks his man hard or blocks the opposing RG, left exposed by LG, LE follows LH and protects him from behind as shown in Diagram 8 Note, in all end and crisscross plays, great care should be taken that the runners do not pass so close to the line that their own men will be pushed back upon them or so far in the rear that time and space will be lost 26. End crisscrosses with half back and play around the end To send the RH around the left end on a pass play from LE to RH, LE draws in slightly from his original position to LE2 and as the ball is snapped, dashes for the right end receiving the ball at X and carrying it at his right side passes on close in front of RH as indicated RH stands still in his position until LE nearly reaches him On receiving the ball, RH dashes in the opposite direction and passes around the left end at utmost speed As RH receives the ball, FB, LH, QB and RG, who have until this moment stood in their positions, dart for the left end in order to proceed RH and interfere for him LT and LG block their men with the greatest energy LH makes directly four and blocks the opposing RE FB takes the direction indicated, helping LH block his man if necessary and then proceeds on down the field QB plays as shown in the preceding diagram, while RG, breaking away from his man, plays as does LG in diagram 25 RT also plays as does LT in diagram 25 RE follows immediately behind RH to protect him from the rear Note, LH may proceed LE and take the first man in the line outside of RT to aid in the deception, in which case FB will take the opposing LE while the others play as before 27 Tackle Chris crosses with half back and play around the end To send the LH around the RE on a pass play from RT RT leaves the line the instant the ball is snapped and receiving it at X runs close in front of LH, passes him the ball as he goes by RE jumps in and takes the man left exposed by RT as he leaves the line RG holds his man hard As LH receives the ball, QB, LG, LT, and LE all play exactly as shown in diagram 25 RH and FB stand still until the instant that LH receives the ball and then play as shown in diagram 8 Note, to make the deception more complete, RH may start the instant the ball is snapped and directly proceed RT and take the first man he meets on the other side of LT In that case FB will take the opposing LE 28 Guard Chris crosses with half back and play around the end To send the RH around the left end on a pass from LG, LG leaves the line as the ball is snapped as shown in diagram 21 and passes directly in front of RH giving him the ball as he rushes by As LG leaves the line, LH dashes in and takes the opposing RG who has been left exposed At the moment that RH receives the ball, FB, QB, and RG start for the left end and the line is indicated in advance of RH to interfere for him FB runs directly for the opposing RE and bulls him over or forces him in RE, RT, RG, QB, and LT play as shown in diagram 26 LE helps LT block the opposing tackle or takes the inside man in the line 29 Halfback Chris crosses with the end and play around the opposite end To send LE around the RE on a pass from RH, LE draws slightly in and back to LE2, nearly on the line with the halfbacks before the ball is snapped RH dashes forward as the ball is put in play, receives it at X, and passing close in front of LE gives him the ball and then rushes directly into the opposing LE LE, having received the ball, starts for the right end in the line indicated trusting altogether to his speed as there is no one to protect him from behind RE may either jump into the line and help RT block his man or take the first man that comes through on the right side of the rush line and force him in toward the center RT, RG, LG, LT, and FB play as shown in diagram 25 It may be necessary for QB to proceed RH and take the first extra man in the line on the left end in order to allow LE to get away with the ball without being caught from behind Otherwise he will play as shown in diagram 25 In case a man comes through the rush line on the right of C, where QB is playing as shown in the cut, it is his duty to block him Note, FB may proceed RH and play as LH in note on diagram 26 30. Fullback Chris crosses with the end and play around the opposite end To send RE around the left end on the pass from FB, RE works slightly in and on the line with RH at RE2 Before the ball is snapped, while FB moves a little to the left to FB2 As the ball is put in play, RH and FB dash toward the right, FB receiving the ball on a pass at X RH rushes directly for the opposing LE, or takes the first extra man in the line, while FB runs close in front of RE to whom he gives the ball as he passes Upon receiving the ball, RE instantly starts in the opposite direction and encircles the left end at utmost speed RG and LH proceed RE and play as shown in diagram 26 RH plays as does LT in diagram 25 LE and LT play as in diagram 28 LG blocks his manhard In case anyone succeeds in breaking through the line to the left of C, QB immediately blocks him He will otherwise play as in diagram 28 31. Ends Chris cross and play around the end He sends LE around the right end on a pass from RE LE and RE both play in slightly, while LE works back until he is nearly on a line with the halfbacks RE and RH start toward the left the instant the ball is snapped RH proceeding and taking the first extra man in the line beyond the tackle RE receives the ball at X on a pass from QB and running close in front of LE Passes him the ball and rushes on into the opposing RE As RE reaches LE, FB, LH and LG dash toward the right in the lines indicated FB takes the first extra man in the line beyond RT LH runs directly for the opposing LE and LG proceeding LE plays as shown in diagram 25 QB blocks the first man through on the right hand side of the center if necessary or plays as shown in diagram 25 LE upon receiving the ball starts toward the right at utmost speed keeping just to the outside of LG LT, RG and RT play as shown in diagram 25 32. Tackle Chris crosses with the end and play around the opposite end To send RE around the left end on a pass from LT Before the ball is snapped, RE works in and slightly back to RE too As the ball is put in play, LT leaves the line as shown in diagram 17 receives the ball at X, runs close in front of RE and gives him the ball as he passes LT then blocks the opposing LE LH proceeds LT and plays as does RH in diagram 31 FB plays as shown in diagram 28 RG and RT play as shown in diagram 26 QB plays as shown in diagram 30 RE plays as does LE in diagram 29 As LT leaves the line, LE jumps in and takes the opposing tackle as in diagram 17 LG plays as shown in diagram 30 RH starts forward and the line indicated as RE receives the ball and proceeds him around the left end crossing in front of RG as the ladder swings in behind the line 33. Guard Chris crosses with the end and play around the opposite end To send RE around the left end on a pass from LG RE draws in and slightly back to RE too As the ball is snapped, LG breaks away from his man as in diagram 21 receives the ball at X, passes close in front of RE and rushes directly into the opposing LE RE remains in his position until LG has almost reached him receives the ball from LG as he runs by and plays as in the preceding diagram LH plays as shown in diagram 28 QB, RH and FB remain standing in their positions until the instant that RE receives the ball They then dash toward the left and proceed RE at greatest speed to interfere for him FB runs directly for the opposing RE RH follows FB and assists him to block the end if necessary or continues on around the end and takes the first free opponent RG leaves the line as LG reaches RE and plays as shown in diagram 26 All the other men play as shown in diagram 32 34. Tackle Chris crosses with Tackle in a play around the end To send RT around the left end on a pass from LT the instant the ball is snapped, LT plays as shown in diagram 18 and runs directly for RT As LT reaches the line, RT jumps suddenly back and receives the ball from LT as he passes while LT rushes on directly into the arms of the opposing LT RE jumps in and helps block the opposing LT or takes the first extra man in the line LE blocks the opposing Tackle as LT leaves the line LH, FB and RH stand still until RT receives the ball Upon receiving the ball, RT instantly starts back in the opposite direction taking the line indicated and circles the left end with QB, LH and FB in advance as interferers and RH to follow and protect him from behind Note, RH may also run in advance of RT to interfere when the opposing LE has not come around the end of the line 35. Double pass from end to full back and play around the end To send FB around the right end on a double pass from LE LE should work in slightly before the ball is snapped to LE2 as in diagram 26 The instant the ball is put in play, RH, FB, LH, LG and LE leave their positions and dash for the right end and the lines indicated in the diagram QB, RE, RT, LG, LT and RG play as in diagram 8 LH cuts in close around RT and blocks the first man he meets RH runs directly for the opposing LE and blocks him off or forces him in LE receives the ball at X on a pass from QB and running at full speed in a course about two yards nearer the line than that taken from FB throws the ball on ahead of him to the full back with a clean pass from 4 to 5 yards as FB reaches the point behind RT and turns slightly sideways as he runs to receive it LE then cuts in as shown and blocks the first free man on the opposing end FB upon receiving the ball passes to the outside and encircles the end The play may sometimes be made to greater advantage by having LH take the line indicated for FB and receive the ball on the pass while FB runs on ahead The guard will find great difficulty in getting in advance of the man with the ball and may find that he can be of more service by cutting across close behind the line Note, it may be necessary for FB to withhold his speed slightly until LE has passed him the ball If it becomes necessary to block the opposing RG, LH may play as in diagram 33 though LG should so time his action that his man will be unable to interfere with the play 36. Double pass from tackle to full back and play around the end To send FB around the right end on a double pass from LT, there was no change from the regular formation in the primary arrangement The instant the ball is snapped, LT leaves the line, receives the ball at X from QB and starts for the right end Precisely as shown in diagram 19 LE jumps into the line and takes LT's man as he leaves him RERT, RG, and LG play as shown in diagram 8 QB also plays as shown in diagram 8 LH, FB, and RH all start for the right end the moment the ball is snapped RH runs directly for the opposing LE and bowls him over or forces him in LH assists RH if necessary and then cuts in down the field as indicated to interfere As FB is about to round the end, he turns half around without slackening speed and receives the ball at about X on a clean pass from LT LT then turns in to interfere on the end while FB passes on encircling the opposing LE Note, the pass may be made with equal success to LH in which case FB will assist RH in blocking his man and then pass on down the field to interfere while LH swings out in a course just outside of the opposing end rusher 37 Double pass from guard to half back and play around the end To send LH around to the right end on a double pass from LG, there is no change in the arrangement LG leaves the line the instant the ball is put in play as shown in diagram 21 receives the ball at X and takes a direction similar to that shown in diagram 23 RE, RT, RG, and LT play as shown in diagram 8 RH, FB, and LH start for the right the instant the ball is snapped RH runs directly for the opposing LE and disposes of him FB assists RH if necessary and then proceeds on down the field to interfere LH runs somewhat back from the line taken by FB and as he nears the end turns back and receives the ball on a pass of four or five yards from LG LH then puts on utmost speed as he swings out around the end while LG continues on, cutting in slightly to interfere LE follows directly behind LH to make the pass safe and to protect him from behind 38 Slow mass wedge from a down To send the slow pushing wedge through the center from a down, the men spring to their positions in the wedge formation as shown in the cut, the instant the signal is given RG forces himself as close as possible to see his right directly abreast of him while LG holds himself firmly against C on the left and slightly back from the line The remaining rushers and halfbacks take their positions behind the guards as indicated in a similar manner to that shown in diagram 41 The men must be drilled until they can spring into their positions in the formation instantly The ball should come back at the same moment and be passed to FB who has come into FB1 and the whole wedge surged forward with the greatest possible force as in diagram 41 This play may be repeated several times for short gains until the tackles and ends on the opposing side are drawn well into mass against it when FB, accompanied by QB Will dart suddenly out from the rear for a long run around the end of the opposing team as shown in the diagram In which case RH and RE will cut across in the lines indicated to block the foremost men among the opponents Should it be found that the opposing backs come up to help block the play, FB may drop suddenly back to FB2 and punch well down the field Note, on the play in which the FB is sent out from behind the wedge for a run around the end, there should be a little delay in snapping the ball in order to give the opposing team more time to draw well in behind the centre 39 Faint run around the end from the wedge in the line The wedge in the line is formed at the given signal as shown in diagram 38 The men are closely drawn into a compact formation so that the opposing side cannot see what goes on within the wedge The moment the ball is snapped, QB slips it under the left arm of RE or RT who receives it quietly without making the slightest demonstration that the ball has been passed to him and stands still in his position bent over somewhat in the act of pushing while the rest of the wedge plunges forward As soon as QB has passed the ball to RE, he instantly starts back from out the wedge, seizing FB by the arm as he goes RH leaves his position at the same moment and all three dash off to the left together as shown in Kare Swinging in a long circle back from the line to attract attention and to give the opposing team more time to cut across the field in order to intercept them As they pass into view, RH and LE leave the wedge in the lines indicated as if to block for them The opposing side at once opposes that the wedge has been simply a blind to permit the run around to the end and the entire team dash off to intercept FB, whom they supposed to have the ball When FB and his interferers have arrived at about X in the lines indicated, RE darts out to the right unobserved Note, this play can be worked most successfully after sending the wedge straight ahead for several downs 40. Revolving wedge from a down To send the revolving wedge through the line, the arrangement shown in the cut has formed in precisely the same manner as explained in Diagram 38 The ball is put in play immediately and the entire wedge plunges straight forward as before in a closely compact body After a few seconds, when the opposing side have masked themselves in front of the wedge so that its forward progress is nearly blocked The entire formation throws its weight to one side, each man turning slightly in order to face the direction in which he wishes to proceed and attempts to revolve around the opposing team, turning upon C as a pivot The very fact that the opponent are pushing with utmost force in a direction exactly contrary to the original line of advance of the wedge is of great assistance in performing the evolution When the wedge has swung sufficiently around, the rear men may break away and dash down the field with the ball 41. Lifting wedge through the center To send FB in a wedge through the line between L, G and C The play is peculiar in that it consists of two distinct parts At a given signal to form the wedge, together with an additional signal which shall indicate whether the play is to go through the center or around the tackle L, E, R, E, L, H, and R, H rush in and take the position shown in the large cut L, E stands behind L, G whom he grasps by the hips His arms only slightly bent at the elbows and his body held well back from L, G in the best position for pushing L, H occupies the same relative position behind and slightly to the left of L, E R, E jumps in and takes the position behind in the little to one side of C giving Q, B just room enough in which to receive the ball and places his hands on the hips of C with his body braced back at arm's length R, H takes a similar position behind him and a little to the right FB comes in slightly closer to FB too As soon as possible after the wedge has been formed, C puts the ball in play FB dives straight into the vortex of the wedge, receiving the ball from Q, B as he rushes by him and rams his head low down between the hips of C and L, G The ball held tightly at his stomach with both hands The instant the ball is snapped, L, G and C press close together and do not allow themselves to be forced apart FB shouts lustily, now the instant before he strikes the line and all lift straight ahead for three or four seconds FB pushing with his head, C cut A Then L, G and C burst apart, carrying their men with them and allow F, B and Q, B to shoot through the opening, C cut B 42, wedge from the center around the tackle To send the wedge around the L, T, a preliminary signal of form the wedge is given together with the signal which is to indicate the direction of the plays and the formation seen in the large cut is instantly made in precisely the same manner as shown in the preceding diagram All the men in the wedge should have the appearance of being about to go through the center as before At the instant the ball comes into his hands, Q, B whirls about, turning his back toward R, E and places the ball in the hands of R, H Q, B then instantly turns back and attaches himself to the side and a little behind L, H While F, B, springing forward at the same moment, attaches himself in a like manner on the other side of L, H and all three dash away together in the lines indicated around L, T R, H follows close within the vortex of the wedge so formed, while R, E runs directly in the rear of R, H and pushes with all his force as they round the tackle L, E throws his entire weight in behind L, G to help hold the line back and L, T forces his man back into the right Note, L, H must take great care not to leave his position until the instant that Q, B and F, B reach him The formation must be somewhat open and all endeavor to run at great speed Note, it must be borne in mind that the representation in the cut is diagrammatic and that in reality the guards are drawn close in by the side of center while the tackles are shoulder to shoulder with the guards in all plays with the above wedge formation 43. Quarterback around the end from behind the wedge With the preliminary signal to form the wedge, a signal is given to indicate the direction of the play and the formation as seen in the cut is taken in precisely the same manner as shown in diagram 41 The instant the ball is snapped, Q, B passes it straight back to F, B who dashes forward, hands the ball directly back to Q, B as he passes Diving careful not to make a forward pass and dives into the line between L, G and C As Q, B receives the ball, he instantly runs out from behind the wedge and makes for the right end at utmost speed in the line indicated At the moment the ball is returned to Q, B, R, H, R, E and L, H dash for the right end L, H crossing behind Q, B as he comes out from the wedge R, H runs directly for the opposing L, E R, E takes the first man on the opposing side after he rounds the tackle while L, H runs on the inside of Q, B and interferes for him as they go together down the field L, E follows in the rear of Q, B to protect him and prevent him from being caught from behind L, T holds his man hard and L, G, R, G and R, T play a shown in diagram 19 44. Faint play from the wedge At the signal the wedge is instantly formed as shown in diagram 41 As the ball is snapped F, B rushes forward and receiving it from Q, B at X immediately crouches down behind C, shielded from view by the centre, guards and ends who are tightly massed together Q, B then instantly darts out from behind the wedge to the left accompanied by L, H and R, H who swing well back from the line to attract attention and hold closely together to deceive the other side into the belief that they have the ball The opposing team immediately suppose that a play around the end from the wedges being attempted and rush toward the side of the field to intercept it F, B remains crouched behind C until Q, B, R, H and L, H are well off toward the side of the field as at X and then suddenly springs up and circles the opposite end accompanied by R, E who makes sure to block the opposing L, E in case he has come around behind the line Note, compare this play with that shown in diagram 39 45. Wedge on the end of the line To form a wedge on the left end, at the given signal L, E comes up into the line and R, T, R, E, L, H and R, H rush on instantly and form the wedge directly behind him while F, B moves over to a position about two yards in the rear of R, E as shown in the large cut C allows R, T just sufficient time to reach the left end by which time the wedge will be perfectly formed if the men are properly drilled and then snaps the ball as soon as possible as Q, B receives it, he springs toward F, B passing him the ball as he does so avoiding all possibility of being caught by the opposing L, T F, B plunges forward at the same moment receiving the ball at X, C cut A and at the same time shouts now as he rushes in behind the wedge at that same instant the whole wedge dashes forward on a slight angle to the left L, E jumps into the opposing R, T or the extra man in the line while Q, B attaches himself to the rear of R, E as the wedge rushes forward, C cut B must succeed in getting well in between R, H and R, E while all rush forward with utmost force L, H and R, T holding firmly together Note 1, R, H may leave the wedge to take the opposing R, E if he attempts to break in from the side Note 2, in case the opposing side sends the backs up into the line to mass against the wedge and block it F, B may kick the ball down the field instead of rushing it Q, B protecting him from the opposing L, T as he does so while not in especially strong position from which to kick a short quick kick just over the heads of the opposing back will serve every purpose as on all future similar formations it will compel the opposing side to retain at least one man while behind the line as a protection 46, play around the opposite end from the wedge on the end after the wedge has been formed on the end as shown in the preceding diagram there may be some delay in snapping the ball and the opposing L, T or in case of an inexperienced team both L, T and L, E run around in order to mass against the wedge when it advances in that case the following modification may be made before the ball is snapped the captain seeing that the opposing L, T has run around gives some key word which I'll understand as a signal to indicate that the play is to be changed to one around the opposite end Q, B makes the pass as shown in diagram 45 but passes to R, E instead of F, B and then instantly turns and proceeds R, E around the right end F, B and R, E dash toward the right as the ball is passed F, B proceeding and blocking the opposing L, E R, G attempts to lift his opponent back and force him in toward the center as far as possible as R, E starts forward in the line indicated L, G breaks away from his man as shown in diagram 8 and proceeding R, E dashes into the L, G on the opposing side and Casey succeeds in getting around R, G while R, T jumps in and takes the man whom L, G has left exposed R, H follows directly in the rear of R, E to prevent him from being taken from behind while L, H and L, E blocked the extra men in the line note this maneuver will prevent the opposing team thereafter from drawing all their men from the opposite end to mass in front of the wedge end of section 11