Football and How to Watch It (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 Excerpt: ...of the head coach. Not infrequently a player who shows unexpected ability is promoted from the "scrubs" to the varsity squad. It often happens that some players "show" well at first, but cannot stand the mental and physical strain of the season. Others flourish on hard work and seem to possess the ability to perform at their best when under stress. It therefore behooves the coach to study constantly the characteristics and personalities of the candidates. In some cases, if a player is of recognized skill, it is well to treat him leniently and to encourage him, in order to instill and maintain self-confidence. In utter contrast, others have to be driven at all times to bring out their latent possibilities. It is only by thus differentiating the treatment of individuals that the best is obtained from all. Herein lies a subtle factor which often makes or breaks a football team. As in the training of all other groups of human beings for any concerted action, it is necessary to establish and maintain strict discipline among football players throughout the whole season. This not only applies to punctuality and a close observance of training rules, but also to the ingraining into each player of instantaneous and instinctive obedience to the word of command. These two adjectives have a distinct bearing on offensive team maneuvers. It is comparatively easy to teach a team to start in unison at the snap of the ball, or, if a starting signal is used, on the proper number; but it takes weeks of intensive rehearsing to reach a stage of development where each player performs his various assignments subconsciously. This asset is of particular value in the final games of the season when the atmosphere of excitement and noise of the cheering tend to dist...