Girls and Athletics / Giving a brief summary of the activity, rules and method of administration of the following games in girls' schools and colleges, women's clubs, etc.: archery, basket ball, cricket, fencing, field day, field hockey, gymnastics, golf, hand ball, ice hockey, indoor base ball, rowing, soccer, skating, swimming, tennis, track athletics, volley ball, walking, water polo, water basket ball.

by Unknown

Soccer

Soccer or association football is a particularly suitable game for girls and women, since it furnishes splendid outdoor exercise without unnecessary roughness. It resembles field hockey in that it is mainly a running game, although there are many essential differences. The popularity of the game is rapidly increasing and it is played by many schools and colleges.

The game is primarily a running and kicking game. No player but the goal keeper in her own goal area is permitted to touch the ball with the hands. Two teams of eleven players each line up in their half of the field. The captains toss for the choice of end or for the choice of the kick-off. In making the choice, the wind and the position of the sun should be considered. The ball is put in play by a kick-off. To advance the ball to the opponents’ goal and to kick the ball between the goal posts and under the bar is the object of the game. Each goal counts one. The team having the highest score at the end of the two halves—time of which is determined by the captains—is the winner. Thus the two opposing teams are either attacking or defending. If one side has possession of the ball it should advance toward the opponents’ goal, thus attacking; if the ball is not in their possession they are checking their opponents’ advance, thus defending. The players who do most of the attacking are the five forwards, assisted by the halfbacks. It is their duty to advance the ball by short and long passes, by dribbling, by a volley, i. e., hitting the ball with head or chest, or kicking it before it has touched the ground. The fullbacks and goal keeper, assisted by the halfbacks, do the defensive work.

The positions are: center forward, inside right and inside left, outer right and outer left; left, center, and right halfbacks; right and left fullbacks; goal keeper.

The beginner in soccer should pay particular attention to the following: kicking, tackling, heading, and dribbling. The ball is not kicked with the end of toe, but rather the toe is inserted under the ball, the instep bearing the brunt of the work. The leg should be drawn back to get a good drive. Kicking is not merely sending the ball as far and hard as possible, but kicking as accurately as possible so that each shot tells. Therefore, particular attention and practice should be given to kicking until the proper amount of control can be exercised over the ball. Every kick should be gotten off quickly and cleanly, toe well under the ball so that it is raised.

In shooting for the goal the kick should be hard, with all the force of the toe behind it. In all defensive work the kicks should be carefully sent to the forwards; not too hard, since the ball then may go too far.

The player should learn to kick with either foot so that the ball does not have to be maneuvered into a suitable position for kicking.

Every player—the forwards in particular—should know how to dribble, since it is frequently a handy art. Often, if a player wishes to get in a better position for a kick, a few dribbles will put her there. To dribble successfully, the ball is moved forward, just touching the toe, thus insuring complete control. For the inexperienced player, control in dribbling and speed seem a hard combination to achieve; but by practice, dribbling slowly at first, control is acquired and speed soon follows.

A common fault sometimes due to dribbling is the monopoly of the ball by one player. Any individual should be self-sacrificing for the good of the team.

Stopping the progress of an opponent, or “tackling” as it is termed, should be carefully practised, particularly by the defense. The best policy seems—to run directly toward the player with the ball, thus making her pass hurriedly or fumble. Never give up if your opponent gets away, dodges or slips past you.

Many times it is an advantage to “head” the ball, that is, hit it with the head before it touches the ground. When the players are massed together, a jump in the air and good “heading” may save the day. Remember that the ball ought to be hit with the forehead, not the top of the head. This makes for accuracy.

There should be, as in all other team games, team work. The forwards should bear the responsibility of the attack. They should carry the ball down the field by passing, dribbling and volleying, i. e., hitting the ball in the air before it has touched the ground. Forwards should know how to shoot hard and accurately. It is well for a forward to know how to shoot and pass with the inside of the foot. In dribbling and in passing, the forward must remember to pass quickly to some one of her team who is unguarded. You should always be waiting to receive a pass.

The outsides are generally fast players with great skill in the dribble; the insides, like the center, are fine offensive players, fast and capable of shooting goals.

The halfbacks feed and help the forwards attack, shooting for the goal if the opportunity arises. The attack should be constantly varied by these players. The halfbacks are also the first line of defense, necessarily they have a great deal of running to do. These three positions are generally filled then by players physically fit, with speed and with stamina for endurance. Center half is a particularly strenuous position. The halves should always try to keep the ball in the opponents’ territory; when on the defense, they should be quick to tackle, to intercept passes and to guard their opponents.

The fullbacks are the mainstay of the defense. They are cool-headed players who use great judgment. It is up to them to block any opponent who has gotten by a halfback. Often the fullbacks have so carefully studied their opponents’ play that they know exactly what the forward will do under certain circumstances. Above all, the fullbacks should never give up.

The goal is a very vital point. To be a goal keeper, you must think quickly, keep your nerve, be cool and act instantly according to your judgment. In fact, a goal keeper should be able to cover every inch of the goal in an instant; she must be able to move rapidly, jump, and reach into the air. Two points a goal keeper should remember: Never kick when you can use your hands—you can get rid of the ball quicker and for better distance. Get the ball out of dangerous territory as soon as possible.

Cricket—Well hit! A good free swing with the ball well met often means a “boundary.”

Soccer is a splendid action game. The forward is well up on the ball while the fullback is coming up fast.

Dress is an important consideration. The essentials are a middy blouse, a short, wide skirt or bloomers, with heavy enough shoes to allow for kicking and yet light enough to permit of speed in covering ground.