Hints on Football.—Football is one of the games which cannot be learned from books. Its best lessons are those taught by hard experience, and as much may be learned in an afternoon’s play and in watching a match between two good teams, as by a diligent study of all the books on the game that have ever been written; but at the same time there are a number of unwritten rules which, although they often take years to learn, are of service to every player; and I have therefore deemed it wise to collect them and put them down here in black and white in the hope that they may be of use to many who, with some experience of the game, and eager to improve their play, have no opportunity for seeing big matches, and no one whom they can ask for advice. These rules are fourteen in number, and should be learned by heart by every player. They apply specially to the Rugby game, but some of them are of use also to those who favour the Association pastime:—
1. Never play immediately after a meal. It is best to have dinner two hours before the game begins.
2. In passing a ball to a comrade send it smartly and quickly straight into his hands.
3. Never pass the ball when you are near your own goal line, and never pass straight back except when opposite your opponents’ goal, and the player to whom you pass is well placed for dropping a goal.
4. Never be too eager to pick up the ball and run with it. A neat dribble with the feet is often most effective, and it is generally very difficult to stop.
5. In collaring an opponent always keep your eyes open, and always go hard and low.
6. Never “speculate” or take flying kicks at the ball.
7. When fairly held by an opponent, do not waste your strength by useless struggling, but at once cry “held,” and put down the ball.
8. When you have the ball in your possession, and find it impossible to pass it to advantage or to proceed, always punt into touch.