Barnet Phillips.
[The series of four papers on the Science of Football, by Mr. W. H. Lewis of the Harvard Football Team of 1893, begun in this Department in the issue of September 8, is continued this week, and will be concluded in the next number of Harper's Round Table.]
Offensive team-play in the game of football means every man in every play every time.
FIG. 1.
First, in logical order, is the start-off, or opening play. The eleven should line up on the 55-yard line—the centre of the field. The rules allow three men to start before the ball, but not more than five yards back. The three fastest men should be selected for the flying start, preferably the two ends and a half-back. The ends should be out in the wings of the line, and the half-back near the centre; one of the remaining backs—full-back if he be not the kicker—should stand at about the 40-yard line to look out for a return. The other players should be lined up on either side in equal numbers, and at intervals far enough apart to sweep the field. (See Fig. 1.) The ball should be kicked as far down the field as possible without kicking into touch or kicking over the goal-line. The object is to gain as much distance as possible by the kick.