The sun., 1898-10-16
THE QUARTER BACK.
The Requirements for This Position
Are FaultIess Generalshtp and
Unerring Judgment.

Inc Atequ1rement9 lOf lube HosptO"
Are Faultless GeneraIship and
Unerring Judgment.
A good quarter back has solved the
problem of perpetual motion, for that
quality is the essential one in this posi-
ton. There has never been man yet
who has been considered perfect in all
the qualities that are apparent to one
who attempts to play this part in foot
ball machine.
Contrary to the general opinion, the
quarter back, while being the smallest
man on the team, is not on account Of
that at disadvantage In fact, his size
is really help, and for that reason pig
mics are chosen to play it. He is CON
tinually mixed up and contiguous with
large men, and for that reason his quick
ness and littleness offer him rare chances
to escape their clutches and do his dead
ly work. 1t is an example where the
two extremes meet, namely, size and
heaviness opposed to smallness and
quickness. Under such conditions the
latter naturally has the call.
1t is the mental strain which the posi-
tion imposes upon one that really rem
ders perfection impossible. 1t is case
Of continual and active think under the
hardest kind of physical exertion, and
the two 90 not harness to the same rig.
1t cannot be questioned even by one who
does not understand football that to
plunge through the line with every
muscle at tension, and determination at
levers point, to be thrown and smashed
around in heavy melee, and during it
all to keep an even mind, noticing this
weakness and that strength, planning
advantageous plays, requires peculiar
temperament, which is as hard to find as
new Klondike.
1t is brain work that tells the story in
this position, and there have been occa-
sions where men have been chosen for it
who are absolutely lacking in physical
ability, yet whose GOODNESS and judgment
and power of concentration under in
tense excitement warranted their selec-
ton. There are so many makeups in
human nature that it is not difficult to
select natures who are fitted to this or
that work, but to be general, orderly and
soldier at the same time does not appear
to be an easy combination to find.
The duties of quarterback are, in the
first place, to see that the ball is started
successfully for what ever play has been
signaled. While some find this stumb-
ling block, yet if they ever intend to be-
come prominent this task must become
second nature. 1t must be slowed away
and go thoroughly learned that it never
need be thought about, so that the brain
can be busy with other things of equal
Importance. Passing to runner, or for
kick, can be obtained easily by hard,
solid practice. To interfere we'll needs SO
much combination in its play, and a
quarterback is so light, that longer
time must be spent to acquaint ones self
with its peculiar qualities. A small man
as interferer must make deeper and
better study than a bigger man to be
successful. He must throw what little
weight he has got at the right spot, or he
cannot topple man over, and he must
study also the best position for him to be
in when he throws himself.
Quarterbacks generally give the sig
nails, and their position in the line gives
them the best insight of the progress of
the game. They are in complete touch
with the rush line, and are also good
friends with the halfbacks. In addition
they come in continual contact with the
opposing team in all its parts, and are
best able to tell how the attacks are be-
ing withstood and where the deepest i'm.
preston can be made.
To give signals correctly takes years OF
study and deep insight into human ma
ture. 1t requires the diplomacy of
peace commission to successfully run
team through large football game. 1t
means series of felnts here and there in
order that the enemy may be fooled and
may not know where the attack is COM
ing. A quarterback can prove himself a,
Napoleon in this respect.
In offensive play-that is, when the
other side has the ball-he is really the
leader of the attack. He must sneak
through this crack or that hole and
stagger the play or nail the runner His
aggression must be fearless and con-
tinual, until the other side is forced to
take cognizance of his whereabouts and
change its style of play. He must be
near the ball throughout every scrim-
mage, and tumble that he does not
take advantage of is a demerit mark on
his ability. There can be no rest for
this wiry little individual; he must be
the thorn in the side of his opponents
and the mainstay to this own side. l
can truthfully say from my own exper-
ience that to play quarterback is the
hardest physical exercise that l know of.