The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-03
THAT NEW FOOTBALL PLAY.
"Warner's Wing Shift" ns Used by the
Indians, md Its Possibilities.

Indians, and Its Possibilities.
The new met hod OF attack used so success
fully 10y the Carlisle Indians against Columbia
on Thanksgiving Day bids fair to become even
more popular than the celebrated guards
bnck " interference invented several years ago
10y Coach Woodruff OF the University OF Penn
syvania Tho play has been named War
Hers wing shift" because II involves the
shifting Of tho right or left wing OF the rush
line. AMI was invented by Warner. the OK
Cornell CAPTAIN. who successfully coached tho
Indians during tho campaign.
The possibilities OF the wing shift" are
many. 1t enables the backs to make surpris-
inG!y long end runs behind Interference that
excels anything ever before put up by the big
Varsity elcvcns. Double passes and the "criss
cross" play can be executed with even better re-
suits than before. The exact method Of putting
the wing shift" into effect 10 based first upon
quickness IN the signals and the movement OF
the line men and second. upon getting under
way simultaneously with the snap back When,
for instance. the signal, which Ia generally
catch word. calls for a shift OF the left wing to
the right wing. the centre rush remains station
ary with the ball on the ground. The left end
runs over 10 the sido OF the right end. who
moves out from his usual place. The left
tackle Joins the right tackle In tho line. and
tne leIt Ruhru runs IN netJ 10 INC TlRnt RudTu.
These ak PUSHES Join arms and form what
looks like n huge chain.
II the left half back IL selected to carry the
ball. the right half back and the full back Jump
In close behind tho six rushers to provide add-
tional momentum to the Interference and also
to block or any tacklors who may try TO catch
the runner from behind. The quarter hack.
after passing the ball. assumes similar duty.
so that. barring the centre rush. there are nine
interlsrers for the man who hns the hall.
Getting under way the opposing left end and.
for that matter, the whole lett wing. Ia COM
pletely shut Off whe the hall "arrier hustles
along with practically a c'enr field. It is the
business OF the feet footed ends to precede
him so that tacklers In the back field
may be overturned before they can
get to the runner, In the same man
nor tho right wing can be shifted
over to the left wing 30 that the opposing right
wing may be turned. The beauty OF the play
is the uncertainty attached to 1t, With the left
wing shifted over tor run around the oppos-
Ing left end, the opponents naturally look for
move in that direction. But II Ia possible on
'criss cross" for the runner to go around the
other end where he Id not expected
The wing shift com plies with the rules for
there are at least Ave men In the Inc OF scrim-
mage when tho ball Is put In play. Experts
believe. however that In due time the Rules
Committee may be compelled to legislate
against the play by stipulatnR that when tho
centre rush puts the ball In motion. he must
have at least two men on either aide q him in
the line. II Ia n great play; and Pop" Warner
must receive credit for its Inauguration.