Evening star., 1912-09-15
BY H. c. BYRD.

BY H. c. BYRD.
tice during the next ten days there will
be great deal of speculation as to how
the changes in the rules will affect the
play, both from a players and spectator s
standpoint. Much discussion will take
place as to what is likely to happen in
the game to be played this fall. The
coaches and players will study the diff
ferent systems with the idea of securing
the greatest possible efficiency out OF
their teams. while the general follower
Of the game will wonder II he is to note
any decided changes from the side lines.
Notwithstanding the many statements
which have been made to the effect that
the game would be revolutionized by the
changes which have taken place this
year, it is not probable that any great
difference will be noted in the styles of
play from what has been. seen in other
years. There have been many times
when it has been predicted tnat the sport
would be turned completely topsy -turvy,
yet it Is now. in its essentials. what 1t
was before the forward pass came into
existence. In the real elements OF what
has been construed effective offensive play
the principles on which the play is based
y - -
pass has been used are the same as those
which formed the foundation for the Of
fenSe of teams years ago.
Seven years ago 1t was the problem OF
the coaches to advise plays powerful
enough to gain yards in three downs.
To accomplish that a few fake plays and
end runs were put in to keep the opposing
eleven guessing, and the main depend
ency for gaining ground was placed IN
smashing the line off the tackles for short
gains. In its elements the same system
has been in effect since the forward pass
was originated, and the same will be seen
on the gridiron this year. Teams VIII
depend for the majority Of their gains
on diagonal rushes through the line. with
men before the runner instead of behind
him, with just enough end runs. trick
plays and forward passes to keep the OPP
posing eleven from closing up its de-
tense and to keep it in a auandary as to
what will be the next move.
Game Should Be Almost Same.
From the spectators point of view
foot ball this year will be what it has
been in the past: from the players 1t
will be slightly different in that they will
be compelled to be more versatile, and
their duties will be of a greater number.
there being more departments of indivi-
Taking the changes in the code gener-
ally before discussing them specifically. it
may be said that the same kind OF loot
ball will be seen on the field when two
teams appear for game, and yet there
will be difference. The difference Will
exist, not in the style Of play. but In
the quantity of it. BY quantity of play
is meant the length of time that team
may keep the ball. The same kind OF
plays which last year failed to make the
rx-fl hA nn6
enough this season to carry the oval the
required distance. With four downs in
which to make 10 yards, an average dis
tance of ~ yards must be covered IN
each rush. and with the constant mem
ace of a forward pass that is not going
to be a very difficult matter. especially
in a case where one team is slightly the
superior of the other.
Will Keep Ball Longer.
One team will probably keep the ball
.onger than has been the case in recent
years. and an effective offense will be a
difficult matter to stop. Consequently, in
stead of the ball changing hands in the
middle of the field to a great extent. as
has been the case since 1909. there is
every probability that clubs will be seen
carrying the oval straight down the field
for touchdowns. or, at least. they Will go
for long gains before being stopped or
Such play as that has not been seen beg
tween evenly matched teams in long
while.
In short, it appears that the rulings de-
cidedly favor the offense instead OF the
defense. as was the case last season. IQ-
stead of a lot OF no-score games. this
year there are more apt to be played q lot
of contests in which each of the con-
tending teams will make four or five
touchdowns.
The problem for coaches last year was
to build some kind of an offense strong
enough to score touchdowns, but this
year 1t would seem that the main prob
lem will be to develop q defense capable
Of withstanding the onslaughts which are
sure to be made.
The changes in the rules are not in
themselves very many, nor very great. It
is rather the points allowed by some of
the alterations which are going to count
in giving the advantage to the eleven on
the offensive.
First Minor Change.
Tho first. although q minor change. is