Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-28
By ROBERT W. MAXWELL
ARTICLE v.

mage. This might be all right, but 1 do
not approve of it, From experience and
watching the play of centres on the big
teams, l have come to the conclusion that
a centre can be more effective by charg-
ing straight through and then cutting
over behind the opponents line OF scrim-
mage. In this manner he can block men
who are running for the man with the
ball, and also aid in the interference II
the runner gets clear.
When lining up for a scrimmage 1t is
best to note the position of the opponent
and then watch the quarter to prevent
passing the ball before the quarter is in
position to receive 1t.
1t is more important to keep an eye on
the opposing centre, however, as passing
to the quarterback will become mechan-
ical as the season progresses. If the
centre plays behind the line of scrimmage
on the defense, as many of them do this
year, go after the man who Is playing
closest to the middle of the line.
1t Is well for all centres to remember
that they have the advantage of their
opponents while I'm possession of the ball
They know that the play cannot start
before the ball is passed, and any inter-
ference before that time means a five
yard penalty and first down. The centre
alone knows the exact instant the ball is
to be shot back to the quarterback, as he
is the one to pass II. With this advan-
tage it should be easy to get good
! charge and nine times out of ten get the
jump on the opponent
HOW TO CHARGE.
When passing the ball never look at
| the quarterback. but pay all of your at
| tention to the man playing against you.
The quarterback will get the ball-you
! needn't worry about that. Then, when
| you make the pass, the arm should move
backward with the ball and the body
shoot forward TO block the opponent.
In other words, the charge and the pass
| should be simultaneous. In charging get
the head on the side Of the opponent on
which the play is directed and shove him
! out of the way with the shoulder and
| body. To make this effective the charge
| must be quick and the opponent taken
/ off his guard. II is unnecessary to state
that the offensive centre must play low
at ali times.
Another thing TO remember is to follow
| the ball at all times Keep up with
| the runner. so as to be ready TO get
over the ball as soon as It is downed
This will allow faster playing, and II
also serves as an example for the other
men.
CENTRE ON DEFENSE.
The defensive play of a centre de-
pends upon the system of play used by
the opposing team. If team is buck
ing the line and paying no attention to
forward passes, split plays. long end runs
and other methods of attack used in oper
football il is best to play up I'm the
line. In this case, the centre should
take a erouohing position. both hands
on the ground, watch the opponent care
fully, and, when the ball Is snapped
charge through either straight ahead ol
to one side. 1t is best to vary the play
however, so as TO keep the other fellow
guessing.
But this Is not the best system e
use Nearly everybody uses the forward
pass, and the backheld is likely to pull
off criss-cross or a delayed pass al
any time. For that reason, l would
advise the defensive centre TO play abou
two or three yards back OF the line o.
scrimmage, taking the position OF th'
old defensive fullback. II shift Is mad'
by the opposing team. that is, an enc
or a tackle sent over 10 strengthen th'
other side. the defensive centre should
move with them. Always play on IN,
strong side and take up position betweer
guard and tackle.
When the opposing team lines up lool