The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-10-16
DEFENSIVE TEAM
MUST Think FOR
STEADY SUCCESS
BY JOCK" SUTHERLAND
university Of Pittsburgh Football
Cnarhl

0y JUN OO ln6NkAND
University Of Pittsburgh Football
Coach)
Defensive play is the most val
liable phase of football, as far as the
individual is concerned. He smust
be ION his toes" mentally, analysing
plays, and anticipating movements
Of the other team. He must be in
his position every minute Of the
time or the opposing quarterback
will send a play through the partic-
ular sector" he is supposed to
guard, and gain yardage.
The defensive team must be
taught individually and collectively
to think. l always allow my play
ers enough scope to act according to
their best judgment when under fire.
It has been repeatedly said that
"a good offense is the best defense"
but l do not agree with the state
nlent. l have seen too many excep-
tionally good offensive teams
stopped cold" by good defensive
strategy.
Plays Given Early
The majority of coaches give their
teams sixty per cent Of the plays
to be used during the season by the
time Of the first game. From then
on, time is spent in polishing up the
plays, adding an occasional new one,
and in drilling individual players
or the points Of defensive play.
There never has lccn a play de-
vised that could not be stopped if
players are taught to analyze often
sive tactics and to think for them
selves.
In the old days, coach could use
the same throughout the season, but
now it would be fatal to use the
same defense in any two Of the So
called big games.
A clever scout can see every flaw
in another team and can plan an
offenss that will take advantage Of
those weaknesses.
A friend Of mine who scouts for
q large Eastern school told me that
he secuted q team that had one Of
the fastest halfbacks in the country.
The problem Of stopping this man
puzzled the opposing coach and my
friend was instructed to take notice
Of every motion he made on the
field.
The scout saw that the star half
back pointed his feet in the direc-
ton which he intended to carry the
ball. He invariably assumed .
starting position with his feet
pointed at . slight angle in the
direction he would 60 when he re-
ceived the ball from the center.
This seemingly unimportant bit OF
information was carried back to the
other coach. The ends were in
structed to start Cor the side-lines
when they saw the halfback crouch
to receive the ball and point his
feet. They did this and drove the
back out Of bounds every time he
carried the ball. He failed to gain
yard al afternoon.
Defense Must Think
The defensive player must think
and must use his hands, shoulders
and legs. He must charge like :
sprinter leaving the mark, keeping
his feet and blowing through the OPP
posing line.
Then, the defensive player must
b constantly looking for Breaks
Of the game and take. advantage Of
them. No team plays perfect foot.
ball. In every game an opposing
backfield man is going to make Z
mistake, and no mstter how trivial !
may be, the defensive player SHOULD
take advantage Of il.
The defensive player should know
at first glance from tho arrange
meut Of Iinemen and backs the ~
parent strength Of m opposing for
nation and should Be prepared &
stop II.
ridiculous: Defensive playsrs shout
/ h given scope 70 move about ~
| m6ot plays. No coach can devise
defense that win effectively stop q
other team unless the dsfepSiy
players ats thinking for theinselvs'
! SON LEARNS FROM DAD
n ~ nRnlls.nessa - 49, - EAAn