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and one of its earliest exponents was the then famous Bradford Club. Where the practice of heeling back first came from it is difficult to say. It is, of course, a clear breach of the rules of the game, but it was countenanced so long without the interference of the authorities that it ultimately came to be regarded as an unwritten law.

The last alteration up to date is in the relative position of the two halves. They no longer stand level with each other, but, with a view of facilitating the shortness, quickness, and accuracy of the passing, one of them takes the scrummage, the so-called donkey-half," while the other stands back midway between his confrère and the threequarters, transforming himself, as it were, into a quasi fifth three-quarter. “ As the popularity of the game increased, and consequently partisanship became more violent, it was found impossible to get im- [FOOTBALL partial umpires, and in their stead two linesmen were substituted, whose sole duty consisted in holding up a flag at the place where the ball went into touch, while the referee had the sole right of deciding on appeals made to him for breaches of the rules, and signified his allowance of them by blowing a whistle. Lastly, the right of appeal was abolished, and at the present time the referee is invested with an absolute discretion.

That the reduction of the number of players from twenty to fifteen, which brought about the introduction of dribbling and passing, effected a great improvement, is on all hands admitted, but whether the addition of a fourth three-quarter has been beneficial to the play is a matter which has been very hotly debated.

It only remains briefly to mention some of the distinguished players at different periods of the game. In the days of twenty a side, H. Freeman, the Marlborough Nomad, a great goal-dropper and a powerful runner, was the most celebrated threequarter of his time. The most distinguished halves were S. Finnel, an old Cliftonian, and G. H. Milton, who was the private secretary of the Right Hon. Cecil Rhodes. The most famous forwards were Frederick Stokes, the elder brother of Lennard Stokes, C. W. Crosse and F. H.

Lee, both of Oxford University, and the late Dr. Irvine, of the Edinburgh Academicals.

Coming to the first period of the fifteen game, i.e., that with three three-quarters, Alec Pearson, of Blackheath, H. B.

Tristram, of Oxford, and W. Mitchell, of Cambridge, were all magnificent backs, and if a ballot were taken Tristram would probably have come out at the top of the poll. Lennard Stokes and Maclagan were undoubtedly the greatest three-quarters of their day. The former, who in the opinion of many has never had an equal before or since, was certainly the greatest drop-kicker the world has ever seen. His kicking combined the great length with the most wonderful accuracy, and an ability to kick in an extraordinarily small compass.

Maclagan has never been excelled at defence. He possessed a wonderful knowledge of the game and consummate judgment, and was certainly the best captain of modern times. Malcolm Cross, of the Glasgow Academicals, was a great goaldropper.

Following Lennard Stokes and W. E.

Maclagan came Rawson Robertshaw, R. L.

Aston, and F. Alderson, all ideal centre three-quarters; and then C. W. Wade, M. A.

FOOTBALL] Evanson, and W. N. Bolton, probably the most powerful trio physically that ever played in this position; and later still A. E.

Stoddart, of Blackheath, Rawson Robertshaw and R. E. Lockwood, of Yorkshire. Bolton, a splendidly proportioned man with great pace, ran straight and handed off.

Wade had the power of levering opponents off with his hips. The three were one and all most difficult men to stop when once under weigh. Stoddart was certainly one of the most graceful players who donned a jersey. His dodging was simply ever magnificent tackler, Martin Scott, who was quite as good as Rotherham, and Campbell, of the Glasgow Academicals, and A. R.

Don Wauchope, a marvellous runner, are the most distinguished names.

It is a matter of opinion which of two men was the best forward we have ever seen, C. Reid, of the Edinburgh Academicals, or C. Gurdon, of Cambridge and Richmond.

Gissy Graham and Bob Ainslie were magnificent scrummagers and dribblers. Other splendid forwards were E. Forrest, of Ireland, G. F. Vernon, of Blackheath, CONVERTING A TRY. marvellous. Sometimes he would go right through the thick of a team without a hand being laid upon him, and he was able to field a ball off the ground when running at full speed.

R. E. Lockwood, a pocket Hercules, was an exceptionally clever player, and though he was a fine runner, his great forte was his judgment kicking, and he was the first to start the example of kicking obliquely across the field, and running on himself at full speed, so as to put his forwards, who were at the spot where the ball pitched, onside. man At half-back, Alan Rotherham (to whom I have already referred), W. A. Evanson, exceedingly fast and powerful, Twynam, a VOL. II Inglis, of Oxford, C. J. Marriott, A. R.

Robinson, and G. S. Jeffry, of Cambridge.

In the four three-quarter game (i.e., since it has been universally adopted), Bancroft, of Swansea, and Byrne, of Moseley, were pre-eminent as full-backs. At threequarter, A. J. Gould stood alone by himself, not only unsurpassed, but unapproachable.

To him was due the conception of the theory. He possessed great pace and dodging qualities, and the power of grasping a situation in the twinkling of an eye, and he was a wonderful goal-dropper. Other famous names are T. W. Pearson, of Newport, E. M. Baker, of Oxford, Campbell and Gregor Macgregor, of the London Scottish.

R The most prominent halves have been Selwyn Biggs, of Cardiff, E. W. Taylor, of Newcastle, and R. H. Cattell, of Oxford.

McEwan, of the Edinburgh Academicals, and R. G. MacMillan, of the London Scottish, are undoubtedly the best of the forwards of the present (1897) era.

No article would be complete which did not refer to the great work of Rowland Hill in the cause of the Rugby Union. His name has become a household word, and will assuredly go down to posterity as a landmark in the game.

Hints on the Game. The first lesson to be appreciated is that the whole tendency of the modern game has been to convert the component parts of a football team into a well-regulated machine, and that it is on co-ordination, rather than individual excellence, that success depends. The first step must be the choice of a definite style. You may elect to play a fast game or a slow one, a passing or a dribbling one, but, if your tactics are to be successful, your men must from the very first understand what the style is to be, and one and all must co-operate in carrying it out. Your election will, no doubt, in a large measure be determined by the material at command, and you will have to consider whether your men are best adapted to a fast or slow game, to a foot or hand one.

The Selection of Teams. - I hold a very strong opinion that the fewer engaged in this task the better, and I have a firm belief in leaving the matter in the hands of the captain or secretary, if those officials are competent judges of play. The greater the power you vest in them, the more likely they are to realise their responsibility, and the greater the interest and work which they will devote to the management of the club.

With a numerous selecting committee, on the other hand, you simply arrive at the resultant of divers opinions; and under such circumstances you are not likely to develop a homogeneous fifteen or unanimity of style.

It is always advisable, where possible, to keep a second fifteen in competition with the first. There is no such stimulus to a man's play as the knowledge that his place is not secure. This is year by year demonstrated by the University fifteens, who invariably play a very much harder game before the 'Varsity match, when each player is fighting for his blue, than they do after the Christmas vacation.

The Captain. On the shoulders of the captain falls the whole management of a team. The question of the selection of [FOOTBALL captain becomes, therefore, one of most vital importance. The custom prevails_of electing to the post the oldest player. This I regard as a great mistake. In my opinion the man best qualified to discharge the duties of generalship ought to be selected, irrespective of any claims of seniority which another candidate may possess. It goes without saying that he must be a popular man, but his popularity must not prevent his being a determined autocrat, whose word must be absolute law. He must possess a thorough knowledge of the game, insist on the observance of the strictest discipline, and never flag in his efforts to infuse enthusiasm and maintain vitality. On the field his duties will be (I) to select the style of play, and see that its essential points are observed. (2) To correct mistakes. A man who indulges in a bad bit of play should be immediately reprimanded. (3) To keep his side together and at high pressure by continual exhortation, picking out the slackers for his censure, and rallying his side when it shows signs of going to pieces. (4) To preserve silence. All talking must be peremptorily stopped. It is a pure waste of energy, disorganises the game, and generally leads to wrangling. The captain is the only man who has a right to talk. (5) To watch most carefully the manœuvres of his adversaries, and endeavour to checkmate them by counter tactics. (6) To see that every player of the opposite side is marked by one of his own on the line out. This is most important.

From these suggestions it will be at once apparent that it is best to have as captain, if possible, a player outside the scrummage, inasmuch as in that position he has a better opportunity of seeing exactly how the game is going.

Method of Play-Passing. The whole tendency of modern play has been to make the game more fast and open, and the main factor in the transformation has been passing. But though this art has undoubtedly placed a very great premium on speed, it must not be forgotten that dribbling, though not so effective on a dry ground, or so attractive from a spectacular point of view, possesses nevertheless the advantage that it is practicable under any conditions of weather, whereas a greasy ground, a wet ball, or a boisterous wind render passing a matter of great difficulty, and sometimes an impossibility. Every club should be proficient in both schools of play. The following are the axioms of passing :- 1. The one object is to transfer the ball FOOTBALL] to one of your own side who is in a more advantageous position than yourself. 2. It follows as a rider that, unless there is someone in such a position, you must on no account pass, but must stick to the ball yourself, inasmuch as passing at all times involves a risk, which, unless there is a palpable advantage to be gained and in this case there is none whatever ought not to be run. 3. For the same reason no one must ever pass within his own 25 yards line. N.B.- This golden rule is being continually transgressed, and I have often seen International players offend. A captain cannot be too severe on the transgressor. 4. You must pass at the most opportune proper person to whom the pass should be vantageous position in relation to the made, and he is the player in the most addown at once on this silly abuse, which only runner. A captain ought to put his foot bewilders the carrier, or brings him to a standstill in uncertainty as to what he ought to do. 8. The practice of feinting, which might be described as passing by not passing at quires the employment of great judgment all, is a most effective practice, but it reas to when it should be resorted to, and a capacity to take in the situation in the twinkling of an eye. No definite law can wholly governed by the circumstances atbe stated on the subject, which much be A THREE-QUARTER AWAY AND NO ONE UP. moment, i.e., when you have made the pass a certainty, and at the very moment when most can be gained by it. 5. The pass must be low, quick, clean, and (where practicable) as short as possible . High slow passes are liable to be intercepted, while short ones are obviously very much more safe and accurate than long. 6. It follows from the above that players should back up as nearly level and as close as possible to the carrier, and that the backing up should be done broadcast and towards the open. These remarks do not, of course, apply to a long pass by a half to a three-quarter back, and by a centre threequarter to his wing. 7. Never call for a pass unless you are in a palpably better position than the carrier.

At the present time a most pernicious practice exists of almost everybody in the vicinity of the carrier shouting for a pass.

Now only one of this chorus can be the The carrier of the ball feints to pass, and taching to the particular incident of play. so perplexes the would-be tackler and decoys him to the player to whom he imagines a pass has been made. In such himself. a case the carrier secures an open field for It will be convenient here to consider ought to do. He should most unquestionwhat, under these circumstances, the tackler ably invariably go for the carrier of the ball. It must be remembered that he is one who, he thinks, is about to receive the ball, against two. If he makes for the player disposal of the runner, while he himself he is bound to leave an open channel at the he goes for the carrier, he at any rate forces tackles nobody at all. If, on the other hand , his hand, and either tackles him with the this case he has rendered a service to his ball, or compels him to make his pass.

In side, in the former to his adversaries.

Too much stress cannot be laid on this R2 very important point. I have constantly seen men wavering and hesitating as to which of the two they ought to make for, and finally fall between two stools and go for neither. I would remark, moreover, that, even where there is no feinting done, it is the practice of the majority of centre three-quarters, when the opposite centre is running, immediately to deploy to the wing three-quarter, taking it for granted that the ball will be passed out. This is a very great error indeed, and it can be laid down as a hard and fast law that it is the duty of every three-quarter to devote his attention primarily to his vis-à-vis.

Lastly, passing is, in my opinion, greatly overdone, and in minor clubs the science is [FOOTBALL Dribbling.-Much that has been said about passing applies to dribbling. It is an art which can only be acquired by the most assiduous practice; and it must be recollected that what you want is combined and concentrated, and not isolated, dribbling, which is easily checked, and therefore not of great value.

The following are the most important rules:- I. You must not be in too great a hurry in dribbling the ball, or you will be sure to overrun it. A Rugby ball does not roll with the accuracy of an Association one. 2. A player should thoroughly understand how to pass by the foot, and here the axioms A GOOD TACKLE, THE PLAYER FORCED TO PASS. frequently burlesqued. A great many men appear to be imbued with the idea that they ought to get rid of the ball the moment they get it; so that one sees runners not sprinting or dodging, but going half speed, and looking first on one side and then on the other for someone to pass to. The consequence is that the ball very often passes through a dozen hands in a stationary position, and at the end of a pretty piece of legerdemain things are as they were, and the performers are no better off than when they started the manœuvre. I most strongly advise that a player receiving the ball should sprint ahead at full speed without hesitating or looking round, until he sees a risk of being tackled, and that then, and not till then, he should pass to the most advantageously piaced player, who, if the backing up has been done in the proper manner, ought to be near him and on the open side. enumerated with regard to passing by hand would apply to a very large extent. 3. A player should be able to use the outside as well as the inside of his foot, so that he may be able to pass right or left as occasion requires. 4. As in passing by hand, the forwards should back up the dribble broadcast, and on the side to which the ball can be most advantageously transferred. 5. When a half or three-quarter back is in a good position in the open to score, the dribbler, if he be sufficiently skilful to make a long pass, should shoot the ball across to him immediately. 6. A half-back should not make a practice of dribbling. It may pay occasionally, but you will generally find that the half-back who habitually dribbles is apt to neglect the feeding of his three-quarter backs, and cannot stop a rush of forwards, because he FOOTBALL] seldom picks up the ball, and cannot do it on an emergency.

The fact that there is not merely so much dribbling now as there used to be is probably due to the greater popularity of passing by hand. At the same time there is no saying what a team which had brought to perfection the art of combined dribbling might do.

In some clubs the catcher of the ball from the throw out immediately drops it, and starts a dribble; but this device, for success, Pace, dash, and skill, when combined with weight and physical power, are important attributes of a good forward, but the most valuable of all qualities is that of hard work, and you will do well, therefore, to impress continually upon your men that, whatever else they may be able to accomplish on the field of play, they must be able at any rate to play hard. It is very much wiser to have your team composed of men who play resolutely in any kind of game than of those who are brilliant and who figure con- FORWARDS DRIBBLING. CLOSE BACKING UP. requires a previously understood concerted action amongst the forwards, and is by no means easy to accomplish successfully.

Judgment Kicking. I should mention that the Yorkshire forwards do not go in for dribbling, but for what is known as "judgment kicking." This consists in kicking the ball just hard enough to stop between themselves and the nearest half or three-quarter, and then following up at full speed, in order, if possible, to reach it first and to prevent their opponents from picking it up. Another variety of it is a long oblique kick to some unprotected part of the field with the same object. This device is all very well when it succeeds, but the kick must obviously be very well judged and directed, and is just as likely as not to go too far. On the whole, I think that dribbling is by far the soundest, and, in the long run, the most paying game. of Departments of Play-Forward Play.spicuously when they win, but fail when you have a beaten side.

One may take it as a hard and fast rule that one never should pick a loafer, no matter how brilliant a player he may be, for it must not be forgotten that his share of the hard work has to be done by the rest of the team, and that he is a source of weakness on defence. つの There are two phases of play: (1) play in the scrummage, (2) play in the open.

Scrummaging.- The first great lesson to be appreciated is that all the pace and skill in the world are useless unless you hold the scrummage. This is, indeed, a golden axiom. Back players must have room, but if your forwards are routed, they are swamped and never have an opportunity of getting off, while the opposing phalanx sweeps all before it with the force of a torrent.

It follows that (I) You must have a sufficiency of scrummage work. (2) The best team is the one which combines this sufficiency with pace in the open.

The present fashionable methods of scrummaging are (1) wheeling or screwing, and (2) heeling out. The old practice of pushing straight ahead may be said to have fallen into disuse, for the time being, at any rate, if not for ever.

Wheeling. The means employed in wheeling are not strictly within the letter of the law, inasmuch as during the process the bulk of the scrummagers are off-side.

The practice has, however, been admitted by tacit consent, and may be said to have become legitimate.

The essence of the science consists in your own forwards obtaining possession of [FOOTBALL your manœuvre in secrecy and unmolested. (3) You must nurse it skilfully, holding the scrummage at the same time, of course, till the moment for wheeling arrives. (4) You must wheel to the side on which you can best screw off your adversaries, and then rush ahead with the ball.

From the above it will be gathered that the manœuvre is by no means easy of execиtion, and as a matter of fact there are not many teams which can accomplish it with precision. With very few exceptions the International teams of the last few years have more often than not failed in their attempts to bring it into play. Like most other fanciful manœuvres it is very dangerous when it fails. The mistake which most sides make in attempts to employ it is leav- A TIGHT SCRUMMAGE, a the ball in the scrummage, and withdrawing it behind the first or second row of scrummagers, where it lies safe from the interference of your adversaries, who are thus prevented from executing a similar manœuvre. Here it is nursed by careful manipulation till it is seen in which direction the bias of the scrummage is tending, and an opinion can be formed whether it would be better to execute the wheel to the right or to the left. When this point has been ascertained, the wheel is made on the most favourable side by the back row bringing the ball round to the front, while the front row slide off their adversaries.

If you are going to wheel, then, (1) you must be the first to get possession of the ball in the scrummage. This is a sine quâ non. (2) You must immediately pull it back behind the front row of scrummagers, so that it will be safe from the interference of your adversaries, and you may execute ing the ball behind in their hurry to wheel.

As a consequence, they make a present of the ball to their adversaries with a fair field in front of them, since they themselves, by screwing off their opponents, are now behind them, and off-side as far as the play is concerned. The greatest precaution must be taken to see that the ball is brought on by the wheelers, or the result is bound to be disastrous.

I am personally of opinion that a very much sounder method would be to pull the ball back, and then push straight ahead in the old-fashioned style. This possesses the advantage of being absolutely safe, and it is a surprise to me that no team as yet has adopted it. Any side which did so would meet with astonishing success in these days, when straight-ahead propulsion has become a dead letter.

Heeling Out. - The art consists in this:

The heel out is not always executed the FOOTBALL.] moment the scrummage is formed. This would be too transparent a device. Possession of the ball must first of all be obtained as in wheeling, and the forwards must from the very commencement of the scrummage push their utmost in order to convey to their opponents the idea that they are trying to carry the pack and so mask the When they are actually pushing their opponents is the moment when heeling should be done. manœuvre.

Both wheeling and heeling are strategies which are distasteful to players of the old school, but they have without doubt become part and parcel of the game, and no side ranks. If under such circumstances the opposing side happen to get on a rush, the result may be very serious. (4) Form a compact scrummage with the heads down.

Long and straggling packs are easily broken through, and, moreover, do not admit of any of the manœuvres before detailed with reference to wheeling and heeling. (5) Never kick a ball forward in a scrummage.

By so doing you lose it yourself, and hand it over to the control of your adversaries. (6) Always keep your eye on the ball in the fight, so as to detect the progress of your opponents' manœuvres. (7) The half-backs should keep the forwards in- COMING THROUGH WITH THE BALL. which is not versed in them would stand a ghost of a chance with one which is.

As regards scrummaging generally, the following points are of the highest importance. (1) Be the first to form the scrummage and pack quickly. This is half the battle. (2) Get the first push. The whole momentum should be applied the very instant the ball is put down. The above are the means by which what is termed "rushing" a scrummage is effected. (3) When you find yourself on your opponents' side of the scrummage and in front of the ball, get round immediately and re-form. Too much stress cannot be laid on this last point.

As a rule, forwards of the present day are apt to wait for the ball to overtake them instead of running round again immediately, and filling the breaches in the forward formed of the locality and movements of the ball in the pack.

Open Play. When once the scrummage is broken up, the first great secret of open play is to break away quickly and follow up at full speed. This should be sprinting, and not the trotting which we so often see.

There is nothing more important than quick following up, and it should be done en masse, and not singly, so that five or six men, and not one only, are on the spot to tackle an adversary who gets the ball. Passing and dribbling I have already dealt with, so that I will say no more about them here, merely remarking that they are accomplishments essential to a good forward. Picking up by forwards should be discouraged, since it spoils the rushes.

One of the most important items of open forward play is the line out from touch, and I have found that in this it very much assists men to have their accustomed places, some near in and some far out from the touch line. Each of your forwards must mark one of the opposite side. Many a try is lost through leaving a man unmarked, and so allowing him to get away. This occurs over and over again even in the very best matches, and a captain should always keep a watchful eye on the line out.

Finally, a forward should be a sure and determined tackler, and recollect that even if he cannot nail his man, he is hampering his movements by going for him, and that by following him across the field after he [FOOTBALL it, without running himself; (2) when he runs himself, clears his vis-à-vis, gets his three-quarter on his legs, and nurses him till he gets an opportune moment to make his pass. The latter is undoubtedly the more efficacious way of proceeding, but it must be remembered that a half has not always time to carry it out, as, for instance, when his vis-à-vis is almost on the top of him, or when he is in front of his opponents' goal, and not a moment is to be lost. In these cases the half, if he passes at all, must do so immediately. To which of the threequarters he will pass will depend on his judgment and the circumstances of the case, but it is best to pass to the centre, when TAKING THE BALL AT THE LINE OUT. has missed him he is narrowing his margin of open ground. If a forward misses his man, he should not give up, but follow in hot pursuit, for he may get him from behind at the next check.

Half-back Play.-Imprimis, and above everything else, a half-back must realise that he is essentially a conduit pipe between the forwards and three-quarter backs, and that it is for the latter and not himself that he must mainly shape his play. This conception of his character originated the art of what is commonly known as "feeding," an innovation which has revolutionised the game. It is, therefore, necessary that a half-back should be intimately acquainted with this science; otherwise, he is wholly unfitted for the post.

There are two styles of "feeding"; (1) stationary, i.e., when the half passes the ball to the three-quarter the moment he receives possible, for he is in a better position to develop the game than a wing, whose field of operations is curtailed on one side by the touch-line.

The most skilful passer, however, will be no good unless he is quick on the ball, for if he is not, his vis-à-vis will invariably get it before him. This opens up the question as to how far from the scrummage he ought to stand; and on this point, in my opinion, no hard and fast law can be laid down. Some great players have been in the habit of standing a long way off, while I have seen other famous ones stationed right on the fringe of the pack. Standing some distance off undoubtedly gives you more room when you get the ball, but on the other hand you are not so likely to get it as if you were standing nearer in, and, both in the matter of stopping rushes and getting on to your vis-à-vis, you are at a FOOTBALL] disadvantage. The precise spot should be that which a player finds best suited to his style.

A third essential for a half is a capacity to tackle and stop rushes. He must keep a vigilant eye on his vis-à-vis, and be ready to nail him the very instant the ball comes to him; and when his adversaries are making a dribbling rush he must throw himself fearlessly on the ball. Fourthly, a half should be a good kicker, so that he can relieve his side by sending the ball into touch when on defence. For this purpose screw-kicking is especially useful. that the play is suddenly transposed from one side of the scrummage to the other, while the stream of players, who have brought the ball through, remain where they were. The vis-à-vis of the half-back who originally received the ball is thus prevented from tackling him, while his colleague, if the pass is a swift one, is probably not yet ready to tackle, or is possibly in ignorance of the fact that the pass has been made. The half, therefore, who has received the cross pass is thus able to transfer to his three-quarter unmolested.

It is a strategy most excellently employed when the play is near touch, and there is MT HALF-BACK QUICK ON THE BALL.

Fifthly, as the duty of throwing the ball out of touch devolves on the halves, every half ought to be a long and accurate thrower.

Co-operation of the two Half-backs.- A most effective game can be played by the co-operation of the two halves in the employment of cross passing. For its accomplishment it is necessary that there should exist between the two a most complete understanding, and an intimate knowledge of each other's play, together with complete unselfishness. The method is this.

When the ball comes out to a half on one side of the scrummage, he immediately throws across to his colleague, and vice The essence of the theory, of course, is that it changes the tack of the game, and versa. no margin between the scrummage and the touch-line in which to develop the game.

Then, if the ball comes out to the half on the touch-line, he can, by throwing across to his colleague, immediately transfer the play to the open field. In point of defence, moreover, it is of very great value. When a half, for instance, gets the ball, and sees that there is no possible chance of his escaping being tackled by his vis-à-vis, who is close upon him, he can get out of the difficulty of the situation by a cross pass.

The game of co-operation has come to be so generally recognised as the one to play that, in choosing half-backs for great matches, an inferior club couple are often preferred to two better individual players in order to preserve the combination.

Another innovation of recent years is the practice of one half taking the scrummage, while his colleague stands back between him and the three-quarters, an intermediary, as it were, between a half and three-quarters. The half who is on the open side of the play is the one to stand [FOOTBALL the fact that in the days of the old straightforward pushing the four three-quarter game was a failure, and year by year Wales paid the penalty for the innovation by disastrous defeats in International matches.

It has been contended (I) that eight AT THE LINE OUT. NOT STRAIGHT. back, and the other takes the scrummage.

The object in view is to facilitate the transit of the ball to the three-quarters by the agency of short passing. It is most important, however, to bear in mind that these tactics are only to be employed in offence.

When on defence it is absolutely imperative that both halves should resume their usual position, i.e., both take the scrummage for the purpose of stopping rushes and tackling their opponents.

Three-quarter-back Play. There are two systems of three-quarter-back play; (1) three three-quarters; (2) four threequarters. Opinions have differed widely as to which is the better method, but after a prolonged controversy, throughout which England, Scotland, and Ireland persevered with three three-quarters as against the four of Wales, the system of the latter has gradually made headway, and is now the more generally accepted. It is important to note forwards cannot hold their own against nine; (2) that the ground is not broad enough to give room to four three-quarters.

With regard to the first contention, I would remark that under the altered conditions of forward play, which heeling and wheeling have brought about, the theory that nine forwards are bound to rout eight is a fallacy. Nothing of the sort occurs.

The fact is that the whole character of forward play has been altered by these innovations, and that scrummaging has become rather a question of finesse and manœuvre than of weight and physical power. Under these circumstances it is very obvious that the value of the ninth man in the scrummage is not what it used to be under the old régime. Then I admit that nine would have routed eight, but under the present method of scrummaging I am sure that they do not.

Assuming that eight men under the FOOTBALL] altered state of things can hold nine, is it not patent that an extra man at threequarter is manifest advantage both from an offensive and defensive point of view? a In the first place he strengthens the defence, for four men must of necessity be more difficult to get through than threein fact I would go so far as to say that in the present state of things three are unable to hold four in check, unless the four threequarter side are utterly broken down forward.

Secondly, it is clear that he contributes to your offence. His presence brings into play short passing, which is a great deal easier, and at the same time more precise than long, and his introduction admits of very delicate co-ordination, which, if brought to any degree of perfection, is difficult to break down. In addition to this, whenever one of the four gets the ball, he is, cæteris paribus, at an advantage of two to one as regards his vis-à-vis, and it is, to my mind, an utter impossibility for one man to stop two.

Supposing, we will say, one of the centres on the four side gets the ball, and that the centre of the three side goes, as he is bound straight, in the latter they run round, so that the four do not require an inch more latitude than the three.

Under the present phase of forward play, therefore, I am strongly of opinion that it is essential to play four. That the system substitutes machinery for individuality, and that it does not, and never will, produce players of the same ability as the three game I at once admit; and if you were to take some of the present famous four threequarters and put them in a three game, you would find them most inferior players, because they have become accustomed to devote the whole of their attention to one department of the game only, i.e., passing, in order that they may convert themselves into a component part of an elaborate machine, and are wholly devoid of resource.

If a radical change comes about in the forward play which will restore to weight and physical strength their premium-a change which may occur any day-then the three game will once more be universally adopted. There can be no question that the three game is an infinitely superior school wherein to train a young player, and it is a matter of congratulation to know that A LONG PASS FROM THE SCRUMMAGE. to do, for him. He immediately, of course, passes to his fellow centre, for whom the wing on the three side must now make.

The centre on the four side straightway passes to his wing, who has a clear field in front of him, for, the wing of the three side being already employed, there is no one left to stop him.

As regards the breadth of the ground, I would point out that the four game is a wholly different one from that of the three.

In the former the three-quarters run our great public schools, which are nurseries for the supply of our best talent, still (1897) adhere to the three game, except on the occasions of matches with outside clubs.

The three game is, therefore, still very largely played, and I accordingly give the principles which govern it.

Three Three-quarters-The Centre.- A centre is the correlative of the half-back, and as the latter has to play, not for himself, but for the men behind him, in the same way a centre has to make the game for his two wings. Every word which has been written about the opportune passing of a half to a three-quarter applies to the passing of a centre to his wings. Thus it will sometimes be his game to pass out at once without running himself; at other times he will be able to nurse his wings and get them well FOOTBALL it is advisable for the centre to move up nearer to his halves, and to bring up his wings with him, so that he may be in a better position to take a pass and in quicker time.

The Wings. The modern game has placed a premium on speed, and it has con- QUICK PASSING BY THREE-QUARTERS. on their legs, passing at the exact moment when they will have the best chance of scoring, and again, at another time, he may resort to feinting, and, if he can secure a clear passage thereby, run in himself.

The other essentials of a centre are that he should be a sure kick and tackler, and a fearless stopper of rushes. These are most indispensable qualities, inasmuch as the burden of the defence will rest on his shoulders. The rushes, as a rule, fall to his share, and when in his own twenty-five, or at a moment when he cannot pass or make headway himself, he will be bound to kick. Though it may be safely said that all three-quarters ought to be good tacklers and kickers, this is essentially the case with the centre, so that efficient kicking in this position is absolutely necessary. And here I would remark-and this applies to kicking by halves and full backs-that every kick should reach touch. In this respect the modern generation has steadily deteriorated, for the reason that an enormous amount of attention is paid to passing, and kicking is consequently comparatively neglected-indeed, one might almost say that accurate kicking into touch is a lost art.

The centre will, of course, be on the lookout for a drop at goal, if he is an expert at this, but it is not good play to drop at goal when a judicious pass can make a try a certainty. When near his adversaries' goal, sequently become the custom to place sprinters on the wing. By this I do not mean to say that other qualities, such as kicking and tackling, are not desirable, but only to point out that either speed or dodging powers are absolutely requisite in this position. All that has been written about the kicks of a centre reaching touch applies equally here.

When the centre is running and nursing the wing, the latter must back him up in the position which will make the pass easiest for him. The dividing distance, however, must depend wholly on the situation.

The wings must be careful not to close in towards the scrummage, and so run the risk of being outflanked by their opponents; in fact, each three-quarter should keep exactly opposite his vis-à-vis, and on no account come nearer towards the scrummage than the latter does.

All three-quarters should go to the assistance of the full back in cases of emergency. This applies most particularly to cases where (I) a back has run in front of the threequarter; or (2) has followed up his kick. In both these cases the post is undefended, and a three-quarter should drop back immediately.

Four Three-quarter Back Play.-As previously remarked, the four three-quarter game is of a totally different character from the three. In the latter, as we have seen, FOOTBALL] the single centre nurses his wings and passes at the most opportune moment, but in the case of four we have two centres, and the method employed is that of short passing. The running is not nearly to the same extent across the ground-in fact, the field of play is not sufficiently broad to admit of this in the case of four-but very much straighter. The game is an elaboration, on a more precise scale, of the short passing of the forwards which occurs when they back up one another broadcast. The quartette, during a run by one of them, preserve their relative positions, advancing parallel.

The passing is done when the carrier is in full swing, and is of a to and fro character. The receiver of the ball, for instance, starts off at full pace; the other three back up symmetrically. The carrier, either when he finds himself menaced by an opponent, or when he sees an advantage to be gained thereby, makes his pass, and the receiver under similar circumstances re-transfers and sends the ball, if he be a centre, either back to his fellow centre or out to his wing, who, when he has exhausted his margin, and is hedged in on the touch line, once more returns it to the passer.

Thus, by a series of short and machine-like passes and repasses, employed whenever an obstacle presents itself, each would-be the last carrier re-transfers to the first, who now has a clear field in front of him and runs down the unprotected channel.

It will be easily understood that this is a system which requires infinite practice, a thorough reciprocity of style, and a great deal of head work. The whole success depends on whether or not the passing is done at full speed. It is because English, Scotch, and Irish clubs failed to appreciate this fact that they were for so long unable to master the art.

A manœuvre which has of late years been considerably employed by three-quarters, who are clever kickers, is the following.

The three-quarter on receiving the ball drops or punts it obliquely across the ground to some unprotected part of the field, and then running straight ahead at full speed puts his forwards, who are on the side of the ground where the ball has landed, but who were off-side when he kicked, on-side.

It is extremely effective, but it requires a very accurate kicker.

And, lastly, another bit of finesse employed with considerable success by some three-quarters is the practice, when they have run up close to the full back, of punting over his head with a very gentle kick and then racing for the ball. The back has, of course, to turn while the three-quarter is already moving at full speed, and conse- FALLING ON THE BALL. tackler is outmanœuvred. Or, to take another case, a centre gets the ball and passes to the other centre. The impression probably prevails that this centre will pass to his wing, and the defending side deploy in that direction. Instead of this, however, quently has a great disadvantage in starting.

Full Back Play. - The post of full back in a four three-quarter game is the most difficult on the field. On his shoulder rests enormous responsibility, and it is not easy for him to decide where to take up his position. The first point to be considered is: where a full back ought to stand as regards his three-quarters. Practice alone will A COLLAR FROM BEHIND. teach him the proper spot, and I can merely broadly state that it should be as near the three-quarters as the range of the opponents' kicks will permit, but it must on no account be so close in that these pass over his head.

Next comes the question : what is he to do when the three-quarters, with a bout of passing, are bearing down upon him? All he can do is to watch for the final development of the passing, and then without hesitation go for the carrier. If the latter passes again, this cannot be helped. What he must realise is that, if he shows the smallest hesitation, he is lost.

In the case of a dribbling rush he must on no account keep on retreating before the attacking phalanx, as is the custom with so many players, but he must rush in boldly, A GOOD COMBINED TACKLE. and either pick up (if he can) or fall upon the ball.

The essentials of a full back are that he should be (I) a good tackler; (2) a long and accurate kicker. [FOOTBALL If a team does not possess a player endowed with both these qualities, and the question arises as to whether the tackler or kicker should play, preference should undoubtedly be given to the former, for not only is he more likely to be of service in the moment of extreme peril, but the threequarters will play with a great deal more confidence when they know that they have a reliable tackler behind them.

It will be obvious that what has been said about kicks reaching touch applies to the full back more than to any other player, seeing that he is the last defender, and a kick by him into the open might lead to disastrous consequences. For this reason a full back should be able to kick with either foot. If he can only use the right, he is in a dilemma when he gets the ball on the right side of the ground. Secondly, if he cannot make a certainty of his kick, when surrounded by his adversaries near his own PLACING THE BALL (i.). goal, he must hold on to the ball and be tackled.

The question of following up his own kick for the purpose of putting his players on-side is a vexed one. In my opinion it is a very hazardous proceeding, for if the ball happens to be returned immediately there is no one there to receive it, or, if an adversary gets by the three-quarters, there is no one there to tackle him, unless one of the threequarters has dropped back to fill the vacant post, which, of course, it is his duty to do. ،، General Play-Tackling. - No better advice can be given to a player, who is about to tackle, than that which one so often hears on the football field, i.e., go low." The ideal tackle is an octopus one, which holds both the player and the ball in an iron grasp and so prevents the possibility of a pass.

If, however, a player is not an adept at this, and very few are, his next best plan will be to aim at the hips or knees and swoop on the adversary with sufficient impetus to bowl him over, and so prevent the pass. The whole secret in tackling, it should be remem- FOOTBALL] bered, is that it must be done with resolution and without the smallest hesitation. Some General Hints. If you win the toss, always take the wind, which may drop at any time, and frequently does towards sunset; and, again, if you win the toss, always play with the slope to begin with.

A score in the first half of a game inspires confidence in your side, and demoralises your opponents.

At kick-off and kick-out see that none of your own side get in front of the kicker.

If they do, the advantage of the kick is lost, and scrummage is formed midway between the touch-lines, either at the halfway or twenty-five yards' flag. a When your opponents kick off draw out one of your forwards, who can drop-kick, and station him some fifteen yards behind your own forwards, so that he may frustrate the tactics of a short kick over your forwards' heads, which your opponents hope to reach before your halves or three-quarters can do so.

Select a regular place-kicker and placer.

The placing of the ball is quite as important as the kicking. The placer must be acquainted with the kicker's taste with regard to the position of the ball on the ground.

In short kicks, the kicker should not rush at the ball. Two strides and a well-aimed kick are sufficient; in fact, it is often better to stand on one leg and lob the ball over the cross-bar with the other.

Many captains adopt the plan of pulling out a man from the scrummage for the purpose of defence, when the enemy is near the goal-line. This is a very great mistake.

Forwards in their own twenty-five are always more or less demoralised. In this predicament you want, above all things, to strengthen your pack. If you weaken it, the enemy comes through pell-mell, and your back players are swamped. Withdrawing a forward is nothing less than detracting from the strength of your essential defence at a critical moment.

Always make your mark from a free catch, no matter how near you may be to your own goal, if your opponents are close upon you, and either take the kick yourself, or employ the best place kicker of your side to send the ball into touch out of danger.

It is better at kick-off or kick-out to kick high rather than long, so as to enable your forwards, by following up fast, either to reach the ball before their adversaries, or to tackle the catcher the moment he receives it.

A. BUDD.

So admirably did the late Mr. Budd perform his task that nearly all he has said about the Rugby Union game is as applicable to-day as when it was written. Certain features of play have naturally been modified or altered since the date of his essay, and perhaps the principal change that has PLACING THE BALL (ii.). taken place is in the relative importance of the two great branches of the game, defence and attack. Till very recent times, in Metropolitan football more especially, to keep the other side from scoring was the primary consideration. Nowadays our chief attention is concentrated on scoring points ourselves. In other words, teams strive rather to win matches than to avoid defeat. The game is approached from a different point of view. We have begun to appreciate the true meaning of that well- HANDED OFF. TACKLING TOO HIGH. known maxim, "the best defence is attack," and the result is that good players of to-day take risks that would possibly have shocked the men of a previous generation. The area for offensive measures has been enlarged, and where a side possesses fast outsiders it is not an uncommon sight to find them-pace Mr. Budd-lined up for attack even in their own twenty-five. A great deal more attention is paid to position than formerly. To ensure for an attacking MAKING A MARK. movement the best prospects of a successful termination, it is vitally essential that those who are going to participate in it should be well behind each other. Unless this happens it is utterly impossible for passes to be taken at full speed, which, as Mr. Budd so rightly points out, is the secret of the four threequarter system. On the other hand, the best position for outsiders in defence is as near their opponents as the rules will permit. Now, if they are right back, they obviously cannot be right up as well. The conclusion is therefore forced upon us that they cannot both attack and defend at the same time. I am convinced that good results cannot be obtained, in either direction, by a compromise. The more I see of football, the more strongly do I believe that whenever offence is intended it is sound policy for outsiders to "lie deep" and to be right up when ideas of defence are uppermost. In enunciating [FOOTBALL this general principle I do not suggest that players should not dash up when they find that the other side have possession of the ball, or vice-versa, that they should hesitate to take advantage of an unexpected opening because they were not in the most favourable position possible. As regards the forwards, there is a tendency for many of their distinctive functions to disappear. There is the minimum of tight scrummaging, and wheeling seems to have vanished from the forward's repertory. To get the ball as it comes into the scrum, or "hooking," as it is called, is the principal object of the rival packs. It might almost be said that heeling was nowadays part and parcel of "hooking," so short a time does the ball remain in the scrum. The loss of so much essentially forward play has undoubtedly increased the pace of the game, but I am not at all sure that the tendency has not in some respects been carried to excess. I fear, however, it is not possible here to discuss this very important subject. There has of late been an undeniable recrudescence in the interest taken in the game. Men seem keener on achieving a higher level of attainment.

They use their brains more in their play, and from their greater fitness it is evident that they train harder. Happily, the keenness is of the right sort, and whatever older men may think of modern developments, they will all agree that the high ideal of sport that has ever been the pride and the tradition of Rugby football players is well maintained at the present day.

J. E. RAPHAEL.

NORTHERN UNION FOOTBALL.- The Northern Rugby Football Union was founded in 1895, mainly as the result of friction between the governors of the parent body and some of the more prominent clubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire on the subject of professionalism. For some considerable time prior to 1895 it was patent to those best able to judge that surreptitious payments were being made to players, and the English Union strengthened their rules with the avowed object of preventing anything but amateurism in the strictest sense of the word. It was, however, fully recognised in the north that the rules were being habitually broken, and honesty demanded a modification of the regulations governing professionalism. Consequently, in the hope that the evil might be minimised without resorting to more drastic legislation, an organised attempt was made to legalise the payment of compensation for bona-fide broken time, but at one of the best attended FOOTBALL] meetings on record the amateur section in the south of England proved too strong, and the resolution was defeated. The hopelessness of ever obtaining the consent of the heads of the Union to the desired change of policy was now apparent, and the minority were convinced that the only honourable course lay in the direction of independent action. No steps were immediately taken, but during the summer of 1895 the leading clubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire initiated a series scheme permitted unlimited remuneration, a provision was inserted in the rules which debarred players from participating in the game unless they also regularly followed some other occupation. This was done in order to obviate the danger of inflicting injury on the individual by taking him away from civil employment during the best years of his life, and the risk of his becoming a "loafer" after his football career had ended. For seven years the Northern THE RIGHT WING GETS AWAY. of meetings to discuss the crisis, the ultimate result being that at a meeting held at Huddersfield on August 29th, 1895, the resignations of twenty-two clubs were forwarded to the English Union, and the new organisation was then and there inaugurated. To begin with, the only alteration made in respect to professionalism was the modification of the previously existing laws so as to permit of the payment of a sum, not to exceed six shillings per day, to compensate for time actually lost in the pursuit of the game. That the clubs who risked their existence at the time of the split were sincere in their desire to keep within this limited form of professionalism-if such it could be called was fully demonstrated by the determined efforts put forth to enforce the regulations. Even when the development of the League principle created such an increased desire to win matches that the authorities found the difficulty of preventing illegal payments beyond their control, they were still reluctant to abandon all restrictions. Hence, when professionalism was legalised in 1898, although the amended VOL. II / Union strove to carry out this ideal, and only relinquished it by sheer force of circumstances. It is unnecessary to enter into any lengthy explanation of what those circumstances were. Suffice it to say that the abolition of the famous "work clause" was not brought about by inherent defects in the clause itself, or conviction on the part of its adherents that their original ideas were based upon false premises, but was rather a question of expediency caused by the unpopularity of the measure in the minds of the average supporter, who, of course, had strong claims for consideration.

The knowledge that this feeling existed, and the conviction that the spirit of unrest which had permeated the Union from its inception was not calculated to further the interests of the game, were the chief factors in the decision to adopt out-and-out professionalism.

The history of the gradual development of professionalism in Rugby football thus represents an interesting study, and it is worthy of note that although the "work clause" does not now exist, and there is, S therefore, no compulsion in this respect, over ninety per cent. of Northern Union players regularly follow some trade or other occupation to which football is merely subsidiary.

From time to time alterations have been made in the laws governing the actual playing of the game-almost all of which have been framed with the object of improvement viewed from the spectacular standpointand the professional game now differs in several important particulars from that practised by the English Union. The chief points of difference are: (a) the "halfback" rule, (b) the "play-the-ball" rule, (c) the method of bringing the ball into play from touch.

Before proceeding to discuss the points at issue, it may be well to mention that Northern Union teams are made up of thirteen players on each side, against fifteen as in the English Union. This change was adopted in 1906, and at the time provoked much adverse criticism; but the condemnation of the theoretical stage was speedily withdrawn when the measure became an established fact, and no responsible Northern critic has now a word to say against the advantages claimed for the reduced side.

To return to the style of play, the difference in what is known as the "half-back" rule is that, when a scrummage is in progress, an English Union player may advance round the pack so long as he does not obstruct by standing on his opponents' side of the ball, but a Northern Union player is compelled to keep behind the last row of forwards-i.e., behind the scrummage altogether. Lambeth Public Libraries As to "playing the ball," the Northern Union version only varies from the method of the parent body in so far that the latter code insists upon the ball being immediately played when a player is "held" whether or not the player concerned is on the ground.

In the Northern Union game, when a player is brought down so that the ball comes into contact with the ground, not only is the man in possession not expected to play the ball until allowed to regain his feet, but he commits a distinct breach of rule by doing SO. This departure from the old method was made in 1906, in order to minimise the liability of injury to players which might result if it were legal to kick at the ball while players are lying on the ground in the immediate vicinity.

As regards "touch" play, in the English Union there is a choice of two methods: (a) to throw the ball out so as to alight at right angles to the touch line, or (b) to [FOOTBALL scrummage at any spot, at right angles to the touch line ten yards from the place where the ball entered touch. In the Northern Union game no option is given, the scrummage being proceeded with at once, with, however, this further difference.

The players are only allowed to kick directly out of play from a penalty kick. In all other cases, when the ball drops directly into touch, it is taken back, and the scrummage formed at the spot from whence it was kicked, instead of opposite where it entered touch. The object of this clause is, of course, to penalise deliberate kicking out of play. It must be noted that the penalty of loss of distance applies only to cases where the ball actually alights in touch; if it first of all drop in the field of play, and afterwards roll or is kicked or carried over the touch line, method (b), described above, is adopted.

Another important difference in the two codes is in respect to scrummage formation.

In 1906 the Northern Union armed the referee with power to award a penalty kick against any player or team who wilfully and systematically endeavoured to prevent the formation of a fair scrummage. This was followed in 1907 by a further ruling that the defending side may in all cases claim to be allowed to place the "loose head" on the side of the scrummage on which the referee is standing. This latter clause had the effect of improving scrummage play out of all knowledge. defending Other details where absolute unanimity between the two codes does not exist are of a more or less trivial character, and may therefore be summarily dealt with. For example, the English Union prevents off-side players approaching within ten yards of an opponent waiting to receive the ball, while the prescribed limit in the professional code is half that distance only. The amateurs also permit charging in the case of freekicks, which the professionals do not. The Northern Union allows a goal to count even though the ball be touched in transit, while such an incident in the other game would negative the score. There is also the following difference in the scoring itself. In the English Union a try equals 3 points, a goal from a try (in which case the try does not count) equals 5 points, a goal from a "Mark" or penalty kick equals 3 points, and a dropped goal equals 4 points.

In the Northern Union game all goals count 2 points, and a try 3 points. The only difference is therefore in respect to dropped goals and goals resulting from "marks" or penalty kicks.

JOHN H. SMITH.

FOOTBALL] ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. - Development of the Game. The Association code of football rules does not allow the wilful use of the arms in the case of anyone but the goalkeeper, either to affect the course of the ball, or to impede an opponent. Though football itself had been played for centuries, there was no generally recognised code of rules, and no governing body, until 1863. In that year the great development of athletics suggested the need of some central control, and, largely owing goalkeeper can be said to take part in the attack is when the ball has been considerably overkicked towards him by the opposing side; then he runs out, picks up the ball, and punts it so as to place it as conveniently as possible for his forwards to carry it on towards the adversaries' goal.

The two chief duties of a goalkeeper are : (1) to prevent the ball passing through the goal; (2) to kick off the ball when it has been sent behind the goal-line by one of the opposing side.

GOALKEEPER PUNCHING THE BALL AWAY WITHOUT CATCHING. to the influence of Cambridge and public school men, the Football Association was formed, and their rules of play are universally accepted, although certain amateur clubs, as explained below (p. 271), have considered it advisable to form a separate association of their own. The differences between the two bodies, however, were not connected with points of actual play.

Of these two duties the former is by far the more important; the second is frequently performed by one of the backs. But if the goalkeeper can kick off well, he saves the backs a somewhat tiresome duty and gives them a brief spell of rest, which they often need.

The Goalkeeper is the last defensive resource on a side. By the rules of the Association game he is allowed to use his hands to play the ball anywhere in his own half of the ground. As, however, his duties are purely defensive, he, practically speaking, never uses his hands except in defence of his goal, i.e., to prevent the ball passing between the two upright posts and under the cross-piece. The only case where a In kicking off, low, long kicks are better than those that soar high in the air, because the former come more conveniently to the forwards, and the latter are more easily dealt with by the opposing half-backs and backs. When the wind is blowing against the kick it is essential to "loft" the ball as little as possible. Sometimes, when the wind is very strong, it pays to kick off right along the ground, provided always that one can see a space between the opposing forwards wide enough to allow of the kick S2 travelling well down the ground. Usually, the best kick-off against the wind travels a fair distance without rising more than ten or twelve feet into the air. In order to bring off these difficult kicks, it is necessary to kick the ball as much as possible with the instep, and not with the toe, which should be pointed well down, and to get the body somewhat over the ball. Experiment will suggest the best method. It is probably more difficult to keep a long kick low, if the ball is stationary when kicked, so it sometimes pays for the goalkeeper merely to pass the ball to one of the backs. If this be done, care must be taken that none of the opposing forwards are lying up close to the back. The only occasion on which much is to be gained by this trick is when there is a wind against one, and it is precisely then that the opposing forwards are likely to stay rather near the goal. This method of kicking off should never be adopted except when the back is sure to be able to get the ball easily, and to have plenty of time. A mulled kick-off is dangerous to your charge, and exasperating to the rest of your side. One of the backs should take the kick-off if the goalkeeper is a weak or erratic kick.

It is somewhat difficult to place a long kick, especially when the ball is stationary before being kicked; but one should aim at sending the ball to a forward who is unmarked and in a good position for getting away. It will usually be found that it pays to kick out to the wings rather than towards the centre of the ground. The outside forwards generally have more room than the insides or centre, and it is more difficult for the opposing half-backs and backs to get the ball to their own forwards from the side of the ground.

To defend a space twenty-four feet broad and eight high against every conceivable kind of shot from all directions except from behind is not an easy task. Few can do it with even fair success.

A goalkeeper requires great quickness of eye and hand, and considerable activity and strength. He must be cool and full of resource. And if he is to be really great, he must have the instinct of knowing where the ball is coming.

Various shots have to be stopped in various ways as occasion demands. There are three ways of dealing with a shot successfully; (1) the ball may be caught and then got rid of by a throw or punt; (2) it may be punched away; (3) it may be kicked, the hands not being used.

The first way is by far the safest, and therefore best. Whenever possible, the ball, [FOOTBALL whether it come high or low, to the right hand, left hand, or straight, should be caught with both hands. When there is time, a long punt towards the side of the ground pays best, because it gains most ground and is likely to go out of the way of the opposing half-backs and backs. When pressed, a goalkeeper should throw, or rather sling, the ball away as far as he can, taking care to send it to the side rather than straight down the field, and to one of his own men. Sometimes a goalkeeper has time to catch the ball, but not to sling it deliberately; indeed, he often can do nothing but pop it over the head of an assailant and trust to someone of his own side getting to it and relieving the pressure. In order to be able to dispose of the ball advantageously on the spur of the moment, the goalkeeper should get into the habit of observing exactly where the various players are, so that he can unhesitatingly send the ball where one of his own side is in a good position to receive it.

Some goalkeepers are in the habit of getting rid of the ball in another way.

After catching it, they toss it slightly from them and punch it away with either an overhand or underhand swing of the hand. They find they can send the ball farther by this method than by throwing. But the throw is much safer. In punching a ball you can never be quite sure where it will go.

The second method of dealing with a shot, i.e., by punching it as it comes, without catching it, is exceedingly brilliant, and must often be adopted when there is no time to catch the ball or when it cannot be reached with both hands. There have been very fine goalkeepers who always punched in preference to catching the ball. But for obvious reasons-principally because two hands are better than one-the latter method is by far the safer. It is particularly risky to punch at a slow dropping shot, especially when the wind is causing it to swerve or curl. A goalkeeper who punches at and misses such a shot looks very ridiculous.

The only shot that should be punched away is one that cannot by any means be caught with both hands. Of course, a punch is a quicker process of getting rid of the ball than a catch and throw; so, when the ball has to be cleared very rapidly for fear of the goalkeeper being rushed through the goal, ball and all, he may be justified in punching. But clever goalkeeper can nearly always dodge the opposing forwards if he can get the ball fairly into his hands, especially now that it is illegal to impede or charge the goalkeeper before he touches the ball. Before the rule on this point was a FOOTBALL] framed as it is now, the goalkeeper used often to have to wait for a dropping shot with several forwards hustling him; indeed, he was not infrequently charged through the goal just a fraction of a second before he could reach the ball. Then it was often a case of punch or nothing. Now a goalkeeper can take his time with long shots. Be careful never to punch a ball straight into an opponent who is charging you down.

The third method of clearing goal, i.e., by kicking the ball without using the hands, should never be adopted unless the shot is so close and so fast and so low that it is impossible to bend down in time to use the hands. A long shot along the ground should always be gathered with both hands, and then punted or slung away. Nothing is more reprehensible in a goalkeeper than taking wild, flying kicks or, indeed, using his feet in any way when he can use his In a similar way, when the shot is higher from the ground, the safest method of taking it is facing square with the flight of the ball, so that some part of the body is behind the hands and arms when the ball is caught. Thus, when the shot comes from the side, the goalkeeper should be facing square towards the kicker, and not towards the other goal.

The safest way of dealing with a hard, high shot is to give it a tip up over the bar with both hands. This concedes a corner kick to the other side, but is better than risking a wild punch. However, a tall, active man can catch almost any shot that would go under the bar. A shot that is passing just under the bar can usually be jumped at and caught with safety if it is dropping at the time; but if it is still rising in its flight it is difficult to catch, and is more safely treated by being pushed up GOALKEEPER CATCHING THE BALL WITH BODY BEHIND HIS HANDS. hands. Still, as occasions do arise when a kick is the only means of stopping the ball, a goalkeeper should practise kicking so as to be quick and sure with either foot. A low crossing shot into the corner of the goal may often be turned just outside the post by a deft "spread-eagle" kick.

In picking up a low shot, the best method is to face the direction from which the ball is coming, with the lines of the shoulders and hips at right angles to the line of flight of the ball. The feet should be kept close together. The goalkeeper should then stoop with his arms between his opened knees, and should field the ball as in cricket. over the bar. A goalkeeper who has confidence and skill can punch away many high shots, but there is always the risk of missing the ball or sending it to one of the other side.

When an opponent with the ball is directly opposite the goal, a goalkeeper should remember that by standing in the middle of the goal he has the maximum of ground to cover in order to stop a shot..

He should under these circumstances run out of goal to meet the man who is about to shoot. He will thereby place himself nearer the apex of the angle formed by the opponent and the goal, and therefore cover a larger proportion of the goal. The manœuvre is known as narrowing the angle.

There should always be a complete understanding between the goalkeeper and the backs, so that he on his part and they on theirs know exactly what to do and what not to do. It is nearly always best for the goalkeeper to claim and take any long shot that is dropping into the mouth of goal, because he is at liberty to use his hands.

When there is a crowd round goal, the backs are often unable to kick without sending the ball against an opponent; but the goalkeeper, if he can get hold of the ball, can throw it away over the heads of the attacking party. Round goal the goalkeeper should, therefore, try to get the backs to play to him and should shout to them decidedly whenever he sees he can deal with the ball.

When the ground is wet, most goalkeepers wear woollen gloves or mittens, in order the better to grasp the greasy ball. These gloves should not be too thick, or they are liable to be an impediment. A goalkeeper should take care to keep warm when unemployed, as it is impossible to use the limbs with rapidity and certainty if they are chilled.

Cold hands will not catch. It is often very slippery in goal, so it is a mistake to be careless about the knobs or bars on the boots. The Backs. The general practice nowadays is to have two backs, whose sphere of action is in front of the goalkeeper and behind the half-backs. But there is no rule to prescribe any particular arrangement of the eleven men on a side-except that only one goalkeeper is allowed. Sometimes, when a side is a goal or two ahead, and it is thought advisable to play a purely defensive game, a third back is added by diminishing the number of forwards. Experience, however, has proved that the division of the side into two backs, three half-backs, and five forwards works best.

In the old days it was customary to have only one back; but this arrangement was found faulty, as one back could not cope with judicious passing or combined rushes.

The only advantage gained by having only a single back is that the opposite forwards are liable to be off-side very frequently, unless they meet the circumstances by long passing across the ground, the receiving forward always taking care to be behind the passer at the moment the ball is kicked.

These tactics would soon suggest themselves to anyone with a knowledge of football.

So, on the whole, there is not much to be said for the single back.

With regard to the shift of withdrawing a forward and putting an extra back, there [FOOTBALL is this much to be said: that three backs are extremely hard to get through. As a matter of fact, when a forward is withdrawn, he is generally put half-back and one of the half-backs put back. But unless the players thus moved are versatile and capable of performing satisfactorily the duties of their altered positions, it is a question whether the change really strengthens the defence. For by withdrawing a forward one of the opposing backs or half-backs is left comparatively free and unmarked, at liberty to do much more attacking work. The normal arrangement of a side seems the most telling and reliable.

It is certainly unwise to play a third back, unless the extra man is a capable player in that position.

The best type of man for a back is a combination of weight, strength, and activity. Very big, heavy men are liable to be rather too slow and clumsy, very small m men to be too light and impressionable. A strong man rather above middle height, and fairly heavy, usually turns out the most serviceable. At the same time it must be confessed that a heavy, clumsy, slow man does less harm at back than in any other position, and can use what powers he has to better advantage. There have been some very useful heavy backs who have been neither fast nor clever. Weight is certainly very telling at back, especially near goal.

A light man is liable to be too easily brushed aside and hustled off the ball; but there have been players of very small stature who have been splendid backs, making up for their lack of weight by extraordinary nimbleness and activity. A light man who is neither fast nor clever had better be put anywhere else rather than back, for he does nothing much by his presence but keep the opposing forwards on-side.

The two essential and fundamental qualities in a back are (1) sure, determined tackling; (2) sure, strong kicking. A back has to tackle well in order to leprive the opposing forwards of the ball, and to kick well in order to transfer it from his own to the enemy's territory.

It is not easy to explain what tackling is, or to give instructions how to tackle successfully. Perhaps tackling may be roughly described as stopping an opponent who has possession of the ball and dispossessing him of it. Almost every player has his own particular way of tackling. But there are, broadly speaking, two methods which may be distinguished from one another.

In tackling the man with the ball you may (1) pay most attention to the man; charge or hustle him aside, and meanwhile, or just FOOTBALL] afterwards, secure the ball; practically you force the man off the ball, and then deal with it. Or (2) you may pay most atten tion to the ball, trusting to strength and cleverness of foot and leg to secure the ball without using the weight of your body against your opponent. Either you plant your foot firmly on one side of the ball and trust to being able to keep it so until the possessor staggers or overruns the ball, or you hook the ball away from his foot by a dexterous dive with your own.

Generally speaking, when your opponent is trying to rush through, or is dribbling fast, the first method is the better of the two. If he is going fast, he has less power to dodge, so you can generally block him with your body. Also, he is liable by his impetus to drive through a mere impeding leg.

But the second method is the better for stopping a deliberate, tricky piece of dribbling, because your opponent, not having much pace on, is not so likely to push your GOALKEEPER TIPPING THE BALL OVER THE BAR.

The weakness in the first method is that you are liable to muddle the ball and fail to have it under your control even after dispossessing your adversary, and it may easily be secured by another man who is following up close behind, or beside the man with the ball. On the other hand, unless you bungle or are evaded, you at any rate stop the man for the time being, even if the ball is secured by one of his comrades; and you are probably in a position to prevent a pass back to him. In other words, you put one man out of action temporarily.

The objection to the second method is that it is very difficult to get the foot so well planted beside the ball that your leg is not pushed away by your opponent's weight or impetus. On the other hand, if you do secure the ball thus, it is absolutely under your control. [Photograph by Sport and General. foot aside; and because, in meeting him thus, you need not make a dash or rush at him, which he can readily avoid, as at the pace he is going he can easily dodge to either side.

These are alternative methods of tackling, and most players are in the habit of using either one or the other exclusively. But there is a third method, which for general purposes is the best. It consists of a combination of the two above mentioned. Without distinctly charging your opponent you may contrive to put enough of your weight against him to stop or seriously impede him, preserving at the same time sufficient control over your own balance and movements to be able to use your legs and feet for extricating the ball from his possession. The difficulty is to apply sufficient weight to stop the man without losing the balance, which it is necessary to preserve in order to use the legs with firmness and accuracy. But the method is worth acquiring, because it is free from the drawbacks of pure charging and pure leg tackling. It does not entail a heavy rush which, if avoided by your opponent, carries you out of action for some, perhaps fatal, seconds: neither is it liable to be weak and ineffectual through your opponent's impetus. It is not NARROWING THE ANGLE. only a pliable and versatile, but a strong and sufficiently forcible, method.

The secrets of good tackling, by whatever method, are-(Ⅰ) to time your tackle well; that is, to make your attempt to get the ball exactly at the right moment; (2) when you do make your effort, to make it with all determination, as if the whole match depended on your getting the ball. The great point, of course, is never to miss your tackle. Apart from this, the criterion of good tackling is whether, after failing in your attempt, you are able to renew it without any appreciable delay.

If the art of tackling is hard to explain on paper, that of kicking is even more so.

It has already been said that strong, sound kicking is essential in a back. Certainly a weak, erratic, unsafe kick cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of defence. There is little doubt that an Association ball should be kicked not with the point of the toe, but with the instep. When the ball is stationary, the instep cannot be applied to the ball, but the part of the foot between the instep and the toes can. In order to get force into a kick the leg should swing clean and free, and should follow through after the ball. The body should be so poised that the weight is brought to bear upon the ball much as it is in making a drive at cricket.

It is necessary to learn to kick in whatever position you may be, and however the [FOOTBALL ball happens to come to you. Sometimes the ball is on the ground, sometimes in the air, sometimes bouncing about. When the ball is kicked before it reaches the ground it is said to be volleyed. The volley is rather a difficult kick, and requires considerable practice. Some backs stand still to volley, and kick with a bent leg when the ball is about hip-high. Others run at the ball and kick is when it is about a foot off the ground, with straight leg. The former method favours accuracy, the latter power. One of the secrets of safe back play is to make every kick as easy as possible, by always getting into the most suitable position in good time. In order to do this the attention must be kept closely upon the ball. Often a back has to kick in a hurry and as best he can, but the thing to aim at is to make each kick as easy as possible.

Iways a The ball is said to be half-volleyed when kicked the moment it touches the ground, or a fraction of a second afterwards. It is a brilliant, powerful kick when welltimed, but it is somewhat unsafe to attempt because, if mistimed, a "foozled" weak kick results. If you can, by all means use the half-volley; but remember that the volley is easier and surer than the halfvolley, and the ordinary ground kick than either.

Often the best and safest way of dealing with the ball is to head it away. Instead of volleying the ball, the player receives it on the top of his head just above the forehead, where the skull is very thick, and makes it bounce forward. Impetus is given to the ball, partly by its own elasticity, and partiy by force imparted by a movement of the neck, and sometimes by a semi-jump up towards the ball as it descends. Some players can head the ball an enormous distance. The art of heading is well worth cultivating. The difficulty is to meet the ball with the right part of the head.

For practice in kicking and heading, nothing is better than what is usually called a "punt-about." That is, three or four or more players go to a ground and kick the ball about to one another, taking it as it co comes.

Combination. - First of all, it is necessary to recognise that there is an attacking as well as a defensive side to back play.

That is to say, a back should, as far as he can, help his side to get goals. His first duty is, of course, to defend his own goal, and that he must never forget. But it is a mistake for him to regard this as all that is expected of him. The way in which he can aid his side in attacking is by passing FOOTBALL] to, or, as it is called, feeding his forwards.

Obviously huge lofty kicks are no good for this purpose. It is very common to see backs kicking as high and hard as ever they can on every possible occasion, but this is bad play. Low kicks of moderate length are the best. When there is room and time, a kick right along the ground is the best of all. Indeed, a back should regard accurate passing as no less necessary on his part than on that of a forward. A back should never kick without thinking where the ball is going. By continually trying to put the ball where desired, the power of placing may be gradually obtained.

It is most important to recognise the value of feeding the forwards. But it is even more important not to make the mistake of sacrificing soundness of defence in any way whatever. When a back is in difficulties, or is hard pressed near his own goal, he must kick as strongly and as quickly as he can. He must clear at all costs. Defence is the first point; then comes attack-in back-play.

Avoid, on the one hand, weak kicking and hesitation near your own goal, and, on the other, wild thoughtless kicking when you have the ball free somewhere down the field.

Kick out to the wings when near your own goal; try to feed the centre and inside for wards when in your opponent's territory.

Defend at all costs, but whenever possible feed your forwards. A back should never dribble-it serves no good purpose, and is sure to get him away from his proper place.

Combination in defence consists in playing, not alone, but together with the halfbacks, the other back, and the goalkeeper. The backs and half-backs should one and all be in touch with one another. They should help one another in every possible way, and each one should allow himself to be helped.

When one man is tackling, another should be ready to intercept the adversary's pass; when one man is kicking, another should try to keep him from being charged.

Theoretically, each back and half-back should mark one of the five opposing forwards, but, as the game chops and changes almost every moment, no rigid, cut-anddried system is much use. Near their own goal the backs should mark the two inside forwards. When half-way down the ground, they usually attend to the two outsides. They should never be so far from the half-backs as to be out of touch with them, nor so near up to them that the opposing side can over-kick with impunity. In combining with one another, the backs should aim at mutual help. When one is rather forward, the other should be rather THE TATE LIBRARY, BRIXTON, S.W. behind him. Sometimes it pays for one back to pass to the other, but a back should never pass when there is the least danger of the ball being intercepted.

Near goal, the backs should give the goalkeeper plenty of room, and, as far as possible, follow his directions. They should keep opponents from charging or hampering him. They should play to him; that is, give him every chance of getting the ball whenever he wants it.

The Half-backs are the most important part of an Association side. They are the nucleus of the whole combination both for defence and attack. No matter how good the backs and forwards, a side cannot play a strong game if the half-backs are weak.

In fact, one bad half-back is enough to handicap the other ten players considerably.

The old idea was that a side was divided into two parts: one, consisting of the goalkeeper, the backs, and the half-backs, for defence; the other, consisting of the forwards, for attack. That the backs, though their work is mainly defensive, share somewhat in the attack has been shown. Now the half-backs' work is neither purely defensive nor purely aggressive, but both in an equal degree. When the opponents are attacking, the half-backs must, equally with the backs, be defending, and, when their own side are attacking, they must help in TA TACKLING BY PLANTING THE FOOT ON ONE SIDE OF THE BALL. the attack equally with the forwards. Near their own goal they are to all intents backs, near their adversaries' goal they are practically forwards. So a half-back has no rest. He is on the move and in the thick of the fight all the game through.

A half-back should be able to tackle as strongly and surely as a back, and kick nearly as hard and far: and at the same time should be able to dribble as skilfully and pass as accurately as a forward. He must have quickness and activity, is all the better with a turn of sheer speed, and certainly should be able to "head" the ball with certainty and effect. In addition, he should be a good shot at goal.

Three half-backs are played nowadays, except when such alteration as that described under "Backs” is made. They are called respectively the right, centre, and left half-backs. The right and left halfbacks have similar duties. The centre has to work in a way accommodated to his FULL-BACK CLEARING. position, as the pivot upon which the whole side works.

The duties of the three half-backs may be summarised thus (1) to defend like extra backs; (2) to attack like extra forwards; (3) to combine these two duties and accommodate their fulfilment to the varying circumstances of the game.

With regard to the defensive part of halfback play, when it is said that half-backs should defend like extra backs, it must not be forgotten that the circumstances wherein a half-back is called upon to act precisely as a back do not occur frequently, and sometimes never during an entire game. A half-back is generally in an intermediate position, i.e., he is generally half as near again to his forwards as is a back, and also, except in rare cases, he is not the last defensive resource between the opposing forwards and the goalkeeper, since the backs are behind him. Consequently, he is rarely called upon to make a very long kick or to clear as best he can without reference to where the ball goes; but sometimes the ball is taken into such a position that one of the backs has to leave the mouth of the goal and [FOOTBALL run out to the sides of the ground, and the nearest half-back has then to take up the vacated place. He is for the time being a back and must act as such and must be able to kick hard and far. Sure tackling is just as important in a half-back as in a back.

There is a slight difference between the bulk of half-back and back tackling, due to the fact that the half-back, being nearer to the opposing forwards, can usually get at the man with the ball almost immediately, and before the man has got really started.

So the charging method of tackling is less, and leg-tackling more, needed in half-back play.

Directly an opponent gets the ball, a halfback must be upon him at once, so as either to tackle him or cause him to pass. If he tackles him and gets the ball, he should proceed to dispose of it to advantage. If he causes him to pass, the back may be able to intercept the ball. If he fails to tackle the man or cause him to pass, i.e., misses him altogether, he must turn and be after him again with the least possible delay. It will be seen that rushing, headlong tactics are not suited for half-back tackling. It should be of the quick, clever, worrying order.

A half-back should be on the look-out for intercepting passes, whether from the opposing backs, half-backs, or other forwards to the forwards or forward whom it is his place to watch. In order to do this, he must watch closely what the back, halfback, or other forward is doing, and must take steps to be in such a position that he can readily intercept the ball. But he must not get much out of his place, that is, he must be within easy reach of the forwards he ought to be watching, and in touch with the back behind him. If he gets out of his place the ball may be kicked over his head by an opponent, and the back left to deal with two men, both unhampered.

The usual plan of defence is this. The centre half-back watches and deals with the opposing centre forward. The right back and the right half-back look after the opposing left wing forwards, the left back and left half-back attend to the opposing right wing forwards.

It is impossible to work out any hard and fast lines upon which half-backs should act.

The usual plan is for the right half-back to work together with the right back in dealing with the opposing wing forwards, somewhat as follows: Provisionally the back watches the inside, and the half-back the outside forward, anywhere near the goal they are defending; down the field the back takes the outside and the half-back the FOOTBALL inside man. The reason for this is that near goal the back should be in the centre of the ground, in order to block the mouth of goal as much as possible, and because the inside forward then is naturally nearer to him than the outside. Whereas, down the field, the outside forward is usually well in front of the inside and consequently nearer the back.

As a matter of practice, the best rule is for the half-back to go at once for the man who has the ball, and for the back to try to intercept the pass. Otherwise the back or half-back may go for the man with the ball, according to which of them is nearest to him. Convenience and expediency must be consulted and judgment used. But hesitation should at all costs be avoided. The left back and half-back deal with the opposing right wing on similar lines.

Meanwhile the centre half-back is watching the opposing centre forward. He must do his best to prevent the centre forward from receiving a pass from either wing or from any of his comrades. Supposing the centre forward does get the ball, the centre half-back should go for him at once to tackle him. If he is successful, he disposes of the ball to the best advantage. If he misses his tackle, he must turn and be after the man with the ball at once. If, however, the ball is passed to the right or left wing by the centre forward, either the back or half-back should have intercepted the pass or be dealing with the man who received it. The centre half must in any case stick to the opposing centre forward, and hamper him as much as possible. Of course it frequently happens that the centre half-back is compelled by circumstances to tackle one of the inside forwards: in which case one of the wing half-backs has to deal with the unmarked centre forward as well as the other inside wing forward. The main idea is to prevent, as far as possible, combination between the opposing forwards. Each of the defenders looks after one of them, at the same time keeping within his own sphere. One essential point, with regard to the combination between backs and halfbacks, is that the latter should subordinate their play entirely to that of the former.

When it is a question as to which of the two should kick the ball and which take the man running for it, the proper thing is for the half-back to keep the opponent off and leave the back to deal with the ball. In other words, the half-backs should aim at providing the backs with freedom of action.

The best half-backs are always entirely unselfish.

With regard to half-back play in the attack, whenever a half-back has possession of the ball, his duties may be said to be those of an extra forward. The only exception is when he is for the time being compelled to act as a back. Even near his own goal he rarely has occasion to kick blindly: there is generally a forward to whom he may with advantage send the ball.

In order to be successful in attacking, a half-back must be able (I) to feed his forwards; (2) to dribble; (3) to shoot. Of these three qualifications the first is by far the most important. In fact it is, on the whole, the most important point in half-back play.

When a half-back has possession of the ball, and has not to kick in a hurry, he should take immediate note of the positions of his own forwards and his opponents', and proceed to pass the ball to that forward who is in the best position to receive. Sometimes the half-back is so placed that he cannot get the ball to the forwards without kicking in the air. But, whenever possible, he should pass along the ground precisely as one forward should to another. When he kicks in the air, he had better send the ball out to the wings, and, in any case, try to drop the ball just enough in front of A FULL-BACK MUST BE ABLE TO KICK IN ANY POSITION. his forwards for them to be able to get it before the opposing backs are upon them.

In passing along the ground he should also aim at putting the ball rather in front of the forward, so that the latter can take the ball without having to stop still at all.

When a forward has to wait for the ball to come to him there is more time for the opposing defenders to get at him. The usual practice is for the right half-back to feed the right wing, the left half the left wing, and the centre half the centre forward or one of the inside forwards. But it often pays to send the ball right across the ground from left to right or vice versa.

Certainly the centre half may often with great advantage send the ball to one of the outside forwards. The half-back should particularly avoid so passing that the ball can be intercepted; he had better stick to the ball than send it to one of his opponents.

A wild kick is better, on the whole, than a weak pass.

In order to learn to pass, a half-back cannot do better than play forward occasionally in practice games. This will teach him not only how to pass cleverly, but what kind of passes from half-backs are easy for forwards to take. It is noticeable that forwards who afterwards take to half-back usually prove very skilful at passing. Converted backs are almost always inclined to kick needlessly hard.

The duty of throwing-in when the ball has gone over the touch-line falls to the lot of the two wing half-backs. As the rule is now framed, the player who throws in must do so with both hands on the ball and some part of both feet upon the touch-line.

The penalty for infringing the rule is a free kick to the other side.

It used to be the practice for the wing half-back upon whose side it is to take the corner-kick. The ball must be placed a yard from the corner-flag. The best kick is one dropping from a fair height into the mouth of goal. It is a mistake to try to place the ball too near goal, as in nine cases out of ten such attempts end in the ball falling behind the goal-line. The outside forward now generally takes the cornerkick, and the same advice holds good. It sometimes pays for a half-back to dribble the ball a few yards, either to make ground, or to draw one of the opposing halfbacks away from watching a forward. But it is a mistake for a half-back to get far out of his place, as the ball may be returned at once to the gap his absence leaves. And it is very undesirable for a half-back to lose the ball to an opponent instead of passing it on to his forwards. A selfish half-back is an abomination, but, as a short dribble occasionally is very useful, all half-backs should learn the art of dribbling.

Half-backs should be good shots at goai, for they frequently have chances of scoring.

It is often telling for a half-back to put in FOOTBALL a high dropping shot or a long hard one into the corner of the goal. The centre halfback should certainly be a good shot, as he often gets a good opening when the ball comes out of a general muddle in the mouth of goal. As a rule, half-backs do not try shots nearly often enough. It is a mistake not to shoot when there is a fair chance of scoring.

The Forwards are the five players whose chief concern is to carry the ball down the field and put it through their opponents' goal. As an Association side is arranged nowadays, the five forwards are allotted places thus: the centre forward is in the middle of the other four; the two on each side of him form the wings; one of the wing forwards plays outside, i.e., near the touch-line; the other inside, i.e., between the outside forward and the centre forward.

Formerly six forwards were played, but the present system is better, because there is not room enough for more than five to work with full effect.

A forward should be a fast runner, a quick starter, and clever with his feet.

Some who on a running track are comparatively slow seem to move quite rapidly on the football field. Sheer sprinting power is extremely useful in a forward, but quickness in starting and ability to dodge are even more valuable. Very few can sprint at full speed and control the ball at the same time, but the control is essential.

There have been first-rate forwards of almost every build. Before fair charging was, by a consensus of opinion among referees, turned into a punishable offence, weight sometimes stood a forward in good stead. As it is, a big forward is better than a small one, other things being equal: for the former can push his way through a scrummage with greater ease, and is less liable to be hustled off the ball. In a really hard-fought game size and weight tell considerably; but small men seem to be the most effective when the ground is heavy with mud. Generally speaking, heavy men are most suited to be inside and centre forwards; light ones to be outsides.

The work a forward has to do requires him to be able (I) to pass; (2) to dribble; (3) to shoot.

The art of passing has been brought to mechanical perfection by the various professional teams. The theory of passing is that the forward who has the ball should, when in danger of being tackled, send it on to another who is for the time being unhampered. So it will be seen that a good pass depends upon the co-operation of two players. The one must get into a con- FOOTBALL] venient position to receive the ball; the other must send it on to him accurately and conveniently. The former part of the cooperative process is often neglected, especially by beginners. That the effectiveness of a pass depends just as much upon the receiver as upon the kicker is, however, selfhe may be able to take the ball on without stopping in his stride. Pass to where the man will be, and not to where he is. If the receiver has to stop he loses time and pace, and is likely to be tackled by an opponent before he can get started again. A pass which causes the receiver to face his own NEAR GOAL. SHOWING THE PROPER POSITION OF THE FULL-BACKS TO THE GOALKEEPER. evident. It is useless to pass to a player who is not able to take the ball. One of the first points to grasp is that there is no merit or value in getting rid of the ball aimlessly. If the ball is sent to one of the opposing side, or even kicked so that an opponent has as good a chance of getting it as one of your own side, not much is gained.

Another point worth remembering is that the object of forward play, and of passing as part thereof, is to get the ball down the ground towards the adversaries' goal.

Nothing but goals score in Association, so obtaining goals should be made the ultimate and only aim in forward play. It is quite useless for a set of forwards to play a clever passing game in the middle of the field if no progress is made towards goal.

The best kind of pass is one which makes most ground towards goal; hence it pays to pass. "through" and as much in front of you as possible. To pass sideways clearly gains less ground. The direction of a pass must depend upon where the prospective receiver is, and he ought to be as far forward as he can without getting out of touch with the passer, or infringing the off-side rule.

Again, it is not advisable to pass straight to where the receiving forward is, but a yard or two in front of him, in order that goal, or even go back a few feet to get the ball, is a bad one.

Sometimes it is necessary to pass back to a forward behind you; but this should never be done unless there is no way of getting rid of the ball to advantage in a forward direction. A few yards, it is true, do not make the difference in Association that they do in Rugby; still it is always advisable to make ground rather than lose it.

The forward with the ball should endeavour to draw one of his opponents on to him before passing, just as a threequarter does in the Rugby game. When there is no danger of being tackled, the ball should be kept and not passed, unless there is some obvious advantage to be gained.

The whole merit of a pass consists in its being well-timed and advancing matters; needless "piffling" passing is unprofitable.

When drawing an opponent, care must be taken to get rid of the ball just in time: there need be no danger of losing the ball if the manœuvre is skilfully executed.

Most good forwards, in passing, kick the ball with the inside of the right foot when sending it to the left or in front, and with the outside of it when sending it to the right, and vice versa with the left foot.

Sometimes a short pass of a few yards, sometimes a long one right across the field, is suitable. The former game is liable to degenerate into mechanical "piffling" if carried too far, the latter into mere kickand-rush. A side's passing should be versatile: both short and long passes should be used. Experience has proved that the short passing game can be broken up by a determined defence. For weak short passing nothing can be said. In exciting matches played at high pressure, long passing with plenty of individual dash seems to pay best.

In ordinary club matches the "short" game is often successful, but, being mechanical, is not so well suited for cup-ties and such like.

For the very reason that passing can be carried to excess, the old art of dribbling must not be neglected by forwards, for, though combination is the foundation of a good forward game, an occasional individual effort is often very telling. In any case, when a man has the ball to himself and plenty of room in front of him, he should, in order to make ground as quickly as possible, be able to dribble. There is not much that can be said about dribbling. The great point is to go as fast as possible without losing control over the ball. A forward may be a good dribbler and dribble often, and yet not be in any sense of the word a selfish player.

The point is that a forward should pass the ball when a pass is required, and run with [FOOTBALL the foot. But against a strong defence often the only chance of scoring is by smart, clever shooting. It is comparatively easy to shoot accurately in practice, but in a game, when you are being charged by a back or are in a difficult position, it is quite the reverse. Time after time one sees a side which can get the ball down to the goal, but cannot shoot. Such a side is often beaten by one which it outplays everywhere except in front of goal. Dash and determination at the last moment are requisite for goalgetting. It is no use passing and repassing in front of goal; such proceedings waste time, and allow the defenders to concentrate and pack the goal. Forwards should not shoot wildly and recklessly, but neither should they dally nor throw away fair opportunities. It is sound policy to shoot whenever there is a good chance of scoring, and certainly in this case bis dat qui cito dat. Low hard shots are the most effective; but the point is to get the ball through, no matter by what means. The more attention forwards give to practising shooting the better; good shooting wins, bad shooting loses matches. Of course it is more important for the centre and two insides than for the outsides to be able to shoot.

Forwards are all the better for being able to head the ball well; heading is especially WING HALF-BACK PASSING TO CENTRE FORWARD. it himself when there is a proper opening for individual effort.

To be a good shot at goal is a great recommendation in a forward, and every forward should try to master the art of shooting. Many goals are got by combination and a shot that is merely a touch with useful for scoring goals from corner kicks.

Some of the professionals can pass the ball almost as accurately with their heads as with their feet.

The centre forward is the pivot on which the forward line works; his chief duty is to keep the other forwards together and FOOTBALL] feed them well. Sometimes he should pass right out to the outsides, sometimes keep the ball between himself and the insides.

He should be able to pass accurately with either foot. In his own half he should aim at getting the ball to the outsides; nearer the opponents' goal he should keep it in the middle. He should be a good shot.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSO- CIATION. The football season of 1907-8 will ever be memorable by reason of an event which was without exact parallel in the history of any sport. During the spring of 1907, and even before that date, a wholesale secession of amateur clubs from the Football Association, the then sole HALF-BACK THROWING IN FROM TOUCH.

The two inside forwards are the connecting links between the centre and the outsides. They should feed their outsides well and give them as many chances as possible of getting well away. After passing out they should get forward as fast as possible in order to be in a good position for receiving the ball back again. The two outside forwards should be fast runners, as they have frequent opportunities of getting away with the ball. But they should be ready, when necessary, to pass back to their inside men; they should send the ball across into the centre in good time.

It is a mistake for an outside to run the ball too far down the ground before middling it. Long passes from wing to wing are very telling. Outside men should not attempt to shoot too often; it pays better to send the ball into the middle, for the centre or inside forwards to deal with it in front of goal. Usually the outsides should be rather in front of the other forwards, but they should avoid loafing and off-side tactics.

C. B. FRY. [Photograph by Sport and General. governing body of the game, was always threatening, but many pacific counsellors on both sides were endeavouring by every means to avoid a rupture, and it was not until the month of June, 1907, that the prolonged negotiations were broken off and steps taken to form an Association to control the game " as played by amateurs."

The immediate cause of this most unfortunate schism lay in the fact that a majority of the members of the Council of the Football Association had formed the opinion that it was necessary for the proper management of football affairs that all County Associations affiliated to them should undertake the government of both professional and amateur clubs within their respective areas. Many of these County Associations had refused to adopt this course when requested to do so on previous occasions, pointing out that the word "amateur" was not only the very watchword of their Associations, but also the secret of their undoubted success. over, the members also drew attention to the fact that they had neither the time nor Morethe necessary experience to take over the control or government of professional clubs, and that while they were willing to devote their leisure to assist in the management of amateur clubs which were carried on for sport only, it was unreasonable to expect them to concern themselves with the clubs which were admittedly formed and carried on for the purpose of profit.

But the Council of the Football Association maintained its views and issued instructions to the County Associations that they must conform to the practice of the other Associations, which had already admitted to membership both sections of clubs, with the result that a mass meeting was held at the Holborn Restaurant on July 8th, 1907 (Mr.

Alfred Lyttelton presiding), at which the Amateur Football Association was formally brought into existence. The Rt. Hon. Lord Alverstone became the first President, and the long list of Vice-Presidents contained the names of most of the famous exponents of the game who had made their mark before the advent of professionalism was dreamt of.

The success of the new Association was never in doubt from the start. Foremost amongst the clubs to apply for membership were the Corinthians, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and all the old Public School clubs which had made the game, and practically formed the Football Association itself in 1863. During the first season the number of clubs in membership was not more than 118, but by 1910 the total was well over 1,000 clubs, in addition to which 12 county and other Associations had been formed and affiliated. This success was not achieved without the greatest sacrifices of time and money on the part of those who set themselves the task.

The formation of the Amateur Football Association was followed by a "boycotting" resolution by the Football Association, which suspended the seceding amateurs from taking part in any football under its auspices, and also debarred its own clubs and players from playing with or against them. So far as England was concerned, this resolution rather helped the Amateur Football Association than otherwise, because it made it a self-contained body, but, owing to its connection with the International Federation of Football Associations (the body governing all Continental football), the Football Association was able to close the Continent as a touring ground to the whole of the clubs which had joined the amateur movement. It was here, therefore, that the boycott had to be most strenuously fought, and it was some time before the [FOOTBALL efforts made in this direction had manifest success. The Continental Associations were always unwilling to adopt the prohibition, because they were well aware that the pioneers of Association football in their respective countries were the very clubs which had seceded from the Football Association and organised the new body, but the rules of their Federation compelled them to do so. The first foreign body to take up the cause of the amateurs was the French Association, which, after the International Federation had refused it permission to play against the suspended clubs, formally withdrew from that body. The Associations of Bohemia and Hungary followed suit, and Spain refused to join the Federation, thus adopting a neutral attitude.

The Amateur Football Association set itself a heavy and responsible task, which appears to be accomplished. It has succeeded undoubtedly in raising the general tone of the game amongst its members; it has succeeded in putting amateurism back upon the pedestal from which it had fallen in recent years, and even if it is destined never to extend beyond its present limits, those who have been responsible for its formation are content with the result of their efforts to preserve as something better than a commercial enterprise the game which experience has shown to be better adapted than any other to supply the demand for vigorous exercise in all classes of the community.

E. V. SPELLER.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL.-In the winter of 1870 the first "International match" was played at the Oval. England and Scotland were the nations represented, and the Association code of rules was used.

This naturally caused considerable indignation north of the Tweed, where nearly all the clubs played the Rugby game. A challenge between the Rugby players of the two countries was issued, and March, 1871, saw the first International under the carrying rules.

I. The Rugby Game. As has been mentioned, 1871 saw the first match between teams representing England and Scotland.

In 1875 the formation of an Irish Rugby Union was followed by an International match in London. It was not, however, till 1880 that England and Wales first met. Of the other International、matches those between Scotland and Ireland commenced in 1877; those between Scotland and Wales in 1883; those between Ireland and Wales in 1882. The matches have not, however, been played every year. In 1884, for in- M FOOTBALL] stance, an unfortunate dispute on the point of play resulted in the postponement of the England v. Scotland game of 1885. In 1888 and 1889 England played no International matches at all. The reason was as follows.

In 1886 England made an alteration in the scoring laws, and the other Unions protested. Matters came to a crisis in 1887, when the nationalities, England excepted, proposed an International Board, invested with power to issue laws relating to the any alteration in the laws of the game, while, in the case of International disputes a committee consisting of two representatives appointed by each Union shall arbitrate. Despite these elaborate precautions a serious dispute between Wales and the International Board broke out in 1896. A proposed presentation to the celebrated Welsh three-quarter, A. J. Gould, was forbidden by the Board as savouring of professionalism. Owing to this, the TAKING A BALL FROM THE THROW-IN.

International contests. At the same time they demanded that each nationality should be equally represented on the proposed board. As England had an enormous majority of clubs, that was manifestly unfair. At last, in December, 1889, Lord Kingsburgh and Major Marindin arbitrated on the whole question. From their award has sprung the present International Football Board. It consists of twelve members, six from England and two from each of the other nationalities. All international matches are played under rules that are subjected to its approval, although it has no jurisdiction over the game as played within the limits of the various Unions. A threefourths majority is, however, necessary for VOL. II Scotch and Irish matches with Wales fixed for January and March, 1897, were not played, but the quarrel is now laid to rest.

The method of selecting the members of the International teams differs in the various Unions. In England a system of trial matches allows the Selection Committee an opportunity of gauging the respective merits of the players. The county matches, of course, give valuable information as to a player's form, and beside these reliance used to be placed on matches based on geographical distinctions. Of these the most important used to be London, or London and the West v. Oxford and Cambridge, Oxford v. Cambridge, and, above T all, North and South. In 1909-10, however, the practice was introduced of selecting a probable fifteen beforehand and playing it against the Rest of England.

Sufficient experience has not yet been obtained as to whether the new method will be an improvement, but it opened auspiciously for England with a victory over Wales, and ultimately the Championship of 1910.

In Scotland, as in England, a Committee [FOOTBALL ENGLAND V. SCOTLAND (continued). 1894-F.dinburgh. S, 2 t--nil 1902-Edinburgh. E, 2 t--1 t 1895-Richmond. S, 1 g, 1 t-ig 1903-Richmond. S, 1g, 2t-2t 1896-Glasgow. S, tg, 2t-nil 1904-Edinburgh. S, 2 t-It 1897-Manchester. E, 2g, 1t-It 1905-Richmond. S, 1g, 1t-nil 1898-Edinburgh. S, 1 t-It 1899-London. S, 1 g-nil 1906-Edinburgh. E, 3t-It 1907-Blackheath. S, 1g, It-It 1908-Edinburgh. S, 3g, 1t-2g burgh. 1900-Edinburgh. No score 1901-Blackheath. S, 3g, It-It 1909-Richmond. S, 3g, 1t-1g, It ENGLAND v. IRELAND.

England 21; Ireland, 11; Drawn, I. 1875-London. E, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1876-Dublin. E, 1g, 1 t-nil 1894-Blackheath. I, 1g, 1 t-It 1895-Dublin. E, 2 t-1 t ESTAS A CORNER KICK. of the Scotch Union is responsible for the selection of the Internationals. Big annual contests like the "Inter-City" enable members of this Committee to gather some idea of the merits of the players. Trial matches also exist, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow v. the Rest of Scotland, and Edinburgh or Glasgow v. the South of Scotland. In Ireland Inter-provincial matches practically decide the team. In Wales the fact that there are, comparatively speaking, few clubs renders the trial game unnecessary, as the merits of the "crack" players are already known.

There is no special definition controlling the choice of a player as to the country for which he shall play. At the same time, the International Board decided at Leeds in 1894 that no player could in future play for more than one country.

The results of the International Rugby matches to date are here appended:- ENGLAND V. SCOTLAND.

England 11; Scotland, 16; Drawn, 9. 1871-Edinburgh. S, 1 g, 1 t-It 1872-Oval. E, 2 g, 2 t-1g 1873-Glasgow. No score 1874-Oval. E, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1875-Edinburgh. No score 1876-Oval. E, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1877-Edinburgh. S, 1 g-nil 1878-Oval. No score 1879-Edinburgh. Ig-ig 1880-Manchester. E., 2g, 3t-1g 1881-Edinburgh. 1g, 1t-1g, It 1882-Manchester. S, 2t-nil 1883-Edinburgh. E, 2 t-1t 1884-Blackheath. E, 1 g-1 t 1886-dinburgh. No score 1887-Manchester. It-It 1890-Edinburgh. E, 1g, 1t-nil 1891-Richmond. S, 3 g-1g 1892-Edinburgh. E, 1 g-nil 1893-Leeds. S, 2 g-nil 1877-London. E, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1878-Dublin. E, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1879-London. 1879-London.

E, 3 g, 2 t-nil 1880-Dublin. E, g, 1 t-It 1881-Manchester. E, 2g, 2t-nil 1882-Dublin. 2t-2 t 1883-Manchester. E, 1g, 3t-It 1884-Dublin. E, 1 g-nil 1885-Manchester. E, 2 t-It 1886-Dublin. E, 1 t-nil 1887-Dublin. I, 2 g-nil 1895-Blackheath. E, 3 t-nil 1891-Dublin. E, 2 g, 3 t-nil 1892-Mar:chester. E, 1g, it-nil 1893-Dublin. E, at-nil 1896-Leeds. I, 2g-ig 1897-Dublin. I, 1 g, 3 t--2g, I t 1898-Richmond. I, 1 g, 2 t- I g, I t 1899-Dublin. I, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1900-Richmond. E, 2g, 2t-ig 1901-Dublin. I, 2 g-1g, I t 1902-Leicester. E, 2 t-It 1903-Dublin. I, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1904-Blackheath. E, 2g,3t-nil 1905-Cork. I, 1 g, 4 t-It 1906-Leicester. I, 2g, 2t-2t 1907--Dublin. I, 2 g, 3 t-1 g, 2t 1908-Richmond. E, 2g, 1t-ig 1909-Dublin. E, 1g, 2 t-1g ENGLAND V. WALES.

England, 12; Wales, 13; Drawn, 1. 880-81-Blackheath. E, 8 g, 5 t -nil 1882-83-Swansea. E, 2 g, 4 t -nil 1883-84-Leeds. E, 1g, 2 t-ig 1884-85-Swansea. E, 1 g, 4 t I 1885-86-Blackheath. E, 2t-1g 1886-87-Llanelly. No score. 1889-90-Dewsbury. W, 1 t-nil 1890-91-Newport. E, 2g, 1 t -Ig 1891-92-Blackheath. E, 3g, I t -nil 1892-93-Cardiff. W, 2g, 2 t -1 g, 3 t 1893-94-Birkenhead. E, 5g-it 1894-95-Swansea. E, g, 3 t -2 t 1895-96-Blackheath. E, 2 g, 5 t-nil 1896-97-Newport. W, 1g, 2 t -nil 1897-98-Blackheath. E, 1 g, 3 t-1 g, 1 t 1898-99-Swansea. W, 4 g, 2 t -It 1899-1900-Gloucester. W, 3g -It 1900-01--Cardiff. W, 2g, 1 t -nil 1901-02-Blackheath. W, 1 g, 2t-ig, it 1902-03-Swansea. W, 3 g, 2 t -Ig 1903-04-Leicester. E, 3 g- 2 g, 2 t 1904-05-Cardiff. W, 2 g, 5t -nil 1905-06-Richmond. W, 2 g, 2 t-1 t 1906-07-Swansea. W, 2 g, 4 t -nil 1907-08-Bristol. W, 5 g, 2 t -3 g, it 1908-09-Cardiff. W, 1 g, 1 t SCOTLAND V. IRELAND. -nil Scotland, 23; Ireland, 6; Drawn, 3. 1877-Belfast. S, 6 g, 2 t-nil 1879-S, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1880-Glasgow. S, 3 g, 2 t-nil 1881-Belfast. I, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1882-S, 2 t-nil 1883-S, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1884-S, 2 g, 2 t-It 1885-Edinburgh. S, 1g, 2t-nil FOOTBALL] SCOTLAND V. IRELAND (continued). 1886-S, 4 g, 2 t-nil 1887-S, 4 g-ig 1888-Edinburgh. S, 1 g-nil 1889-S, 1 g-nil 1890-S, 1 d g, 1 t-nil 1891-Belfast. S, 4 g, 2 t-nil 1892-Edinburgh. S, 1 t-nil 1893-Belfast. No score. 1894-Dublin. I, 1 g-nil 1895-Edinburgh. S, 2 t-1 t 1896-Dublin. No score 1897--Edinburgh. S, 2g-1 t 1898-Belfast. S, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1899-Edinburgh. I, 3 t-1g 1900-Dublin. No score. 1901-Edinburgh. S, 3 t-1 g 1902-Belfast. I, 1 g-nil 1903-Edinburgh. S, 1 t-nil 1904-Dublin. S, 2 g, 3 t-It 1905-Edinburgh. I, 1g, 2t-rg 1906-Dublin. S3g-2t 1907-Edinburgh. S, 3 g-ig 1908-Dublin. I. 2g, 2t-2g, I t 1909-Edinburgh. S, 3 t-1 g SCOTLAND ข. WALES.

Scotland, 13; Wales, 11; Drawn, 1. 1883-Edinburgh. S, 3 g-ig 1895-Edinburgh. S, 1 g-1 dg 1884-Newport. S, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1885-Glasgow. No score 1886-Cardiff. S, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1896-Cardiff. W, 2 t-nil 1899-Edinburgh. S, 3 g, 3 t -2g 1887-Edinburgh. S, 4 g, 8 t | 1900-Swansea. W, 4 t-1 t -nil 1888-Newport. W. 1 t-nil 1889-Edinburgh. S, 2 t-nil 1890-Cardiff. S, 1 g, 2 t-1 t 1891-Edinburgh. S, 3 g, 6 t -nil 1901- Edinburgh. S, 3 g, 1 t- I g, I t 1902-Cardiff. W, 1 g, 3 t-ig 1903--Edinburgh. S, 1 g, 1 t-nil 1904-Swansea. W, 4 g, 1 t-It 1905-Edinburgh. W, 2 t-1t II. The Association Game. - As in the Rugby game, matters affecting Association football in its International relations are under the control of an International Association Board. This is composed of eight members, of whom two represent the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish Associations respectively. No alteration in the laws of the game can be made save by a unanimous vote of the members present.

In International matches, the qualification is birth, or, in the case of British subjects born abroad, the nationality of their fathers. A Selection Committee of each Association is responsible for the team that is to represent the country in which that organisation is maintained. The following are the results of the International matches to date :- HEADING THE BALL THROUGH GOAL.

ENGLAND V. SCOTLAND.

England, 12; Scotland, 16; Drawn, 10. 1892-Swansea... S, 1 g, 1 t-It 1893-Edinburgh. W, 1g, 3 t -nil 1894-Newport. W, 1 g. 1 t-nil IRELAND V. WALES.

Wales, 15; Ireland, 8; Drawn, 1. 1882-Dublin. W, 2g, 2 t-nil 1884-Cardiff. W, 1g, 2 t-nil 1887-W, 1 g-3 t 1888-Dublin. I, 2 g, 1 t-nil 1889-Swansea. I, 2 t-nil 1890-Dublin. Ig-Ig 1906-Cardiff. W, 3t-1g 1907-Edinburgh. S, 2 t-1g 1908-Swansea. W, 2 t-1g 1909-Edinburgh. W, 1 g-ig 1872-Glasgow. 0-0 1898-Limerick. W, 2 g, 1 t-ig 1899-Cardiff. I, 1 t-nil 1900-Belfast. W, It-nil 1901-Swansea. W, 2 g-3 t 1902-Dublin. W, 2g, 2 t-nil 1903-Cardiff. W, 6 t-nil 1891-Llanelly. W, 2g-rg. It 1892 - Dublin. I, 1 g, 2 t-nil 1893-Llanelly. W, 1 t-nil 1904-Belfast. I, 1 g, 3 t-4 t 1873-Oval. E, 4-2 1874-Glasgow. S, 2-1 1875-Oval. 2-2 1876-Glasgow. S, 3-0 1877-Oval. S, 3-1 1878-Glasgow. S, 7-2 1879-Oval. E, 5-4 1880-Glasgow. S, 5-4 1881-Oval. S, 6-1 1905-Swansea. W, 2 g--1 t 1906-Belfast. I, 1 g, 2 t-2 t 1894-Belfast. I, 1 g-nil 1907-Cardiff. W, 4 g, 4 t-nil 1895-Cardiff. W, 1 g-1 t 1908-Belfast. W, 1g, 2 t-rg 1896-Dublin. I, 1 g, 1 t-1g 1909-Swansea. W, ,3g, It-ig 1882-Glasgow. S, 5-4 1883-Sheffield. S, 3-2 1884-Glasgow. S, 1-0 1885-Oval. 1-I 1886-Glasgow. I-I 1887-Blackburn. S, 3-2 1888-Glasgow. E, 5-0 1889-Oval. S. 3-2 1890-Glasgow. I-I 1891-Blackburn. E, 2-1 1892-Glasgow. E, 4-1 1893-Richmond. E, 5-2 1894-Glasgow. 2-2 1895-Everton. E, 3-0 1896--Glasgow. S, 2-1 1897-Crystal Palace. S, 2-1 1898-Glasgow. E, 3-1 1899-Birmingham. E, 2-1 1900-Glasgow. S, 4-1 1901-Crystal Palace.

T2 ENGLAND V. SCOTLAND (continued). *1902-Glasgow. I-I 1902-Birmingham. 1903-Sheffield. S, 2-1 1904-Glasgow. E, 1-0 1905-Crystal Palace. E, 1-0 SCOTLAND V. WALES (continued). 1897-Wrexham. 1906-Glasgow, S, 2-1 1896-Dundee. S, 4-0 1907-Newcastle. 1908-Glasgow. 1909-Crystal Palace. E, 2-0 1898-Motherwell. S, 5-2 1899-Wrexham. S, 6-0 1900-Aberdeen. S, 5-2 1901-Wrexham.

I-I [FOOTBALL 1903-Cardiff. S, 1-0 1904-Dundee. I-I 1905-Wrexham. W, 3-1 1906-Edinburgh. W, 2-0 1907-Wrexham. W, 1-0 1908 - Dundee. S, 2-1 1909-Wrexham. W, 3-?

ENGLAND ข. WALES.

England, 23; Wales, 2; Drawn, 6. 1878-79-Oval. E, 2-1 1879-80-Wrexham. E, 3-2 1880-81-Blackburn. W, 1--0 1881-82-Wrexham. W, 5-3 1882-83-Oval. E, 5-0 1883-84-Wrexham. E, 4-0 1884-85-Blackburn. 1-1 1885-86-Wrexham. E, 3-0 1886-87-Oval. E, 4-0 1887-88-Crewe. E, 5-1 1888-89-Stoke. E, 4-1 1889-90-Wrexham. E, 3-1 1890-91-Sunderland. E, 4-1 1891-92-Wrexham. E, 2-0 1892-93-Stoke. E, 6-0 1893-94-Wrexham. E, 5-1 I-I 1894-95-Queen's Club. 1895-96-Cardiff. E, 9-1 1896-97-Sheffield. E, 4-。 1897-98-Wrexham. E, 3-0 1898-99-Bristol E, 4-0 1899-1900-Cardiff. I-I 1900-01-Newcastle-on-Tyne. 1902-Greenock. S, 5-1 SCOTLAND V. IRELAND.

Scotland 23; Ireland, I; Drawn, 2. 1883-84-Belfast. S, 5-0 1897-Glasgow. S, 5-1 1884-85-Glasgow. S, 8-2 1898-Belfast. S, 3-0 1885-86-Belfast. S, 7-2 1899-Glasgow. S, 9-1 1886-87-Glasgow. S, 4-1 1900-Belfast. S, 3-0 E, 6-0 1901-02-Wrexham. 1902-03-Portsmouth. E, 2-1 1887-88-Belfast. S, 10-2 1901-Glasgow. S, 11-0 1903-04-Wrexham. o-o 2-2 1904-05-Liverpool. E, 3-1 1905-06-Cardiff. E, 1-0 1906-07-Fulham.

I-I 1907-08-Wrexham. E, 7-1 1908-09-Nottingham. E, 2-0 1888-89-Glasgow. S, 7-0 1889-90-Belfast. S, 4-1 1890-91-Glasgow. S. 2-1 91-92-Belfast. S, 3-2 1893-Glasgow. S, 6-1 1894-Belfast. S, 2-1 1895-Glasgow. S, 3-1 1896-Belfast. 3-3 1902-Belfast. S, 5-0 1903-Glasgow. I, 2-1 1904-Dublin. I, 1-0 1905-Glasgow. S, 4-1 1906-Dublin. S, τ-o 1907-Glasgow. S, 3-0 1908-Dublin. S, 5-0 1909-Glasgow. S, 5-0 FORWARD DRIBBLING.

ENGLAND v. IRELAND.

England, 26; Ireland, o; Drawn, 2. 1881-82-Belfast. E, 13-0 1882-83-Liverpool. E, 7-0 1883-84-Belfast. E, 8-1 1884-85-Manchester. E, 4-0 1885-86-Belfast. E, 6-0 1886-87-Sheffield. E, 7-0 1887-88-Belfast. E, 5-I 1888-89-Liverpool. E, 6-1 1889-90-Belfast. E, 9-1 1890-91-Wolverhampton. E, 6-1 1891-92-Belfast. E, 2-0 1892-93-Birmingham. E, 6-1 1893-94-Belfast. 2-2. 1894-95-Derby. E, 8-0 1895-96-Belfast. E, 2-0 1896-97-Nottingham. E, 6-0 1897-98-Belfast. E, 3-2 1898-99-Sunderland. E, 13-2 1899-1900-Dublin. E, 2-0 1900-01-Southampton. E, 3-0 1901-02-Belfast. E, 1-0 1902-03-Wolverhampton. E, 4-0 I-I 1903-04-Belfast. E, 3-1 1904-05-Middlesbro'. 1905-06-Belfast. E, 5-0 1906-07-Liverpool. E, 1-0 -1907-08-Belfast. E, 3-1 IRELAND V. WALES.

Wales, 13; Ireland, 10; Drawn, 5. 1881-82-W, 7-1 1882-83-1-1 1883-84-W, 6-0 1.884-85-W, 8-2 1885-86-W, 5-0 1886-87-1, 4-1 1887-88-W, 11-0 1888-89-W, 3-1 1889-90-W, 5-2 1890-91-1, 7-2 1891-92-1-1 1892-93-Belfast. I, 4-3 1894-Swansea. W, 4-2 1908-09-Bradford (Park Av.) 1895-Belfast.

E, 4-0 SCOTLAND ข. WALES.

Scotland, 25; Wales, 4; Drawn, 5. 1875-76-Glasgow. S, 4-0。 1876-77-Wrexham. S, 2-0 1877-78-Glasgow. S, 9-0 1878-79-Wrexham. S, 3-0 1879-80-Glasgow. S. 5-1 1880-81-Wrexham. S, 5-1 1881-82-Glasgow. S. 5-0 1982-83-Wrexham. S, 3-0 1883-84-Glasgow. S, 4- 1884-85-Wrexham. S, 8-1 * Ibrox disaster. 1885-86-Glasgow. S, 4-1 1886-87-Wrexham. S, 2-1 1887-88-Edinburgh. S, 5-1 1888-89-Wrexham. 1889-90-Faisley. S, 5-1 1890-91-Wrexham. S, 4-3 1891-92-Edinburgh. S, 6-1 1893-Wrexham. S. 8-0 1894-Kilmarnock. S, 5-2 1895-- Wrexham.

Match declared unofficial. 2-2 1896-Wrexham. W, 6-1 1897-Belfast. I, 4-3 1898-Llandudno. I, 1-0 1899-Belfast. I, 1-0 1900-Llandudno. W, 2-o 1901-Belfast. W, 1-0 1902-Cardiff. I, 3-0 1903-Belfast. I, 2-0 1904-Bangor. I, 1-0 1905-Belfast. 2-2 1906-Wrexham. 4-4 1907-Belfast. W, 3-2 1908-Aberdare. I, 1-0 1909-Belfast. W, 3-2 B. F. ROBINSON. [For Oxford v. Cambridge results see UNIVER- SITY CONTESTS.] GLOSSARY.

All on side. (R.) If the ball, when kicked by a player, touches a member of the opposite side, the men upon his own, even though lying far in front of him, are put "all on side." The term is also heard when a man, after kicking, runs in front of men who previously lay before him, and thereby puts them "all on side." [See also OFF- SIDE.] FOOTBALL] Amateur Football Association. An organisation of amateur clubs only, founded largely by Old Boy Clubs in 1907.

Association Football. - That variety of football in which the arms are supposed to be nonexistent, and any wilful use of them whatever, except by the goal-keeper, involves the penalty of a free kick. The Football Association, which is formed by a federation of clubs observing this code, and controls their action, was founded in 1863, chiefly under the influence of Cambridge and old Public School men.

Back.-(R.) The player who forms the last line of a team's defence, i.e., plays alone and nearest to the goal line. (A.) One of the two players who stand in front of the goal-keeper, and whose duties are mainly defensive.

Back up. To follow closely a man of one's own side who is in possession of the ball, in order to Collar.--(R.) To seize and retain hold of a player who is running with the ball. Also called TACKLE.

Come round. - (R.) The exhortation addressed to the forwards when they have overrun the ball, or when the opposing forwards have come through them with the ball. Then they have to turn and place themselves, if possible, once more between the opposing forwards and their goal line.

Convert.-(R.) To turn a try (q.v.) into a goal (q.v.) by place kicking the ball over the bar and between the posts.