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POSITION PLAY
77
the ball at all. In that case, the play will
be very much assisted if the centre can
hand the ball to the quarter. A man
standing as he must to make the snap is
an easy mark for the opposing centre.
After having decided which way he is
going to snap the ball, the centre should
take his position ready for the signal,
muscles all set, and should let the ball go
back as quickly as possible. Just the mo¬
ment when to put the ball into play re¬
quires the exercise of some judgment. It
may be better for him to wait if the line
is unsteady and men are off side. He
should not snap the ball when an oppos¬
ing player is off side unless his captain
instructs him to do so. The trick is often
done, but is of doubtful advantage, because
the umpire may not see the off side—the
incipient play is stopped, and another
down, perhaps the fourth for your side,
or a fumble may give the ball to the other
side.