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POSITION PLAY
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carry the ball. The advance into the ene¬
my's territory must be made by him, ex¬
cept that a tackle may sometimes be called
on for a run. The position is a difficult,
trying, and exhausting one. The back
must be sent time and again without let¬
up. "With reference to his own proper
function, a half-back should be chosen for
■peed, endurance, sand, and a cool, quick
judgment. As to physique, a half-back
should be of medium height; weight, from
135 to 170 pounds.
There are two distinct styles of backs,
the "Plunging Back" and the "Wrig¬
gler " or " Dodger." It is desirable to have
one of each upon a team. The former is
better in line-breaking, as a rule, and the
latter excels in "broken fields" and end-
running.
The backs should be drilled carefully
in the fundamentals, especially those con¬
nected with their immediate duties, as
tossing, catching, kicking, and tackling.