a right hander,
swing the ball freely between the legs with the right hand, and make a
backward spiral pass between the legs. Work on this until a regular
spiral is secured.

Fourth: Still swing the ball freely from the ground but place the left
hand against the ball, pressing it more firmly against the forearm and
guiding the direction of the ball. The right hand may now be a little
farther forward on the ball.

Fifth: When the above has been mastered take position as in the fourth
step, then bending a little more in the hips and knees place the ball,
without changing position of the hands, so that it touches the ground
well out in front. When ready pull the ball powerfully with the right
hand, guiding with the left, and shoot it back at the chest of the
catcher, at first about seven yards back. Follow through with the right
hand and as the ball leaves the hand give the pulling, lifting snap
described above in number one which produces the real spiral. Great care
must be taken to see that the right hand is kept far enough _under_ and
_around_ the ball. As soon as the player begins to lay it on the ground
he almost invariably forgets to pass the hand far enough around it.
Consequently he loses his rotation and the pass becomes "wobbly" and
inaccurate.

Taught in this way many men acquired the idea of the spiral pass from
center with great ease. Extended and constant practice, however, is
necessary to insure a consistent and accurate performance that can be
depended upon under fire--the accomplishment fundamental to the forward
pass.

Some men master a very successful backward spiral pass from center with
one hand. The principle of this pass is essentially the same as that of
the closed grip overhand pass described later in the chapter on
technique of passing. It requires a large hand and perhaps a certain
amount of natural "knack." It is dangerous and less effective with a wet
ball, but with a dry ball ability to pass in this way with one hand
often adds greatly to the offensive strength of the center.

CHAPTER IV.

TECHNIQUE OF THE FORWARD PASS.

The execution of a good spiral forward pass is a thing of real beauty
and art. It holds the eye of spectators and players alike. It is to
football what the home run is to baseball. The soaring flight of a
sixty-yard spiral is like the rushing swoop of the daring aviator in its
charm and interest. To produce it the player must have a good arm,
master the knac