k out the open man. It also gives a longer time for running
sideward and forward, helping to confuse the defense as to whether a run
or pass is really intended. Add to this the fact that with the greater
distance back little or no protection need be given the passer, it
becomes clear that though many plays can and will be built with the
passer up close and running back only the necessary legal distance, a
big distance back is an important fundamental.

This at once brings out the importance of the spiral pass back from
center, and the ability to make, when desired, a long forward pass of
from fifty to sixty yards. Unless the snapper-back can make a
consistent, accurate, speedy pass to a distance of fifteen or more yards
and can accurately _lead_ his passer, no advantage is gained by this
distance back. Many teams have failed to put their passer the necessary
distance back because, though they did not recognize the real
difficulty, their center was not adequately getting the ball back to
him. Consequently the passer was instinctively creeping up closer and
closer, being hurried in his passes and often failing. The spiral pass
back from center is an absolutely fundamental requisite for a successful
forward passing game.

The ability also to make long passes is fundamental. With the secondary
defense playing ten yards back and possibly covering twenty yards more,
with the passer fifteen yards behind his own offensive line, the pass
going outward at an angle must often travel fifty-five yards to clear
the secondary defense. Although such long passes need not often be used,
the knowledge that the offense possesses the ability to make them is
necessary to keep the secondary defense back so that short, sharp passes
may succeed for the disconcerting gains of the regular ground gaining
attack.

KICK, RUN OR PASS POSSIBLE.

The ideal forward pass formation is one from which a kick, pass or run
is possible. As the play starts it should be difficult to diagnose
whether a run or pass is intended. In fact, as a team becomes finished
in its performance it may often switch in its intention, running out a
play on the call of the passer that was intended for a pass, because the
defense laid back and waited; and conversely, though not so often, a
pass may be made to an open man on the call of the passer, though the
signal called for a run. This represents high art in team work but it
can be developed. Much depends upon the alertness