formation has lent itself in
many ways very admirably to forward passing. A slightly modified punt
(Fig. 1) formation, in which the left end is one yard back, one half on
the line, full fifteen yards back, halves about three yards back, has
proven effective for line bucking, end running right or left, punting
and forward passing. The greatest difficulty lies in getting the left
half to go out straight to the side and be content with a short gain.
When this happens a few times someone from the defense is bound to try
to cover him. When that is attempted the way is open for runs or passes
to left end or tackle. This sideward threat, almost a pure lateral pass,
is an important part of the strategy of the successful forward pass
attack. Note in the play the direction and turning of other eligible
players, the position of line men for interference in case of a short
pass over center or outward to the wide man and the general protection
for possible interception.

[Illustration: FIG 1.--Punt Formation Pass.]

[Illustration: FIG. 2.--Undesirable Pass.]

A quick shift of left end to the line and right half one yard back (or
even played as it is) gives an equally good formation for run or pass to
the right, the corresponding players going to the corresponding
positions and everybody swinging and turning toward the right.

Against this type of play contrast the above (Fig. 2) which, though it
has often proven surprisingly successful, seems to the writer to violate
most of the principles above outlined. The ends coming in are at no
advantage over the defense. The halves going outward have no
interference and there is almost no defense for possible interception.

[Illustration: FIG. 3.--Springfield-Carlisle Indian Pass.]

[Illustration: FIG. 4.--Spread Formation Pass.]

One of the earliest successful forward pass formations was a widespread
one devised and used by Dr. J. H. McCurdy of the Springfield team in
the Springfield-Carlisle Indian game of 1912 (Fig. 3). In this the line
was spread out practically across the whole field. It was used for
kicking as well, and the whole line was sent down to stop the wonderful
Thorpe. The play was good enough to produce twenty-four points against
the wonderful Indian team of that year, although the game was won by the
Indians 30-24.

The play is given here partly because of its historical value, but also
because the principle is still good.

Spread formations somewhat modified from t