his frequently helps against the pass but
makes end running very easy.

Second, block eligible men. This of course can only be done before the
pass is made. But there is often an appreciable time before the pass is
made when eligible men could be blocked on the line of scrimmage. This
is the best work of the center trio rather than charging through.

Third, play a zone defense having each defensive back cover an area and
play the ball coming into that area rather than attempt to follow
individually eligible men.

Fourth, use the open defense (Fig. 5); that is, play the center out of
the line and with the full back about three yards behind tackle. This
defense is supposed to make center bucking easy, but it does not if the
defensive line is properly coached. This first line of secondary defense
is in position to intercept short passes or to help stop eligible men on
the scrimmage line. They are also in the best possible position to
assist on outside tackle and end runs while still in position to block
center bucks. In the judgment of the writer this is the best all-round
defense yet devised for the modern open game of football.

[Illustration: FIG. 5.--Open Defense.]

The open defense should be played as follows: Guards play to the center,
low, hard and stalling, not knifing through. Tackles fight their way
into the play through opposing end. Ends play as close as possible,
often not over two yards outside their own tackle and tear into every
play smashing the interference and hurrying passes. Center and full play
about three yards behind tackle, usually a trifle inside and wait until
they diagnose the play, then meet it. These men must be the best
tacklers on the team and fast, for if the tackles and ends accomplish
their work these men have their opportunity. Backs play from seven to
ten yards back and nearly straight behind end. Quarter or safety man
should play as close as he dares to, considering the possibility of
quick punts. This may be generally closer than most quarters play.

The defense with spread formations and for special plays is still too
much a matter of individual opinion to be discussed here.

BASEBALL NOTES FOR
COACHES and PLAYERS

BY ELMER BERRY

FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL COACH
INTERNATIONAL Y. M. C. A. COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

_REVISED EDITION_

A practical handbook on the game of baseball, arranged
in outline note form so that the book may become truly