Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/71

 judiciously, so that an inside man can give him a pass when he is clear from the centre half-back. With regard to passing, a good forward must, of course, be able to pass with both the inside and outside of his feet, and it is the knowledge that the forward can do so which, in a great measure, puzzles the opposing half-back or back, as he cannot be sure which way the forward is going to pass. This is especially useful for short passing, when the great object is to pass quickly and accurately, yet going at full speed. With regard to long passing, which, as I have said, may be judiciously mixed with the short, let it be done directly one sees one of the outside men with a clear opening. Often, when a good run is being made by one of the wings, the backs on the other side gradually come across and leave the extreme part of their own side quite unguarded. This is the time for a hard pass—some forty or fifty yards, it may be. With regard to all passing, the forward must use his judgment and decide quickly, and always pass slightly ahead of the player passed to.

"When the time comes for shooting, the forward should not make straight for the goal-keeper, as then there will be but little room to shoot past him. A good cross shot is the best; and often, too, a shot with the outside of the foot will quite puzzle the goal-keeper, as he cannot tell to which side of the goal it is going. Some goal-keepers who are efficient at saving lofty shots will often fail at a low shot, and vice versâ. Therefore, let the forward note his opportunity, and shoot according to circumstances. When the ball is near the opponents* goal it should be kept as much as possible to the three inner men. Much time is wasted by sending it out to the outside men, and at the same time it is almost impossible for them to shoot with success if the goal-keeper is of any use. When, however, the ball is centred, say, from