Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/79

 benefit of those who have not as yet graduated in the game. The addition of the third half-back was, in a great measure, to counteract the readiness of many forwards to take the fullest advantage of the opportunity of "sneaking" allowed them by the off-side rule, so long favoured by the law-breakers of the Association, and, it must in fairness be added, accepted with approval by the great bulk of the players. The provision which keeps a man always on-side as long as there are three between him and the opposite goal, offers undoubtedly a great temptation to forwards to get as far up as they can consistently with safely. To meet this, it was found necessary to strengthen the first line of defence, and the centre half-back was introduced therefore, though his mission is, in a great measure, to feed the forwards, to enable the other halves to pay more attention, in fact to devote themselves mainly, to stopping, or at least frustrating, the tactics of the opposite wing.

To be a really first-class half-back requires the possession of something more than skilful use of the feet To fill the position well, demands, not only quickness of discernment to counteract the tactics of the opposite forwards, but also judgment and decision to be able to take advantage of the best opportunity to assist those of one's own side. The half-backs are, or ought to be, as useful for the purposes of attack as for defence. They need not necessarily be powerful, but it is essential that they should be quick, able to kick well with either foot as well as in any position, and at the same time capable of heading should occasion require. They should obviously retreat or advance according as the side has to attack or defend. If they are engaged in defensive tactics, they should on no account dribble, and, if they are hampered, it will be better rather to pass to one of the other halves or to give assistance to the backs, either by