Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/81

 CHAPTER IX.

requirements for a full back, though in some degree, the same, are not altogether identical with those for a half* back. Here, again, it is necessary that there should be a thorough accord. The backs ought, indeed, to a great extent to act in harmony with the halves; and, as a matter of fact, the generally accepted theory is that the five players next in front of the goal-keeper should work in connection, or at least on a definite system of co-operation. The tactics of the back under any circumstances must be in the main dependent on those of the halves, and his policy will be guided generally by the movements of the halves, particularly of him directly in front. In the ordinary course he must watch his own half, i.e. on his own wing, or immediately before him if he happen to be in the centre. If the half-back goes at the opposite forward, and compels him to transfer the ball, the back will necessarily run in so as to get it before any other of the enemy's forwards can obtain the ball after such pass. Similar considerations will naturally influence the two backs, so that there may be the same mutual support by which in the event of the first going forward, the second may fall back to get the ball, if the other is, in football parlance, "going for the man."

Backs should not only be clever kicks, capable of taking the ball in any position and with either foot, but also be possessed of strength. They should never keep the ball by any chance a moment longer than is absolutely necessary, and it is needless therefore to add that they