Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 269, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1913 — DON'TS FOR FOOTBALL [ARTICLE]

DON'TS FOR FOOTBALL

Player Should Not Get Discouraged Early in the Season. Most Young Players and Many Older Ones Forget That They Have TwoArma —Many Fumbles Caused by Carrying Ball Loosely. * —— The following don’ts for football players were compiled by a writer in the St Paul Pioneer Press. Absorb them, you mole skinners: Don’t become discouraged if you ate not chosen for the so-called“flrat team” early in the season. There is no first or second team at the start By plugging away and working hard you will be selected as a “regular” just as soon as the coach considers you prepared to hold down such a position. Don’t loaf In practice; It’s a bad habit to into and a hard onte to get away from-. Take the work seriously or not at all. Don’t tell you# eoaeh how the game should be played. He Is supposed to know it and will do all of the instructing. Don’t forget to read the rules. Most players neglect to do so and are often “sore” when penalized for committing* a foul. Ignorance of the rules causes more penalties than anything else. Don’t forget that you have two arms. Most young players, and many older ones, lleglect to use the loose arm when carrying thA balL The “stiff arm” is the greatest defense a player has, and its use will often add several yards If manipulated properly. Ward off the tackier, at the tame time throwing your own body aside so as not to lose your stride or overbalance yourself. Don’t carry the ball loosely. Many fumbles are caused by improper carrying. One end of the ball should be chucked into the pocket formed by the bended arm and body and the hand should be spread over the other end of the ball. With the ball thus firmly/ held the other arm la free to use for protection. Don’t be afraid to fall on the ball whenever it Is loose on the ground during play. The average player disregards this rule with disastrous results. A little practice will enable one to fall on the ball In such a way as to eliminate injuries. Don’t “chew the rag” during the game. Remember that your captain is chosen to lead the team and is the only one who is permitted to talk. There are 22 players and if all take time to talk many valuable minutes are wasted. Don’t dispute decisions of the officials. They are selected to enforce the rules and their work is hard enough without additional troubles. It does no good to dispute decisions — let the captain do the conferring or arguing where there is a misunderstanding. The officials are not in a position to see everything that you see and they can see lots of things you can’t see. , Don’t waste time, when on the gridiron, picking out friends on the side lines or in the stands. Your whole mind should be on the game itself. Don’t be afraid to tackle hard when you have a chance. The player who is afraid stands more chance of being injured than one who is fearless. Hit your man hard and low and hold him —don’t let him slip or twist away. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the ban. Always know where the oval is. This will prevent penalties for starting ahead of the hall, for dffside play, and will often prevent 6pponents from gaining on tricks and passeß. Sometimes by keeping the eyes glued on the ball touchdowns are also prevented.