a
forward pass was imposed. The forward pass out of bounds was ruled
incompleted in 1915. Relatively little change occurred during the war
period and there has been a feeling since that experimentation has gone
far enough; that the game is very good as it is, and that coaches,
players and the public generally should have a chance to thoroughly
acquaint themselves with the present possibilities. The open game has
come to stay, and attempts to further restrict it have met with strong
opposition.

CHAPTER III.

THE SPIRAL PASS FROM CENTER.

Possibly many would not recognize the necessity for a discussion of the
spiral pass from the snapper-back in a presentation of the forward pass.
Without this spiral pass, however, a successful forward passing game is
greatly handicapped if not rendered absolutely ineffective. The reasons
for this will be presented in a later chapter. Suffice it here to say
that the writer regards a good fast, accurate, true spiral pass from the
snapper-back, that can be shot back speedily and accurately to a
distance of at least fifteen yards, as absolutely indispensable to a
successful forward passing game. Ability to get such a pass is not
possessed by every center, nor by every team even among the better
colleges. This failure is due first to a lack of appreciation of its
importance, and second to an inability to teach centers how to acquire
this art.

The following method of teaching this pass has been found effective:

First: Have the candidate make an ordinary underhand spiral pass
forward. This is so simple and common that almost every player does it
automatically. Have him notice what he does. Notice how the ball is held
as it swings forward past the hip. The hand is bent inward almost at
right angles to the forearm. Now as the ball is shot forward from the
hand a peculiar _pulling_, _lifting_ motion is made. This motion imparts
the rotation to the ball and produces the spiral. This is the
fundamental part of the action. Essentially the same action must now be
secured with a backward pass.

Second: Have the candidate make an ordinary underhand spiral pass
_backward_. To many players this will at first seem awkward and they may
be unable to control either the direction or the rotation of the pass.
It is not necessary to continue with this until it is mastered, but some
practice on it is helpful. Proceed soon to the third step.

Third: Take position as a center, right leg back for