SOCCER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 22 August 1925, Page 12

SOCCER.

HALF-BACK PLAY. The following article ib-y Frlank Barson, the Aston Villa crack half-back, could be absorbed with advantage by players in that position: ‘‘The halves form the hub of the combination cycle. Upon them depends the success of the whole organisation;. They are defenders and attackers in turn, the first line of defence and the reserve forces blacking up the storm troops in attack. Not only skill with their feet, but brain effort, denotes the read true half. No matter how brilliant the work of the forwards, nor how excellent the play of the backs, with a poor middle line the team is badly handicapped. There is no breathing space for the halves from the onslaught of the attacking forwards without an adequate set of halves in between. Consequently the backs get worn down and the side goes under. A good half is able fco tackle and kick * strongly as a full-back, can dribble smartly, and can pass as accurately as la forward. He should he agile and nimble, a quick action man, with speed his great asset. In fact modern football demands speed from all its players. A half-hack must be a good shot at goal, and active in brain to seize opportunities for testing the goalie, and taking quick advantage of Iris opponents’ mistakes. Each foot should ho equally capable of dealing with the ball, at any angle, or in any position. Heading its of great value to the half-hack. To place tihe ball ,ah will, to effect difficult olear'an.ces in mi melee, to pass to an unmarked man ’with the head, gives a ’distinct (advantage where it is not possible to use the feet, and adds to the half hack’s ant. The support he gives his forwards will prove his worth as la player, keeping in his correct place 'at all times, being where he is most ‘wanted, keeping cool and watching for ’any misgivings, and spoiling the efforts of (his opposing forwards are the watchwords of i» good half-back.”