ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 16

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

NOTES ON THE GAME. (By “Right Half.”) To keep the boys fit for the Waitaki Cup match, the game played las, Saturday afternoon showed that plenty of talent was available, and the boys were very keen. The decision of the Management Committee of the Association to award the Cave Cup to Albion Rovers for season 1929. was based on sound reasons. Although there were very few senior games played. Rovers always had a team ready to take the field if opposition came along, and it was in the best interests of the game to award the Cup to the team which was ready to earn the points. Although the season is far advanced the Association are still prepared to run a knock-out competition for the Fraser Cup, as they are looking forward to having more football in every way next season. It would be better to award the Fraser Cup if only one game was played than to withhold it for the present setson. The question of playing for the Cup has been mentioned casually, and it would seem to be the gen - eral opinion that the Management Committee would rescind its decision t.o withhold the trophy if a game or series of games could be arranged. Permission to play for a Cup on the knockout principle after the season had closed will be granted on application being made to the New Zealand Council, which body are always prepared to stretch a point to further the interests of the code.

With the season drawing to a close, the struggle for the Chatham Cup (the premier Soccer Club trophy in the Dominion) will be in the minds of many enthusiasts. Auckland Tramways will represent the North Island. Seacliff by defeating Thistle (Christchurch), having qualified to represent the South Island. The final game played in Wellington, should produce some good football, and it is the hope, of many supporters of the code that the Chatham Cup will soon be in possession of the Seacliff representatives, as it is time that the South Island regained this trophy, i ■Styles of Play. There are two styles of play in Soccer which are distinct, and both have their advantages, and their disadavantages. Although the season is tapering off, there are other seasons to follow. The two styles of play are the long-passing, and short-passing methods, and to ensure success in the front line especially, a definite style of play should be adopted, and only' after weighing carefully the merits of each style. The following is the opinion of a famous amateur player, namely, W. N. Cobbold, who in his time was justly regarded as one of the leading lights of the code:—“As regards actual combination, my firm belief is that a judicious mixture of long and short passing is the most effective . . The great object of short passing is to pass quickly and accurately while going at full speed. With regard to long passing, let it be done directly one see one of the outside men with a clear opening. Often when a good run is being made by one of the wings the backs on the other side gradually come across, and leave the extreme part of their own side quite unguarded. This is the time for a hard pass—over forty or fifty yards it may be. With regard to all passing the man must use his judgment, and decide quickly, and always pass slightly ahead of the player passed to. The chief thing to remember is to pass as seldom as pos üble : provided that you always do so, when an advantage may thus be gained for your side. Remember as a ruie not to pass to your outside man, when you are close to your opponent’s goal, just as it is safer policy to do so when your opponents are swarming round your own.”

Although it is many years ago since W. N. Cobbold tendered this advice in regard to passing the ball, it can be read with profit, to effect an improvement in the style of individual and team effort, as long as Soccer football is played. Further from the pen of this one-time famous player will be given from time to time.