Page:Association Football and How to Play It (1908) by John Cameron.djvu/29

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AND HOW TO PLAY IT
27

corner kicks effectively is a thing of the past. Perhaps this is due to the restrictions against charging the goalkeeper unless he is in actual contact with the ball. Still, it behoves an outside man to study this point. It may seem strange, but the best way for the outside right to kick is with his left foot. The same applies to the outside left; he should kick with his right foot. The reason here is surely obvious, because kicks with your left foot from, the right wing cause a slight swerve on the ball. There have been many great forwards both in the individual and combination line. Aston Villa maintain that Archie Hunter was the greatest centre forward and the best general that ever kicked a ball, and this statement is endorsed by very many competent judges. I was fortunate enough to see him play in Scotland when on tour twenty years ago, and he very greatly impressed me. As I was very young at the time, perhaps I should not make any definite statement. I have played with G. O. Smith, and he was a great forward, as also is V. J. Woodward, with whom I have played in later days. These three played the game as it should be played. With no unnecessary charging, they always got on the ball, and knew when it was best to dribble and when to shoot. William Bassett, of West Bromwich Albion fame, was a great outside right, and could centre the ball from any position. He and Johnnie Goodall, now manager of Watford, made a great wing. We all know the abilities of Bloomer, who has been the greatest goal getter of recent years. The outside left position is the most difficult one to fill