This 1940s football film presents DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL as it was seen in the leather helmet era. College teams are featured.
Narrator begins this way: As most players may not know the many facets of a football game, this film will break down techniques and terms such as a reverse running play, a spin or run (:33). There are various formations in defense, the first being the five man line (:54). For a stronger defense, the guard will move in (1:00) and for an even stronger one the center moves in (1:67). Defensive mistakes are costly (1:20). Here (1:30), the offensive formation end is baited into a trap.
To prevent mistakes, the defense will call signals (2:12) as this center signals his teammates for a five man line with himself backing up the line (2:18). The play rolls out, and the ball carrier is ‘stopped cold’ (2:29).
A play in slow motion displays the end moving in, warding off his would be blockers and stopping the ball carrier (2:38). An example of a solid defensive play is depicted in which the ball carrier is slowed by the defensive end and the full back is able to complete the play (2:54). Protection for the kicker is vital as if he is blocked, the kick may cost the game (3:23). In a forward pass, an optimal offense is to build a wall around the passer (3:54). With good passing and recieving, a touchdown is easily completed (4:21). The defense in this play (4:42), shows viewers a perfect example of running by deceiving opponents with a change of pace and evasive maneuvers (4:52). A play showing perfect ball handling is exemplified (5:20) and pays off in a touchdown (6:03). If a slip, or fumble occurs it will give the opposing team ample opportunity to retrieve the ball (6:16). Proficient deception tricks the defense into making a false move (6:24). Harvard players utilize deceptive spinners in which the player catches the ball and completely spins, running through the line (6:37). In another play, the mouse trap, the carrier gets through the lines gaining yards (7:30). Carriers must be alert and aware in every scenario (7:49). The famed trapeze play is of the trickiest (8:08). In it, the center tosses to the quarter back, who will then reverse it to the left half and again reverse it to the right half (8:08). He will start around the left end, but instead laterals the ball to the full back, and he will pass it along to the forward pass (8:24). The play is completed, a touchdown is scored and the film snaps to it’s end (8:58).
We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 — President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.”
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
