Development of Harvard Team.

The game with Pennsylvania two weeks ago showed clearly the crudeness of the team play, the weakness of the substitutes, and the fumbling and uncertainty of the back field, especially in the handling of punts. Since this game the efforts of the coaches have been directed towards the correction of these faults. In the Dartmouth game, the eleven showed a slight improvement in team play, and fumbled very little, but the weakness of the substitutes was still very evident. This weakness of the substitutes has been one of the most serious problems which the coaches have had to meet. In the early part of the season before the men had been picked for the various places, the question of substitutes did not present itself, but after the regular men had been picked, the lack of capable substitutes soon became apparent. Since the Dartmouth game, however, the substitutes have improved greatly in their individual play and in team work.

In handling the ball the improvement of the players has been noticeable. Consistent practice in the receiving of punts and the increasing carefulness of the players have almost entirely corrected the fault of fumbling.

In kicking, there has been considerable improvement. Marshall and Daly have developed skill in drop kicking, and Kernan, Ristine, Putnam, Mifflin and McGrew are all capable punters. Kernan is the best punter, but the others are not far behind in either form or distance.

The improvement in team play has been satisfactory, especially so in the offense. The plays are run off smoothly, the men find their positions in the interference quickly, play with spirit and dash. The line charges well together and is much quicker than it was in the Pennsylvania game; and the backs work more in unison. On the defense the work of the team is not so good, but nevertheless is fairly effective, although at times unreliable.

The formations this year have been confined to straight plays. No attention has been given to double passes, delayed passes or other trick plays, the intention of the coaches being to win through straight football. In all the games this year the tendem tackles play has been used with success and the development of this formation has occupied a great deal of the practice.

In spite of the injuries to many of the players the condition of the team is now practically perfect. No man is overtrained. What injuries the players have received have left no effects upon them and all the players will be able to play the game through unless injured in the play.

To sum up the improvement in the team since the Pennsylvania game: the team play has developed steadily and effectively, especially the offense; the substitutes have improved greatly; the backs have acquired greater kicking ability; the backfield works well together; the fumbling has been eliminated; and the men are in excellent condition.