Every training quarters should be equipped with a blackboard. It is easy to have regular gridiron lines painted on the board, which can be used to advantage to illustrate plays and to discuss the problems that present themselves for solution in the different parts of the field.

Ideal situations may be presented or complicated conditions marked out, and the player can be tested in the facility with which he grasps the imaginary plays, as well as the accuracy with which he solves the problems thus presented. Football makes players think, and the blackboard affords a method more realistic than mere dreamy questionings. It lends interest to the general work, especially during the player's early experience.

The work having been arranged beforehand, only 15 or 20 minutes will be required for the actual blackboard illustrations and the balance of the time can be spent in singing, talking and joking.