VIEW-MASTER Dimensional Learning Series: Instructional Football by Don Maynard

"Since the advent of television, professional football has grown in popularity with the American public so rapidly that it now challenges baseball for the title of 'the national sport,'" opens the "16-page instruction booklet illustrated in color" that comes with the 1970 VIEW-MASTER Dimensional Learning Series title, "Instructional Football by Don Maynard."

"Pro teams have developed the game into as much of a science as a sport. Fans are intrigued by the efficiency and precision with which the players carry out their assignments, as well as by the clash of wits, speed, and brute power of man against man.

"Yet the game's fascination also lies in the unexpected. Almost any good team, on any given team, can beat a better team, or roll up an overwhelming score against a team that is just as good, provided it is 'up' for the game psychologically and can build up momentum early in the contest."

Hear, hear.

"This VIEW-MASTER Dimensional Learning Series presentation gives an opportunity to learn some football playing secrets from one of the leading pro players. He is Don Maynard, a wide receiver for the 1968 world champion New York Jets in the American Football League."

This three-disc/21-stereo-picture album from Portland's General Aniline & Film (GAF) Corporation includes photographs of equipment, warm-up exercises and some action from a Jets game with the San Diego Chargers. But the bulk of the project is devoted to illustrations and explanations of various skills.

"Now we'll join Don Maynard on the practice field."'

Maynard went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the strength of 15 years of work across four leagues as a wide receiver, but his VIEW-MASTER tips expands across a wide gamut of football activities: blocking, snapping, punting ... there are no pictures of defensive techniques, but Maynard does offer a four-paragraph argument for the 4-3-4 as the most flexible defense against both running and pass plays. And here is Maynard's three-part quarterbacking tutorial:

"BALL GRIP FOR THROWING A PASS--This is how most quarterbacks hold the ball for passing. Put your fingers over the laces and your thumb on the back side of the ball. The right hand is gripping the upper part of the ball as it is held vertically, high enough to give you a comfortable feel. The left hand is used only as a guide to help hold the ball in position.

"PASS-THROWING STANCE--This is a quarterback's stance just prior to releasing the ball. Keep the right elbow back. The ball is held high, just above head level or a little above. Passing technique must be practiced until it becomes second nature. In an actual game, a quarterback doesn't have time to think about technique. He must know the running patterns of all his receivers, must be able to fake the defense, must know where all his receivers and their defenders are at every instant, and must decide which one to pass to at the exact split second. And he must do all this in a few seconds, while four big defensive linemen are trying to charge through and smash him to the ground. In short, the quarterback must have courage and a cool head. He must be able to inspire his team's confidence.

"PASS DELIVERY--As you throw the ball, you step into the direction in which it is thrown, following through afterward. The contact of your fingers with the laces will give it the spin it needs for speed and accuracy."

I would like to know more about this whole VIEW-MASTER project. For one thing, how did Maynard get the gig? Did he pursue it, or did GAF Corporation target him? Were other players considered? Did Maynard do his own writing? I would imagine he had a ghostwriter; if so, who? What was the review process? Did anyone actually use the reels to teach themselves how to play?

In any event, I want to thank Don Maynard and GAF Corporation for "Instructional Football." I find it very entertaining and informative.