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.

Jets cards

Gus Hollomon, 1973: "A starting strong safety for Jets the past three seasons, Gus is also the club's backup punter. Had big theft vs. Chiefs to help preserve Jet victory in 1971."

Mike Battle, 1971: "Mike is part owner of a men's hair styling salon. ... A valuable member of the specialty units, Mike is almost always among the first men downfield to cover kicks and make her initial contact. His longest punt return of 1970 was a 21-yarder against the Colts to give the Jets field position for a 3rd-quarter touchdown. ... (R)eturned a punt 86-yards for a touchdown to help the Jets defeat the Giants in their first meeting ever in 1969. He suffered bruised ribs and a broken hand in 1970."

Don Maynard, 1968: "With speed to spare, Don is the Jets' long bomb threat. He was second in the AFL in pass receptions in '67, surpassed only by teammate G. Sauer. Don led the AFL with a 20.2 yd. average per catch in 1967."

Dee Mackey, 1966: "The regular starting tight end for the Jets, Dee suffered a broken collar bone late in the 1965 season against Houston. Dee was signed as a free agent by the New York club in 1963 after playing in the N.F.L. for several years. Dee won the regular tight end job in 1965."

New York Jets cards

Scott Dierking's 1982 card: "A powerful runner with a low center of gravity, Scott keeps his feet peddling for extra yardage. Can find open hole in defenses."

"Signed by Jets as a free agent after being overlooked in the 1976 College Draft," says Clark Gaines's 1977 card, "he had sensational campaign for the club and was rewarded with selection as team's Rookie of Year." Gaines rushed for 1,105 yards as a sophomore at Lees-McRae Junior College, then transferred to Wake Forest where he was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior.

Marvin Powell’s 1981 card says his idol is Winston Churchill. “Marvin has earned more honors than any other offensive lineman in Jets’ history.”

Burgess Owens's 1975 card says he rerturned a kickoff 82 yards for a score in the 1973 season opener against the Broncos. The first-round draft choice out of Miami was ultimately named the Jets' rookie of the year.

Richard Todd is a scuba diver, says his 1981 card.

Marvin Powell's 1980 card calls him "the strongest player on Jets' squad ... His blocking has been one of the reasons for Jets' running successes during the past 2 campaigns." (Also: "The Jets' defense intercepted 8 passes in game vs. Colts, 9-23-73.")

"'Lam' adds a new dimension to Jets' offense and improves team's overall speed," says his 1981 card. "... The nickname 'Lam' is from Johnny's hometown of Lampasas, Texas."

Wesley Walker's speed, says his 1979 card, "is equal to that of anyone in the NFL. ... Wesley was an outstanding sprinter at California."

Chuck Ramsey--with "a knack of booming punts high for improved coverage," says his 1978 card--joined the Jets in 1977 after two years out of football. He was the Patriots' sixth-round draft choice out of Wake Forest in 1974 and then played that season with Chicago of the World Football League.



Abdul Salaam’s 1978 card: “Formerly known as Larry Faulk, Abdul became starter at right defensive tackle for the Jets last season. … Abdul led Kent State’s ‘Carat Gold’ defense while playing either linebacker or nose guard. … Abdul was honored as ‘Mr. Defense’ in Mid-American Conference in 1974.”

Darrol Ray, who did Oklahoma's placekicking as a senior in 1979, was the Jets' second-round draft choice in 1980, says his 1981 card.

The Mets looked at Marty Lyons, an All-American defensive lineman at Alabama, as a pitching prospect, says his 1981 card.

Derrick Gaffney’s 1981 card says he’s one of five football-playing brothers. “Derrick has the knack for getting open when the quarterback is trapped or scrambling.” "All Well" got his nickname from a Richard Pryor album, according to his 1979 card.

New York Jets cards

Joe Fields "has one of the fastest and most accurate snaps in the league, averaging between .7 and .8 seconds in reaching punters," says his 1983 card. "Has made appearances for Boy Scouts' memberships."

Jets players' choice for 1980 MVP: Bruce Harper, says his 1981 card.

In 1978, Pat Leahy (who also works as a teacher's aid) was one of two NFL players to score 100 points, says his 1979 card. He's "an excellent guitar player," says his 1981 card.

Greg Buttle's 1980 card says "the Jets' defense tackled passers 10 times in game vs. Bills, 11-25-61." His 1981 card says he was a member of Penn State's barbershop quarter.

It's Chris "Cubby" Ward, says his 1981 card.

Joe Klecko's 1981 card: "Joe once sparred with heavyweight champ Joe Frazier. Joe's greatest assets are his incredible quickness and the strength of his hands. If he gets a quarterback in his grasp, the passer is down."

Kevin Long's 1981 card says he's done student teaching.

Bobby Jackson's degree from Florida State is in criminology, says his 1981 card. "Bobby is becoming one of the finest cornerbacks in the NFL."

Randy Rasmussen's 1975 card calls him "perhaps the best pulling guard the Jets have ever had." A tackle at Kearney State, he was the Jets' 12th-round draft pick of 1967.