Published in 1893, “A Scientific and Practical Treatise on American Football” is one of the very first instructional books ever written about the sport. Co-authored by legendary innovator Amos Alonzo Stagg and fellow Yale player Henry L. Williams, the book acts as a “how-to” manual for the rapidly developing game. Williams went on to prominence, coaching at the University of Minnesota. He was famous for his “Minnesota Shift” offense and this book does a lot of explaining about early college football offenses.
Instead of chronicling history, this book teaches the game as it existed in the 19th century.
Stagg and Williams break down the fundamentals for every position and provide detailed diagrams of plays and formations. They explain the strategies behind early offensive and defensive schemes, offering a rare glimpse into the tactical mind of one of football’s greatest pioneers. The treatise helped codify and spread football knowledge across the country, and it remains a priceless document for understanding the Xs and Os of early college football history. 🏈
