Len Smith was, in many ways, a pioneer of modern-day coaching techniques.

Smith coached Fitzroy seniors from 1958-62 and turned them into a highly-competitive unit. In his first season at the helm, he lifted the team from 11th in 1957 to a narrow first semi-final loss.

He was one of the first coaches to introduce the play-on style of game, combining short-passing and handball, or flick passing, which was legal back then.

At the end of 1962, Smith left Fitzroy and was appointed coach of VFA club Coburg.

After one season in charge of Coburg, Smith took over as Richmond’s senior coach in 1964.

During his time with the Tigers, he formulated the plan of playing mobile, long-kicking, six-footers.

Although Smith had only a short coaching stint at Punt Road due to ill-health, his impact on the Club was significant. Many of his coaching methods and ideas were credited with playing a key part in the Tigers’ drought-breaking 1967 premiership triumph.

Smith’s theories and beliefs on the game are legendary. He wrote down all his theories on football, and they were published in Inside Football magazine in July 1978. All these years on, they still make for fascinating reading.

Here then, is Len Smith’s coaching gospel . . .

• When in possession or attempting to gain possession of ball –

1. Get ball through goals in quickest possible manner –
(a) Long kicks – to a team-mate – shortest way home.
(b) Play the ball on quickly – (1) by kicking; (2) by handballing. Except when in two instances – (1) when in position to score; (2) when in defence close to goals.

2. Two men together at all times –
(a) Theory – Two men will beat one opponent.
(b) Nearest man to one in possession.
(c) To provide assistance to one in possession – (1) talking; (2) shepherding; (3) handball.
(d) This enables backing up.

3. No packs or crushes –
(a) Hit or kick ball out of congested play to team-mate, who should be making position to receive ball and calling for it.
(b) This breaks up congestion and cuts out numerous “ball-ups”.
(c) Allows for “play-on” football.
(d) Allows mate who receives possession to kick without opposition.
(e) By not receiving possession in packs, you won’t be caught in possession.

4. Crumbs – crumbs – crumbs
(a) Three out of four goals are earned from crumbs.
(b) Naturally, only one man should contest the mark.
(c) This man should be the man in best position to mark.
(d) Crumbs should be obtained by rover in front of pack.
(e) Nearest placed position man at rear and sides of pack.
(f) Make crumb-gathering a special feature of your play.
(g) Do not be too close to the packs.

5. Keep in front of your opponent –
(a) It is the best position to obtain possession of ball.
(b) It is the best place to receive a free kick.
(c) When behind your opponent, you are placed in a defensive position, so punch the ball away.
(d) Further discussion on ‘A’ and ‘E’ if weather conditions are bad – “wind or rain”.

6. The use of handball –
(a) The rules reads – “The ball should be clearly held in one hand and hit with the other hand, with clenched fist”.
(b) Handball does not take the place of a kick.
(c) It is a means of getting out of trouble.
(d) It allows you to open up the play.
(e) Handpasses must be followed up.
(f) Do not be too close to each other.
(g) Handball in direction of your goals wherever possible.
(h) Handball to man in open, allows him to kick without opposition.

7. Team spirit and intelligent talking to each other –
(a) True friendship – one for all and all for one.
(b) Loyalty to each other.
(c) Doing things for each other without thought of reward.
(d) Doing your utmost to get the ball or help mate to get the ball.
(e) Obeying instructions, your captain and the umpire.
(f) When talking be specific, such as – “Hit it out Len”, or “Punch Len”.

• When opponents have possession of ball –

1. Mind your opponent.

2. Stand on the mark and concentrate on the job.

3. Stop your opponent from “playing on” – (a) Don’t allow him to run past and receive handball from his teammate. (b) Don’t allow him to play on when he has ball.

4. Tackle man in possession of ball – do not bump him.

• Other requirements of a good footballer –

Physical fitness – circuit; cleanliness; discipline; loyalty; sportsmanship;
Unselfishness; friendship; encouragement; practice – perfectionist; concentration; courage; confidence.