When I was a teen, this set of books appeared, and that’s all I put on my Christmas List. My mom asked, “Are you sure this is all you want?” I looked at her and said, “If I put 100 things on a list, I won’t get this.” I ended up with the set, and I’ve kept it ever since.
It’s an after his death compilation of notes and comments about play, 2 volumes of notes, in two leather bound books. It starts, more or less, with the Lombardi sweep and expands from there. There are pithy comments about Packers players, great photos, and really nice descriptions of when various plays were run. It isn’t just a play or two presented here, but a system of plays, with plays and then counter plays to different defensive adjustments to the first play.
In the second volume, which starts with defensive play and ends with the passing game, a theory of passing is presented, with adjustable routes. It wasn’t the fast-faster throw to the spot passing introduced by Don Coryell.
The target audience is probably the hard core fan. I’m sure coaches would find plenty in this set as well, as he goes deep into position responsibilities, especially along the line. Checking Amazon, there are inexpensive used copies of this book out there.
Rating? Absolutely a classic. It reads simply, which is a testament to the man regarded as the best teacher of football the professional game has known.
April 5, 2011 at 9:37 pm
I concur on your rating completely. One of my favorite football books with out a doubt. Great to read your appraisal. I wasn’t sure if anyone thought as highly about these volumes as I did but it’s good to see someone does. Thanks. Love the blog by the way!
August 12, 2011 at 11:43 pm
[…] you have the set “Vince Lombardi on Football“, then you have perhaps the best resource I can locate on the 4-3 inside and the 4-3 outside. […]
May 25, 2012 at 3:05 pm
[…] the line positions and linemen responsibilities of these two defenses are a part of the set “Vince Lombardi on Football“, and it doesn’t take good eyesight or the brain of a rocket scientist to note that […]
September 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm
[…] explanation of an offensive system and the appropriate counter responses is the set “Vince Lombardi on Football.” In it, they mention the halfback option, a single wing play carried over into the strong […]
December 16, 2012 at 6:35 am
Hi!!! Hope you can help
I am not really familiar with NFL — not american but want to learn more. I know the jist of the sport but am interested in a book that is informative, entertaining and also another onthe business side / corruption if any of the NFL — not sure if you know any? Or any NFL books that you would just recommend in general? THANKS, michelle
m.tchea@gmail.com
June 8, 2013 at 4:04 pm
[…] his two gaps. The initial Landry defenses have been lavishly detailed in the two volume text “Vince Lombardi on Football“, because these were the defenses Vince took with him to Green […]
June 12, 2013 at 4:34 pm
[…] from high school, one of my most treasured gifts was a two volume, green leather bound set of “Vince Lombardi on Football”, that my sister gave me. I still have it […]
July 18, 2013 at 12:19 am
I know what you mean. My boyfriend gave me a set, also. I still have it in its original case/holder. I treasure that set of books.