The Art of War

"There is nothing new under the sun." Consider the "something extra" reference to the 2003 state semifinals. It occurred before every player on Melrose's team was born. 

Military strategy serves as a metaphor for sport. Let's examine a few parallels that teams apply, quotes from Sun Tzu in "The Art of War." 

"The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few." Woburn was a strong middle blocking team. Melrose often avoided their blocking hub, facing less opposition outside. 

"You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked." Unexpected attacks against weak spots such as setter dumps, quick sets, and cut shots are often hard to defend. 

"For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak." Read where the defense plays. When their coverage moves up, they are more vulnerable in others areas. If the defense crowds the middle, tip outside. 

"All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." Deception occurs in multiple forms, including service. Hard serves, short serves, topspin serves, and side-spinning serves create headaches for defenses. But any "in" serve is better than the hardest service error. 

Lagniappe (something extra). Lagniappe is a French word implying something extra. For example in New Orleans, if you bought five pounds of sugar, the proprietor might include an extra scoop of sugar, a bonus. 

In the 2003 state semifinals in Milford against Marlboro, Marlboro narrowly defeated Melrose, partially through 'cut shot' excellence. They attacked where the defense was unavailable.