Clone Ranger

There's no perfect player but players and coaches work to assemble the best player possible within the game framework.

Each play reduces to spacing, player and ball movement, and the 'scoring moment'. 

Consider the geometry of a 'smash'. The 'contact point' for a smash has to be above the net, unless you generate freakish topspin from a sidearm attack. If the player contacts the ball six feet above the court, she can't smash it over a 7'4" net. 

Gradations exist. Some players contact the ball too close (vertically) to the net resulting in a high percentage of blocked attacks. Sets 'up against' the net also have a lower chance of success. 

In the above video, the "pteradactyl-like" Gamova (6'7") and Boskovic (6'4") soar over athletes creating favorable geometry. 

Other players like Cuba's Mireya Luis (5'10") leverage extreme athleticism and timing with her near 48 inch vertical jump. She said she developed jumping ability by picking fruit from trees as a child. Her only worry was getting her feet into the net. 

Size. You can't change your size (excepting therapeutic use of growth hormone). 

Athleticism. Sport rewards 'athletic explosion'...manifested as power transformed into jumping and spiking ability. Maturity and plyometric enhance the vertical jump. 

Timing. Optimal timing appears in your approach (runup) and striking the ball at the peak of your jump. On quick sets (middle), delivering the attack before the block is set depends on both setter and hitter. 

The "slow developing" attack has limited chance of success. 

The synergy of size, athleticism, timing, and skill define the results...along with the defensive efficiency. 

This isn't a perfect example, but Ruth Breen and Sadie Jaggers combine for a winner off a quick set that isn't well-blocked.

Melrose notes: Melrose travels to Watertown today. Watertown is improved although their record doesn't fully reflect it.