Studying Sport: What Does It Mean?

Certain principles apply across sports. Dr. Fergus Connolly's book, Game Changers, shares some of these concepts. For example:

Offensive organization:

• Initial spacing/formation
• Player movement
• Ball movement
• The "scoring moment" 

Time and space orientation:

• Offense
• Defense
• Conversions between offense and defense 

A team 'senses' a play is 'over' and lets down. The opponent makes a "pancake dig" or a spectacular return and the defense's momentary unpreparedness allows a winning counterattack. 

• Study opposing teams, your team (self-scouting), and successful players. 
• What is their footwork? 
• Do they attack more from the outside, middle, back row? 
• Do they like to attack with tip attacks? 
• Does their setter attack with setter dumps? 
• Do they use quick sets? 
• Why are they successful? 
• Where are they weaker? 
• Do they have serve-return vulnerability? 

Arlington is a good team that gave Woburn all they could handle. They have an excellent setter, attack well, including back row, and they have a highly energized and engaged bench presence. They remind me of North Andover in the mid 2000s. Tip: watch the game at greater than normal speed in settings.