Sunday, October 16, 2022

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. 

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