Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Pitch Mix: Middle Attacks

"Variety is the spice of life." There's a saying in baseball from former Oriole pitching Coach Ray Miller, "Work fast, change speeds, and throw strikes." There's volleyball wisdom there, too. 
  • The game is played faster. 
  • Vary your attacks. 
  • Be efficient. 
With a dominant outside hitter like Elena Soukos or Gia Vlajkovic, a heavier emphasis on outside attacks makes sense. With more middle strength or diversity, have a different "pitch mix." Last year Melrose didn't score much with back sets or setter dumps. Year-to-year that mix varies.


 

Among Melrose's top statistical "kill" seasons, only Elena and Gia scored predominantly from the outside.


Among the 21 Melrose "All-State" seasons, the distribution by position (there is overlap):
  • Middle hitter (11)
  • Setter (4)
  • Outside hitter (3)
  • Defensive specialist (3)
And a little over a third played "all-around." 

As a player, improve your skills and athleticism to be ready when called on. 

It is likely that Melrose will have a more balanced attack this season, which could make them more difficult to defend.  

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