Self-Scouting

"Attack weaknesses, utilize strengths." 

Self-scouting is analogous to "red teaming," allows us to judge where and how to attack opponents and where they might choose to attack our teams. 

These track statistics. On a given day a team might outperform an area of weakness or underachieve a strength, especially dependent on the strength of the opponent. 

Statistics might show obvious strengths or weakness. For example, Melrose's leading attacker was OH Sadie Jaggers. A defense might intensify their outside double block to counter. You'd then ask is it better to utilize your strength, adjust, or some combination? 

If teams watched Melrose video, they would identify middle blocking strength, but might note Melrose was sometimes less proficient at closing the outside double block and choose to attack more from the outside. These aren't 'state secrets'. 

Sometimes video reveals offensive or defensive tendencies or vulnerabilities. I don't have statistics scoring serve receives by good pass, mediocre pass, or poor pass by receiver. I think all the back row players had similar competencies, but that's the eyeball test not analytics. 

Teams score or allow points based on positive play, opponent error, negative play, or opponent positive play. At their best, Melrose scores more points (kills) per set. Struggles as a percentage 'seemed' to relate to serve and serve receive inconsistency. The key takeaway is that as you would expect, beating solid teams and going deep in the playoff demands more positive points and fewer giveaways. It's easy from the stands. 

Lagniappe. Serve placement... 

Happy Thanksgiving. MVB has a lot for which to be thankful.