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Post by offonvictory on Aug 27, 2017 14:51:01 GMT -5
This weekend Coach Rose unveiled a mutated version of a 6-2. I haven't seen a system like this at the college level before (anyone else?). It was fascinating to watch, and I was impressed by the staff's innovation to attempt to leverage all of the strengths of the team. Coach did not play many subs like he did in the first two matches against WVU, which seemed to signal (particularly in that brutal 3rd set) an honest attempt to get the starters used to the new system and their roles.
This leaves some questions:
1. It didn't appear that the team strayed too far from the mutant 6-2 for the weekend, so is it a safe assumption that this system will be employed vs. Stanford and TA&M next week?
2. Abby was certainly a pleasant surprise with her swings, but she's a bit of a smaller player. It's notable Brianna has Simone and Haleigh in the front row with Abby when Brianna serves (seems like our best rotation), so there are other (perhaps better) options. Teams that attempt to focus solely on Simone and Haleigh will be burned with Abby. How will this system fare against better competition and bigger blocks?
3. How permanent do you think the system is? If the team can't get it going next week, is it out? Or will it underline that more work needs to be done individually?
For someone learning more about volleyball strategy, what a great start to the season seeing some innovative coaching from Coach Rose and his staff! Looking forward to your thoughts!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:57:44 GMT -5
Nice analysis!
I only hope that we get the opportunity to view the all the games from the next two weekends. The NCAA's two most successful volleyball programs are meeting up next weekend! Hello?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:57:56 GMT -5
Deleted because of poster stupidity.
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Post by cross5 on Aug 27, 2017 15:11:47 GMT -5
Coach did not play many subs like he did in the first two matches Indeed. While Coach Rose rolled out different people through most of the weekend and virtually every game, the ability to strategically sub was negligible and NON Existent for a player in trouble or under duress. So ultimately my biggest take is that every player played solid to very well was efficient and most importantly kept the hammer down. We struggled in that areas the past 2 preseasons. The seniors may indeed be on a mission.😈 |
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Post by nyline on Aug 27, 2017 15:18:14 GMT -5
This weekend Coach Rose unveiled a mutated version of a 6-2. I haven't seen a system like this at the college level before (anyone else?). It was fascinating to watch, and I was impressed by the staff's innovation to attempt to leverage all of the strengths of the team. Coach did not play many subs like he did in the first two matches against WVU, which seemed to signal (particularly in that brutal 3rd set) an honest attempt to get the starters used to the new system and their roles. This leaves some questions: 1. It didn't appear that the team strayed too far from the mutant 6-2 for the weekend, so is it a safe assumption that this system will be employed vs. Stanford and TA&M next week? 2. Abby was certainly a pleasant surprise with her swings, but she's a bit of a smaller player. It's notable Brianna has Simone and Haleigh in the front row with Abby when Brianna serves (seems like our best rotation), so there are other (perhaps better) options. Teams that attempt to focus solely on Simone and Haleigh will be burned with Abby. How will this system fare against better competition and bigger blocks? 3. How permanent do you think the system is? If the team can't get it going next week, is it out? Or will it underline that more work needs to be done individually? For someone learning more about volleyball strategy, what a great start to the season seeing some innovative coaching from Coach Rose and his staff! Looking forward to your thoughts! Love this post. I have the same questions. I don't think we'll see Heidi (love the chant after she gets a kill) back at traditional RS/Opp. It certainly looks like Abby is the RS/Opp in the mutated 6-2, but who knows. Coach Rose certainly has options there. I think teams like Stanford, with its tremendous height, could pose a problem for Penn State, but the team does appear to be very focused. I'm cautiously optimistic. |
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Post by traveler on Aug 27, 2017 17:13:17 GMT -5
heidi: I thought she appeared to be playing with increased intensity; reasons behind that are numerous, but one is that she's back at MB. I was amazed to see her tooling the block from the middle. Amazing. There were numerous times when she looked to be shooting fish in the barrel...suspect that's a result of the level of competition (will this hold up against Stan?) but also really improved communication with the setter, and really improved arm speed..
Abby: Yes, she's shorter than other Opps, but she's a lefty; that gives her a different dimension it's often hard to practice against. Also, her stats for Opp alone are about what one would hope for; add in all the assists. And serving.
Setter position: I am glad we aren't having setter drama this year. Clear from this weekend that this makes really good use of their talents.
Bryanna: Anyone notice BW's dig stats? She's right after White. I think she may have developed into one of the most effective setter-defenders we've seen. And it is in part a mental job; when you're the only setter, I'd argue you're always thinking about the 2nd touch. Now with Abby and White out there, she's making defending her the back court a priority.
Team: There seemed to be a level of mind-meld we haven't seen for a while. Which is amazing with 2 setters in the mix.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 19:44:19 GMT -5
Nice summation Traveler! It seems as if Rose and the coaches looked at what was missing last season, who they had, the players' strengths, shortcomings, and desires, what their opponents have developed a system that is fitted for the needs of the 2017 season. It's genius! It's a level of flexibility I never expected and I'm disappointed in myself for underestimating.
And the "mind-meldedness." There's a connection forming somewhere...
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 28, 2017 11:12:58 GMT -5
I recall Heidi Thelan started out well last season too-she was our best hitter in the UNC loss. But she seemed increasingly less effective as the year went along. That said, to my eye, she just seemed confident and faster. She hit a slide that was every bit as hard and fast as Haliegh Washington. I really hope that she can keep that up as much of the teams' success this year will depend on how effective the middles can be.
Use of both setters, in retrospect, makes a great deal of sense. They are the best servers and we really don't have a much better option at Opp. Gorrell may do well there, but that remains to be seen. Traveler's point about lefty angles is a good one. The other, is that Detering knows how to hit on two, hit dumps behind her head, and do all the sorts of swinging that only a lefty setter can do. Hopefully, those benefits will outweigh the modest loss of size in the block.
It also seemed to me that the Libero location changed. White was positioned on the left rather than in the center as seemed to be the case a lot of the time last season. If that continues, then Frantti, Lee and Washington will play center field and be in position to more easily hit from the back row, and provide a quicker player to provide tip coverage and block recovery.
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Post by Onthebench on Aug 28, 2017 11:54:22 GMT -5
IMO, whichever system coach rose implements, they'll be challenged 10 times more than the first 3 matches simply due to the fact that the opponents are that much tougher. I think it all comes down to who'll show the greater fortitude from the beginning to the end and who plays smarter game with less unforced errors. I think PSU carries a lot of confidence from the first 3 games, so they'll be ready to show they have a team that can go far this season
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Post by nyline on Aug 28, 2017 13:32:07 GMT -5
I recall Heidi Thelan started out well last season too-she was our best hitter in the UNC loss. But she seemed increasingly less effective as the year went along. That said, to my eye, she just seemed confident and faster. She hit a slide that was every bit as hard and fast as Haliegh Washington. I really hope that she can keep that up as much of the teams' success this year will depend on how effective the middles can be. Use of both setters, in retrospect, makes a great deal of sense. They are the best servers and we really don't have a much better option at Opp. Gorrell may do well there, but that remains to be seen. Traveler's point about lefty angles is a good one. The other, is that Detering knows how to hit on two, hit dumps behind her head, and do all the sorts of swinging that only a lefty setter can do. Hopefully, those benefits will outweigh the modest loss of size in the block. It also seemed to me that the Libero location changed. White was positioned on the left rather than in the center as seemed to be the case a lot of the time last season. If that continues, then Frantti, Lee and Washington will play center field and be in position to more easily hit from the back row, and provide a quicker player to provide tip coverage and block recovery. Interestingly to me, Detering is leading the team in total blocks, with 10 to Haleigh Washington's 9. 2017 PSU Stats - DigNittanyVolleyball |
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 28, 2017 20:48:15 GMT -5
Outsides get half block credit for stops by the middles. Detering did have a wonderful solo block and overall did well against this level opponent. Probably learn more about how well she can block in the next two weekends.
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