Posted by For more explanations of what is really happening in the game click What Just Happened All Parts and for explanations of great play click Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.
Tuesday’s Italian Super Cup Final was full of countless amazing plays from the best players in the world and a really scary moment for one of them. My favourite play though was a subtle little play from Simone Giannelli with a little help from Wilfredo Leon. Here it is.
Did you spot Giannelli’s genius? It was pretty subtle. After the ball was blocked he was about to run to the setting position but noticed that Leon was going to be able to pass the ball easily. And that he had a clear approach to attack. So he hesitates, steps back and then explodes onto the ball for a easy attack point.
‘That was not so subtle’, I can hear you saying, ‘it was obvious from his movements.’ There is some truth in that but the whole thing was so fast and smooth that the Civitanova blockers, highly paid professionals whose sole job it is to read and interpret Giannelli’s movements and intentions, had no clue it was coming.
The funny part of the whole story was that just last week I was telling the story about the time Ricardo waiting off the net so he could have an approach to attack. It turns out I remembered the situation incorrectly. It wasn’t a free ball at all.
Which play was better?
If you want to study setting in a bit more detail check out this presentation that studies the techniques and tactics of 10 of the top setters in the world, both men and women. And for very special price on all current webinars, 8 in all, including ones on BLOCKING, PRACTICE, COMMUNICATION and SCOUTING click here.
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