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Post by Shenro on Jul 15, 2012 2:20:04 GMT -5
To those who saw the match, was the double-sub utilized regularly by USA? When the Olympic roster came out, the double sub role was a point of discussion on these boards. I heard Hugh has also been trying using just a blocking sub (Haneef for the setter) and letting Tom set. The double sub was used the first two sets when Berg was setting. In the last 3, Haneef came in for Thompson and Logan set. Overall, they typically scored a few consecutive points in that rotation. Thank you. Sounds like they are definitely trying out both the double sub and the blocking sub as options. Using Thompson in the double sub is consistent with the discussion on these boards. But if that rotation with Haneef in and Tom setting is effective, it gives Hugh more options. |
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Post by AA #11 on Jul 15, 2012 2:29:16 GMT -5
kinda worry about this team. Something is just not clicking. Looking back at history, when this team is under the radar, they overachieved like in 2000 and 2008. In 2004, they were ranked 1st and that olympics was a disaster and now this team is again the number 1 team in the world. We will see what happens I agree. Something is weird. |
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Post by MarsH on Jul 15, 2012 2:32:10 GMT -5
Yeah, she subbed in a few times for Foluke to serve, and I believe also for Harmotto in the 5th to serve. She did not have significant playing time, but she played. I wish she played more  I like Tama but I wish Hugh wouldn't use her to serve for Foluke. I like Foluke's serves. |
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Post by dorothymantooth on Jul 15, 2012 7:03:26 GMT -5
kinda worry about this team. Something is just not clicking. Looking back at history, when this team is under the radar, they overachieved like in 2000 and 2008. In 2004, they were ranked 1st and that olympics was a disaster and now this team is again the number 1 team in the world. We will see what happens I agree. Something is weird. This team has really only done two things, neither make me worry. Get better and win. Everyone was over the moon with their play less than two weeks ago in the WGP, and all of the sudden were concerned that we won a scrimmage in a training cycle? |
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Post by nothingbutcorn on Jul 15, 2012 7:55:03 GMT -5
I know the twelve are set but this make Hugh rethink his choices? I guess lets see how they look after the next match.
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Post by vball20 on Jul 15, 2012 8:05:27 GMT -5
kinda worry about this team. Something is just not clicking. Looking back at history, when this team is under the radar, they overachieved like in 2000 and 2008. In 2004, they were ranked 1st and that olympics was a disaster and now this team is again the number 1 team in the world. We will see what happens Agreed. |
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Post by Reach on Jul 15, 2012 8:19:23 GMT -5
Sounds like Hooker is having trouble getting the ball to the floor and our passing stinks.
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Post by USAFAN on Jul 15, 2012 8:51:36 GMT -5
LOL. Yes, Hugh is rethinking his roster selections after they won a 5-set friendly match. They'll be fine. They haven't played Bulgaria the entire quadrennial. Now they have a better idea of tendencies and will be able to prepare better for the next match.
I also disagree that 2004 was a disaster. Much of the Olympics has to do with matchups and have a lot to do with luck of the draw. With the exception of the DR loss, which DR played out of their minds and won in 5th set 19-17, the USA had tough 5 set losses to Russia in pool play and a 5 set loss to Brazil in the quarterfinals. USA didn't get blown out of the water and play horribly, they just came up short in a few big time matches. Hardly the disaster you're describing.
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Post by vball20 on Jul 15, 2012 8:51:48 GMT -5
Sounds like Hooker is having trouble getting the ball to the floor and our passing stinks. I have to add that the connections between the middles and the setters are the biggest issue for the team. Neither Akinradeowo nor Harmotto were terminating in-system balls well. And the connecting issue has been there for a while. |
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Post by MarsH on Jul 15, 2012 9:02:30 GMT -5
I get the reference to 2004 but in my opinion, 2004 is not much of a factor, if at all. The few players from that 2004 team are 8 years removed from Athens and have been through so much since then.
USA 2012 is a different team, with a different coach and a different situation.
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Post by baywatcher on Jul 15, 2012 9:31:18 GMT -5
Regarding the team not clicking, something weird, historically not doing well at #1..........
USA #1 due to circumstance as much as results, but at least top 3-4 regardless; really good team, not great, due to Hooker back, Berg front limitations, OH hitting enough with Hooker and MB, must serve to get great block going so vulnerable to good passing & spread offense. But when it works..........betcha Berg pulls the jump serve out of the attic, etc.
To me the X00 lb. gorilla in the corner is Russia. Didn't play Grand Prixs, so that keeps ranking down. But they are big, talented, can be overwhelming v. a US team that overwhelms others. We'll see, I suspect.
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Post by deacondive on Jul 15, 2012 9:34:32 GMT -5
I too wonder if Berg whips out the jump serve in London
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Post by Reach on Jul 15, 2012 9:57:17 GMT -5
I almost wish they'd spend the next match forcing the ball to the middle to work out the kinks. At least 60% of the sets going to the middle. Obviously passing plays a huge role in making this work, but we have to get Harmotto and Foluke going.
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Post by Reach on Jul 15, 2012 9:58:02 GMT -5
I too wonder if Berg whips out the jump serve in London She better whip something out. |
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Post by kurtndiego on Jul 15, 2012 11:49:51 GMT -5
I was there last night and it was NOT pretty. Hugh has to be scatchin his head after that one. JoBrdan Larson literally carried Team USA last night on her shoulders. Nicole Davis had a VERY tough night as did Logan Tom. Passing was so bad we could never really get our middles going. Give credit, however, to Bulgaria as they were very big and physical and obviously should be rated. I looked and they are not even top 30 in the FIVB standings which is ridiculous. I did read they qualified next year for Grand Prix so I look for them to do well. Team USA hopefully will find some serve receive when they play next week at USC-maybe the bigger gym will help. Anyway, so proud to see my ex-Husker leading the way for Team USA. Congrats Jordan!!!!!
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