What are your thoughts on the teams and coverage so far? I think with the women's, the Japan team are looking very strong, and men's, USA are looking great, I was surprised with Brazil - I thought they would perform better, and Poland are looking great.
Posted Jul 29, 2012, 11:05 PM UTC
The USA men were solid against Serbia and they blocked fantastically. Their play is still occasionally streaky though, especially when Priddy is in the front row. But Matt Anderson and Clay Stanley are about as good pin hitters as you can find in this tournament.
Russia and Brazil are more experienced than Serbia and won't get blocked as much. The USA's best shot against them is to pass well and keep as many options open as possible offensively.
I thought they could have run middle a bit more -- but then, the passing needs to be better to do that effectively. I think the biggest thing you didn't mention yet against Russia and Brazil is serving. The USA got lucky that Serbia didn't pass very well near the end of the match, but I get the feeling the two higher teams will do a better job against the servers of the US.
I agree. In order for them to medal David Lee has to have another performance like he did in Beijing and Russell Holmes has to be at least as good as Ryan Millar was in 2008.
I'm not familiar with the term, what is a "pin hitter"?
OH and OPP
I thought Serbia just played awful though, they were passing terribly and that's supposed to be their strongest point
Poland and the US are both looking very strong; I wonder if we'll have a repeat of this year's World League final.
I'm watching the Italy - Poland game online now. Poland's looking sharp in sets two, three and four.
I'm diligently watching Aus and hoping they pull out some magic against one of the top 10 teams and lock up the GBR match to progress.
The boys fight hard and I know a few of them from our state leagues.
The television coverage here in Aus is crap though; swimming all day err day. :(
I was thinking the bitching about NBC coverage was just haters hating, up until I was unable to find the US vs Brazil game today, and then they didn't' show it on prime time.
Bravo NBC
Brah
Vo
>:\
This is the first time I've payed attention to the volleyball (beach) and so far I'm enjoying it immensely. I've noticed two 'styles' so far, a sort of creative but mistake-prone approach (Nadine Zumkehr and Kristyna Kolocova come to mind) that's very enjoyable to watch, and a more consistent but slightly less exciting play.
I guess my favourites at the moment are Switzlerland, Czech Republic, and Austria. They all largely fall into the first group and are magnificent to watch, the former two especially. The creativity, unpredictability, and enthusiasm of Zumkehr is an absolute treat.
I've only seen bits and pieces so far but I'm glad the US is doing well on all fronts.
I kinda hate how they make beach look so easy. I feel like I'm stuck in place on sand and I'm already not a fast guy indoors.
USA women's indoors looks pretty strong. Felt bad for Korea that only KIM was their only firepower, although giving up that third match to Korea was pretty crazy.
I play indoors and grass usually. Played a little beach this summer. I felt retarded and I wasn't even playing with a bunch of great players....