I didn't watch this game. But my impression is that a team playing a backer can only do so if they have a real energizer bunny as the backer, and the rest of the defense really understands how to push the offensive players into defensible slots. A good backer zone is a living organism. My guess is that Virginia may not have the personnel (or the practice under their belts) to do this yet.LaxGuy17 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:45 amI suspect VT was overloading behind the cage to keep the backer low, allowing time and space for cutters up top. UVA seemed to adjust by following the cutters deeper before passing off. At least that’s what it looked like. As far as the chaser on VT, I have yet to figure out what they see in that strategy except wearing out that poor #12 by the first half. The theory is put pressure on passers, but she almost never gets there before The ball is passed away. The result is a tired defender not pressuring anyone and an open cutter, which both Teams seemed to find rather easily.Cletus wrote: ↑Sun Feb 28, 2021 5:26 am What was the offense VT was running early in the Virginia game where they seemed to be successful? They had 3 players behind goal line extended and they were passing back and forth between the three and then hitting cutters going to cage. Why did they stop doing that? Why did it seem like they deteriorated into ball at the top of the fan 1 on 1 attempts to go to goal again, just like they did in the Duke game, and failing, just like they did in the Duke game. VT obviously has veteran talent along with exciting young talent. One example is first year attacker Whitney Liebler. The play-by-play announcer informed viewers during the game yesterday that Liebler left high school after her junior year and signed with VT. She passed over her senior year because of covid. But watching this young woman play, one would never know. She plays with aggression, confidence and poise.
On another note, one thing I couldn't help but be saddened by was watching the rover (I think they're referred to as?) running and running and chasing and chasing as the Hoos passed the ball around the perimeter. I saw no benefit to this, but what do I know. It just seemed like a principle that the coaching staff had decided on and there is no grey area. Black and white--when the opposition has the ball, we will pursue them relentlessly while they pass the ball around the perimeter. To what end? Disrupt their offense? I didn't witness that.
Anyway, that's my rant on some of the philosophies of VT. I think they could be better if they adjusted some of their strategies that sound good in theory, but don't translate to success in practice.
Years ago, now, UNC ran one with a player named Taylor George as the backer, I think, and she was just tireless.
