AWVP

Sunday AAR. I think my cat has developed a drinking problem…

It didn’t rain on us, which was good,
Because I came down with the sniffles after last rain ball.

I got there late because my chores don’t do themselves.

Got so see some that’s why we play the games proof of concept as LJ Rafaa Walrus Angel Ram Kreg(?) took on better teams and won 2. Came up short on the 3rd game. But I got to see some things. Angel got a couple of blocks on Garret. And Ram was paying attention! Doing good serves and sets, looking around the court, and not because he was lost or confused.

The reason mismatch wins are celebrated is because they are somewhat rare.

Things kinda went downhill from there in terms of trying to stop the dynasty busters from getting their own dynasty. As promised, here it is.

We got within 5 points of them once I think I a 25-20 loss.

Looking at the positive, there are some teachable moments playing a better team. If you’re willing to learn.

Like dealing with rocket serves. The only way to learn to deal with them is… to experience them. Nobody likes being on the other side of a cannon. But there’s not much choice. You’ve got to play your position as best you can.

Speaking of positions. What are those? How do we line up? Well, on serve receive, front line often needs to come off the net, because jumping serves remains one of the lowest percentage plays in the game.

I don’t say this for my health. Strike that, I do say this for my health as an undersized player in the back row.

If you are playing nose to net, you’ve harder to set and have now ceded responsibility for the whole rest of that big pool to the player behind you.

Which allows the server to short-long your team in terms of serve selection.

I’ve feared this would happen but have been quiet about it until I’m seeing it happen with regularity where servers are figuring out it’s sometimes good to have something more than just a rocket in your pocket. Placement, fast or slow, can also be a weapon. Had to deal with it from Dub for many years.

I understand people have learned to tune me out over the years, but opponent Ethan on the other side of the net could hear me today. When I say come off the net on serve receive, who do you think I’m taking to? There are only 3 of you on the front row.

Thankfully, Ethan translated for me: “I think what Chief is saying is he wants you to take a step back when the other team is serving.”

And that worked, for like one play.

Advanced lesson is whether you play 3 across in the back row and give up that middle sweet spot between the lines, or if you want middle front setter to stay close to net rather than backing up a bit. Depends on personnel on both sides of the obstacle.

Talk amongst yourselves on these ruminations on the dos and dont’s of this modern game, but only start the conversation after you back off the net on serve receive!

We played a last to 21 with the “old school” rules non rally no net in play: 4 on 5.

Short staffed games are also instructive. You’re gonna have to do more, by which I mean different spacing and be ready to cover more ground. And I think that game had a really rare holy roller poler play by Angel where ball rolled across top of the net, hit pole, and dropped in.

Won that game on the 4s team. Here’s a pro tip when they’re aren’t 6 on each side: I’m old and short. If I can get to a ball, you can, too.

So endeth Chief’s AAR and lessons for the day : )

May Ballchair bless the AWVP and all the pandas in it.