Subject: Re: Blocked Pull-Shot Returns To Bad Guy Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 00:00:54 -0700 (EDITED) From: "joe" Organization: Posted via RemarQ, http://www.remarQ.com - Discussions start here! Newsgroups: rec.sport.table-soccer Hi: Bear in mind that this is one of the advantages/strengths of shooting a pull shot, per se; many times it does return to the offensive three-rod for another try. Thus, it is often counterproductive to conceptualize that particular aspect of the shot as a weakness of the defender. What happens is that the team on defense then has recriminations against one another and begins to assume that they or he (goalie) is doing something wrong. Rather, it should thought of as a learning curve, in which the goalie begins to incorporate a strategy designed to limit turnovers. 1.) Look at the current incidence and frequency of pull shot return as the beginning baseline for improvement, 2.) Give yourselves credit for noticing and working on this aspect of your game, 3.) Begin practicing together around this issue - not only capturing the return, improving the ability to deflect it this is a percentage game at the higher levels) perhaps a deflected turnover ends up on your threeman (clearly, you are in a much better emotional state to handle this if you are not busy recriminating the goalies at this point in time) 4.) Give yourself and the goalie a chance to practice this series, both offensively and defensively, and talk about it, don't just practice, you will gain insight into each other's thinking processes and that in itself will improve your percentage (Wiswell & Furry) (Lott & Simon) (Martin & Kaiser). Those teams knew their partners internal workings really well. 6.) Recognize that even with improvement, this remains a pull shot strength and therefore don't get down on yourselves. Good pull shooters will always obtain a high rate of ball return from directly bouncing off the defense. That is one reason why I shoot a pull...I count on this...and I would rather play an opponent who is frustrated and down on themselves about it than I would play an opponent who has achieved the insight and wisdom to "let go" of anger and frustration and to mentally and physically reassume a dedicated defense once the ball has returned to my threeman. This is a time for percentage improvement and mental game: 1.) do your best to control the deflection 2.) once it is out of your control, then control your psychological responses 3.) goalie prepare to defend again 4.) forward "let go" of frustration and prepare to play the ball if it is subsequently controlled or deflected by the goalie Shape Shifter Bruce Nardoci wrote in message <37681A3C.D6ACC364@worldnet.att.net>... >He can also try holding the handles with a looser grip, so he "cushions" >the impact to keep the ball from rebounding as fast. > >"Jeffrey S. Kobal" wrote: >> >> He should either tilt the men more forward so the ball rebounds harder and isn't >> as easy for the shooter to catch, or back to absorb the hit and make it easier >> for him to snag the ball himself. >> >> Jeff >> >> Dave Ziemann wrote: >> >> > Maybe someone here can help my defender out: His long-pull blocking is >> > extremely effective, but the ball is very often bouncing right back from his >> > goalie onto the bad guy's forward for another go. In a recent tournament, he >> > blocked 4 long-pulls in a row, each time the ball returning to the attacker. >> > The 5th attempt scored. It should also be mentioned that it seems to happen >> > particularly with a one specific attacker. ADDENDUM: Subject: Re: Blocked Pull-Shot Returns To Bad Guy Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 15:57:50 GMT From: fooserx@my-deja.com Organization: Deja.com - Share what you know. Learn what you don't. Newsgroups: rec.sport.table-soccer Good post Joe. I totally agree with the "letting go of frustration." I used to get bummed when I had a sucky beginner, and he let everything through. Now, I stay focused, and encourage him all the time, even when he does something dumb. I really think it helps us do better, and gives him more confidence. Also, I've been working on playing the game point by point, and not caring how many I am down by...or how many times the opponent blocks my 5man or passes through it. If you start to give in, and think you can't do something...you won't. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Share what you know. Learn what you don't.