A Question for the knowledgeable or those pretending to be ...

[Buzzard]

What really struck me today and for much of last year is how little time we seem to have to create attack with the ball.
Is this because:
a) the other team is always offside (though other teams don't seem to have the same problem).
b) slow service from dummy half
c) poor structure in attack
d) lack of someone driving the attack

I'd be really interested in your thoughts.

We had to do so much defence and as a result we were often one out in attack because we were gassed.

They didn't have to do much defence so they were fresher and had better line speed as a result.

 

[HK_Eagle]

I am inclined to agree with Chip...there is a lack of any discernible plan. We defend well and are certainly aggressive but we need better structure in attack. We look like we make it up as we go.

You hear a lot of coaches talk about letting their stars play what is in front of them but really the talent of natural footballers still shines through when the structure is there to support it. Tom can still use his natural athleticism and instincts but the structure is there to put him a position to use it.

I know it was a bit shambolic when we had that brief attacking opportunity in the second half. However, it was on the back of an enormous amount of defending and with time clock pressure. I didn't feel the attack was as lost at sea as what I was seeing last year (particularly at the start of the game before the rot set in). I'd be willing to hold off judgement until we see a slightly more "balanced/realistic" game before condemning a lack of attacking structure.

Edit: Yeah, what Buzzard said... just beat me to it. 🙂

 

[HK_Eagle]

Didn't help that Radradra smacked Kelly on the jaw from behind and made him drop the ball. Some crap decisions. Also watching the nine coverage didn't like seeing Fitler ten metres from the huddle after a try scored bad mouthing the team saying they did this all last year. Seriously WTF?

I loved it. Great fuel for the players this year if they are up for it. Not to mention, it was a fairly honest assessment. 🙂

 

[COMMANDER]

Parra was faster in everything they did today. Their line speed in defence was good and the had quick play the balls in attack.

 

[conanu]

For mine, it is our play the ball speed coming out of defense. You speed this up, dummy half plays the ball to a short ball runner, you're playing against a retreating defense (see Parra today).

This means the defensive line is constantly back tracking (and what frustrates me no end with Taufua, because he does the hard stuff metreage wise, but the slow play the balls allows a defensive line to set).

Also, I stated this before the game started. While it's great to have strength in the forwards (ours has plenty), you need a mountain of mobility, and that's something we lack (Dogs have a similar pack to ours, but Des got away with it, because they also became ball players - for a while).

Defensive structures and ruck control can counter strong forwards. You just can't coach against speed. Speed conquers all if you can control the ball.

Even Tommy has a very slow play the ball. Wintertsteins is slow. Myles is STILL getting up from being tackled today.

Manly constantly play against a set defense. Other teams create plays that allow to play against a retreating defense. Toovey used to focus on "metres after impact". A lot of our boys go into the fetal position (Nate Myles) after being tackled. Again - allows the opposition defense to become set.

But you know what controls all of that? Fitness. You have to be damned fit, and be full of energy to pop up, create a very fast play the ball to a dummy half, who passes to an up-tempo, mobile forward continuing the roll.

Thankyou! finally someone else can see the fitness issue.

 

[Eagleheart]

Quick offloads, we are well below where we need to be with these, have been for a couple of years now. Draw your defenders in and create space for your backs to run hard and score.

Quick play the balls are essential and these should be a no brainer. Twent needs to time them and if they don't play the ball fast enough, make them do a 1000 burpees, that will sort that out quick smart.

Service from dummy half needs to be well executed, (straight passes would be great) and they need to be quick. A skilled hooker is so very important.

Also we have been falling into the trap of relying too much on Chez/Green to create space through kicking. This is o.k. to do sometimes but not for 90% of the time.

Ultimately, give your forwards a roll on from a quick play the ball and straight passes, let them tire, ambush and draw in the defence, then chuck in a few quick offloads which creates space for your backs and then let them score.



Disclaimer: This is my humble opinion only and I reserve the right to change it whenever I want. 😉

 

[winnyason]

I was at game. It's a dead set rebuild now, why have we sacked so many then replaced blokes of same ability.
Because place is in panic stations,
tell me was Glenn Stewart outstanding at first 20 games no way or Steve matai. I prefer we give people at go have combinations so on then judge.
We do need some one in the pigs to be a grub to hit Norman borderline this is not chess or table tennis.