I was really impressed with WVU's full court press D last night. It was the first game I've watched them play this season. I was amazed by how disruptive it can be and got me thinking about applicability for the Cats. Could the Cats run 4 - 6 minutes per half of ferocious full court press with the "second team"? I'm not advocating playing this with the starters. I think the energy exertion requirement really hurts you in offensive efficiency. But, for the subs who have the energy to spare due to shorter minutes, why not expend it on such a press to disrupt the opponents flow and maybe even get to the legs of a few of their starters? Do you think we have the athletes on the second team to pull this off? I'm thinking Brown, Ash, Gaines, Rap, Skelly in a 2 1 2 press or match-up press. Is there enough quickness there to make it work?
As another benefit, the starters can gain valuable experience practicing against the press. As this team gets out ahead of opponents next season, as they should, I'd expect them to face a lot of press defense as opponents try to scrap their way back into games.
Beyond next season, can you imagine what this type of D could do to whip up the WR crowd into a frenzy, further rattling an opponent and compounding the home court advantage? Maybe a little something like this...
As another benefit, the starters can gain valuable experience practicing against the press. As this team gets out ahead of opponents next season, as they should, I'd expect them to face a lot of press defense as opponents try to scrap their way back into games.
Beyond next season, can you imagine what this type of D could do to whip up the WR crowd into a frenzy, further rattling an opponent and compounding the home court advantage? Maybe a little something like this...