Manage the space, manage the game
The regular season for the OkLiga is over. Now we are at what they call the final 8. The top8 teams are playing this first round at the best of 3. We will have amazing hockey for a while
As a reminder, Follow this steps:
- Take a look at the video:
- Read and think about the analysis.
- Match the analysis and the video. Min 3:05
I’m putting the mark at 3:05, but the importance of these 4 seconds is incredible. In these 4 seconds we can see how Liceo moving the ball is pushing the defenders towards their goal cage. You can tell me, they are just moving the ball around. And I will say yes, you are right but, they are also moving the defence where they wanted it. Liceo’s attack is being proactive, not just waiting for a mistake.
Liceo has the defence after them, so to break the pattern. Liceo stops moving and opens up the space, by bringing the ball to the halfway line and another player to the half way line. They were so close to the area, why did they do that?
Darling, this is a space game, who manages the space manages the game. Yes they were close but there was no space. So worthless. By bringing those two players to the halfway line. Liceo is opening the space, as 2 defenders are following them closely. Here comes the magic.
Cesar (Liceo N5) comes to put a block on Nil Cervera (Liceo N2) who has the ball. The block did not work as a third defender was closing the opportunity. Nil, passes to the opposite side. Before we go. Stop the video right here. Can you see that space at 9? I can and it is massive.
The one that gets the block is Bruno Saavedra (Liceo N13) check this, he is no longer on the half way line, he is on his half. And when he sees Nil coming he starts skating next to the wall. This is another detail that may not be important. WRONG. By doing this, Bruno is almost at full speed when he gets the ball, at the same time the defender was closer to Nil than to him. So keeping himself next to the wall gives him extra space for no effort. Majestic, if you ask me.
