11 Comments
Sep 17Liked by Joe Trinsey

If we count according to the algorithm you describe, the USA could not have lost the semi-final in Paris to Poland! According to this triangle.

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And to add one more thing, I think this is where coaching can help a team overcome this. I thought the way Grbac handled the 3rd set was good for Poland. Some substitutions, allowing the team demeanor to relax, working through so many serving mistakes, etc. I think it was better to allow for the 3rd set to be a blowout in order to better prepare for the 4th and 5th sets. Incredible match to watch, even though I was sad to see the USA lose!

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100%, A lost set after the 10th set is always a springboard for the losing team to seize the initiative in a match of equal teams, I completely agree.

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USA actually outscored Poland for the match, so yes, they were ahead in the Triangle category. However, that was because the 3 sets Poland won were all by 2 points, whereas USA gained their big advantage in a 25-14 3rd set. About 10% of 5-set matches are won by the team that is outscored, so you get those kind of results. I think that's where it's critical to put the stats in the right context. If you disregard the 3rd set where Poland had injuries and all that general chaos, then Poland outscored USA by 4 points and would be ahead in the Triangle categories.

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maybe this triangle is more suitable for women's volleyball? I am just asking. After all, these are different games, especially in terms of evaluating game statistics?!

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Sep 17Liked by Joe Trinsey

How did you get -10 transition if Russia won only 7 more ?

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When I say "Russia scored 7 more points when the ball was in play" I mean the combination of First Ball and Transition.

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Now I see. Thank you.

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Feb 6Liked by Joe Trinsey

Joe, I know this is an old post, but I think it’s relevant here since you are talking about the Triangle and your old GMS Stats app. I used it last season for high school girls and really liked it. Now that it’s unavailable, is there something else similar that’s simple and easy to use that you would recommend?

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Unfortunately I don't have a ton of experience with the others so I don't want to recommend anything specific.

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Hi Joe, you mentioned the ace/error ratio. Can you go deeper on that ratio, both for men’s and women’s side?

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