Questions regarding planning and direction of a team at a high level, usually initiated by a coach or other manager. Requires a tag for the particular sport to provide context.
4
votes
3answers
141 views
Do players lose a point in a game on purpose as part of strategy?
In a game of tennis (singles), are there any strategies where players lose a point (and thereby, a game) voluntarily so that it benefits them in the long run - like say, a serving first on the next ...
7
votes
1answer
157 views
Improving 7 vs 7 team and strategy
I am part of a team that plays in an amateur league that also has a playoff at the end of the season. Our team is consisting of fit players that are not very tall but can run around a lot. However, ...
9
votes
3answers
337 views
Are Hookers the only players allowed to take lineout throws?
When lineouts take place in Rugby Union I have only ever seen Hookers being the player who takes the throw in. Is it in the laws of the game that only a Hooker is allowed to take the throw?
If it is ...
5
votes
1answer
5k views
What is the role of a “false 9”?
Recently I read a few articles about strikers playing as a "false 9". My understanding of a "false 9", is that he is a striker whose purpose is to pull defenders out of position so that his teammates ...
7
votes
4answers
225 views
What are the team sports with more than two teams?
The only team sports with more than two teams I can think of is relays in track and field and swimming like 4x100m and 4x400m.
However I wonder if there is a full sport on its own that is played by ...
3
votes
1answer
219 views
What was the first team to use the 1-3-1 Forecheck
I'm a big hockey guy, but over the last 2 or so seasons I've seen the Tampa Bay Lightning use the incredibly boring 1-3-1 forecheck. As you see in the picture below, the Tampa Bay Lightning (blue) is ...
4
votes
1answer
277 views
Oil Patterns in Bowling
I am aware that different oil patterns are used in the sport of bowling. Common oil patterns are the cheetah, chameleon, scorpion, shark, and viper.
What is the significance of oil patterns in ...
9
votes
2answers
916 views
Has 4-6-0 ever worked in high level football?
Seeing that Del Bosque is insisting on playing without a real striker in the Euro games, I came to wonder whether the 4-6-0 tactic he's trying to implement really ever worked for a team at this level.
...
7
votes
2answers
158 views
Coaching a (low-interest) collegiate fencing club
I am the assistant volunteer coach for a collegiate fencing club. The coach is keen on teaching fencing fundamentals and some advanced maneuvers. I am his second set of eyes and goto for general ...
3
votes
3answers
174 views
When a quarterback sees a reciever/cornerback mismatch, what is the correct throw? [closed]
I was arguing this with my friend. He claims that if a quarterback sees that his receiver is much faster, he should throw a quick pass and let the receiver juke his way past the cornerback. My ...
7
votes
2answers
101 views
Significance of ends in field games
In most sports like football and hockey, the teams change position at half time. Are there any specific reasons to do so, other than fan support at one end? Will there be any specific advantage in one ...
7
votes
2answers
301 views
What football formations have been most prevalent in the English Premier League since 1992?
There are a handful of sites (example) discussing formations and their popularity, but few discuss what is popular in certain periods in specific leagues. What I'm looking for is an overview of what ...
14
votes
3answers
13k views
“53 has the Mic” means what in American Football?
I frequently hear quarterbacks say something like "53 has the mic" when pointing out the defensive formation. Usually the player number that he points out is a linebacker.
I believe the defensive ...
8
votes
5answers
316 views
Should players in the wall jump to defend a free kick?
Sometimes all players in the wall will jump to prevent the ball being kicked over the wall. This then leaves a gap at the bottom, through which a low shot can pass, and through which Ronaldinho scored ...
11
votes
2answers
506 views
What are the advantages/disadvantages of the triangle formation?
Based on limited research that I've done recently, it seems that the triangle formation is an attacking formation used primarily by midfielders to advance the ball by forming a rotating triangle ...
11
votes
2answers
263 views
Has there ever been a situation where the outfielder has intentionally dropped a foul ball to prevent a run from scoring from third?
I can foresee a situation when a team is tied or up by one run, late in the game, where an outfielder may intentionally drop a catchable ball in foul territory to prevent an opposing runner from ...
21
votes
4answers
327 views
Why would you ever allow an opponent to score?
Watching Super Bowl XLVI, I noticed near the end of the game the New England Patriots allowed the New York Giants to score a touchdown uncontested.
At this point in the game, the Patriots were ...
