Interesting tactic by Gui. When Gabi is in position 4, she will often receive inside the court while the other OH on the back court will receive on the outside. This is the first match I saw them do this. Any explanation why?
That’s the rotation when Haak just turned to the front row at position 4, and Gabi has to receive at pos 2. In normal situations Haak would therefore attack on the left and Gabi on the right, which aren’t their most comfortable positions.
You can notice in the new tactic you mentioned, when Gabi received in the middle of the court, Haak would immediately run to pos 2 from the middle of the court, while Gabi would run to pos 4 right after serve reception. This can allow them to attack in the most natural and comfortable positions. I saw this strategy being used in some men’s teams in the Italian league as well.
Normal situation of this rotation:
Haak MB Gabi
MBH L Cansu
This tactic:
MBH (Haak MB Gabi) L Cansu
*The three players in bracket were front row attackers