I recently watched an episode of Detail on ESPN+ where Peyton Manning, retired, future Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback, analyzed the play of Deshaun Watson, current NFL Quarterback, in his December 12th game. In the episode Peyton Manning explains how to practice and properly sell a play-action hand-off.
(more…)Setting up Shots with 1-2 Passing
In the beater screen article I discussed how 1-2 passing can draw the attention of the defending beaters. In this article I will examine how 1-2 passing opens up shooting angles for offensive chasers.
What is a 1-2 Pass?
1-2 passing is a concept common in many sports including soccer, basketball and hockey.
The basic concept is two quaffle players use one quick pass to pull the point defender out of position then take advantage with another quick pass.
First, the quaffle carrier allows the point defender to key-in on them.
(more…)The Future of Quidditch: Player Equipment
Quidditch is not yet played enough to have equipment catered to it. Quidditch players must use gear from a variety of other sports to help their quidditch play. This article will explores which features will be adopted by quidditch specific equipment.
Pads
Soft pads are allowed under the USQ rulebook but currently, players rarely wear them. Light pads covering a player’s chest, ribs and/or shoulders would spread out impacts without impeding throwing.
(more…)The Future of Quidditch: Sidearm Throws and Push Throws
Elite quidditch teams have excellent ball-handling skills. Their players are able to throw and catch reliably which allows their coaching staff to focus on strategy over technique.
In my opinion, players should be taught ball-handling skills, such as throwing and catching motions, without context. They will learn the context as they become familiar with and use the technique. This develops the players strategic thinking and they learn situational flexibility.
Most players exclusively use the overhand throwing motion and would benefit from learning others. This article introduces the sidearm throw and push throw which, when mastered, will make a player a better ball-handler.
(more…)The Future of Quidditch: Management and Coaching
For the month of November I will be focusing on the future of quidditch. Quidditch has strong core aspects that, if promoted, can draw new players and fans, ensuring the sport’s future.
Currently most quidditch teams are player-coached and have a small management team. Player-coaches split time between focusing on both their own and their team’s development. Team management raises money from small scale fundraising and player dues to fund event and travel expenses.
As the sport grows, the expectations for teams will grow with it. To stay competitive on the field, teams will transition to dedicated coaching staffs to develop players and strategies. Team management will manage sponsorships and recruit players.
(more…)Update: MARC
Due to MARC being more mentally and physically exhausting than expected, today’s post will be delayed. I realize that my posts have been coming out slower than promised and apologize. I will get back on track.
In the month of November I will be writing on future focused topics and will take a close look at MARC footage in December.
Fast Breaks III
When to Fast Break
As a general rule, a fast break will be successful when a team outmatches an opposing team. If one team is superior to the other at every position, a fast break should score every time.
Even if teams are even in skill, mismatches can still occur:
- An offense with more quaffle players on broom than a defense
- An offense with bludger control ready to press on the defense’s beaters
- An offense with quaffle players that are faster than the defense’s
Typically teams do not fast break into a defense with bludger control. However, it can be successful if the offense’s beaters have either delayed the defense’s beaters or are confident about distracting them.
If a team substitutes on defense, they are left vulnerable to a fast break until the substitution procedure is completed.
(more…)Update: Fast Breaks III Delayed
Fast Breaks III is taking longer than anticipated. It will be published at some point this week, when finished.
Until then feel free to re-read any old articles. My favorite is Boston and the Five Zone Pitch.
I first thought up the five-zone pitch concept leading up to Mid-Atlantic Regionals 2017. Creating a PDF explaining the five zones, along with other Richmond Ravens strategy, is what led to me creating this blog.
I highly encourage anyone interested in quidditch coaching or interested in quidditch strategy to start a journal to document their ideas.
If you have any similar images you’d like to share, send them to admin@quidplan.com.
Fast Breaks II
To begin, this article is being published later than usual. I apologize.
Fast Breaks II is a continuation of Fast Breaks I, please read the part I before this one. The headers of each play link back to the plays in part I.
(more…)Fast Breaks I
A well-balanced quidditch offense uses fast breaks in addition to set offenses to score goals. In this three-part series we will examine each fast break in the second New York City Titans and Boston Nightriders game at the 2018 MLQ championships.
In Part I, I will introduce the fast break concept and how it differs from a standard set offense. I will also introduce each of the seven fast breaks in the game.
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