Bush's Blog Men's Preview; USA vs. Russia

by Phil Bush

Phil Bush, FIVB Broadcaster

Over the previous three decades, you'd be hard pressed to find someone in athletics with a greater level of expertise in volleyball production and promotion than Phil Bush.  He will be entering his fourth year working for the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as a broadcaster on the FIVB “Match of the Week.”  He has also handled 17 seasons working for FSN South, ESPNU, CSS and Sun Sports providing both play-by-play and color analysis on volleyball broadcasts.  Through his MavRen Marketing & Productions company, Bush has worked in the production and promotion of volleyball events for over 25 years. 


                                                   

vs.

Saturday, 11:45AM ET

 

The USA posted the biggest upset of either the men or women in the Olympics so far, with a 3-1 defeat of world No. 1 Brazil.  The match progressed as you hoped it would for the USA: Clay Stanley and Matt Anderson providing their usual firepower, but Reid Priddy had a huge all-around match, particularly on the block and attack. The USA offense appeared to be extremely focused, particularly in transition, where the American men rattled off three in a row after Brazil took the first set.

The USA may not be perfect each time, but there are two words that describe why the Americans are winning:

React & Adjust.

If they have any issues, and in a match against the No. 2 team in the world, they certainly might, how do they react and then adjust?  The American coaching staff has had those adjustments at the ready each of the first three matches.  The first of two back-to-back matches means the team has continued to improve, and show that current No. 6 world ranking may not do them justice.

What will win this match:

Been all hugs for Clay Stanley and Team USA

React & adjust: Watch for those changes throughout the match.  In broadcasting, we already notice the momentum can swing back and forth very, very quickly.  I think this is where Team USA has an advantage.

Continued tough serving: It’s not just the Clay Stanley show on the serve, as Matt Anderson has come a long, long way towards being a very tough server.

Frustrate the Russians with great back row and transition play: The Americans have a chance to mentally take down a team that is already prone to being upset.  With the play of libero Rich Lambourne and Priddy in the back row, the Americans can really get inside the Russians heads.

Take advantage of Russian mistakes.  If the Russians continue to have service problems, take advantage of them.

Accept that the big man in the middle will get his kills: Dmitry Muserskiy is a true giant in the middle standing in at 7'2'' (you heard me right), but the key will be to slow down the other attackers on the team.  If Muserskiy has a 10+ kill match...don't sweat it.

As you can see, this guy can play...

This Russian team had a great year in 2011, but has looked to be off of its game in recent competitions.  Team USA has had solid game plans going into all three of their matches, and has executed BETTER as each match went along.  This is a sign of a well positioned team.  

Russia is 2-1 in the pool and with six points stands solidly in third place, three points ahead of both Serbia and Germany.  This is a crucial match for the Russians if they want a spot in the quarterfinals. 

Russian Player to Watch:  Maxim Mikhaylov

Maxin Mikhaylov

What you will want to watch for is how the United States deals with a big time server like of the arm of “machine gunner” right side Maxim Mikhaylov.  He led Russia with 11 kills and two blocks in their win on Thursday over Tunisia.  After three Olympic matches, he is tied for fifth with Clay Stanley with 48 total points (41 kills, three blocks, four aces).  

In 2011, Mikhaylov had a banner year playing for the national team and his Russian club team, Zenit Kazan.  Not only did Russia win gold at the FIVB World League, Mikhaylov won the Most Valuable Player Award and the Best Blocker.  He also won the Best Scorer and Best Server awards after leading his team to a 2011-2012 CEV Champions League Championship.



Next Match:  USA vs. Tunisia - August 6th at 3:00 PM ET


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