 |
 |
 |
|
Monday August 9th , 2010 REMATCH WITH ESTONSKO! With one win over Estonia under our belt, the rematch was set for the next day. Breaking the game open in the fourth quarter Sunday night, outscoring Estonia 23-10, if there was any mental advantage heading into Monday nights rematch, we held it. Even more important, our bench outscored Estonia 56-31 in the first win. For game two, if fatigue became a factor, our teams depth and deeper rotation could become a difference. There was not much difference in our daily schedule. 8am breakfast, 9:20am depart for shootaround. 10am to 11am shooting. 12:30 lunch. 4pm snack. 415pm video about Estonsko. 4:30pm back to the gym for the game. Even though I am from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, it felt like a Czech Republic version of 'Groundhog Day'. But for Game 2 with Estonia, our team had another strong performance together under their belt. We had confidence from the big win in our first home game and we had belief before Game 2. As players appeared on-floor, one by one making their way from the lockerroom, into the small hallway and taking the sharp right through the small tunnell, there was positive energy from the team. Players were happy with their performance. Last nights result put a positive on our team --- winning does that. With this in mind, Pavel addressed the team at midcourt with reminders to maintain focus and be ready for the new challenge in the new game.
Ales Chan with a skyhook in shootaround. Before shooting, Pavel took the team through several coaching points from the evening before. First, the team walked through our offensive attack against the fullcourt run and jump from Estonia. We wanted to stretch the floor to create floor space, have players be targets for their teammates and attack the double-teaming defense together. Pavel provided the players with simple reminders keeping things easy to understand and see on the floor. Making a few coaching points for the halfcourt, we spent 10 full minutes packed with important information on game plan preparation for game 2. Next, it was Ladja Hojka who took the team through their warmup which included agility work and active movement from baseline to halfcourt. We split to the baskets and the players shot with partners to get loose. I spent time as partner with Ales Chan and provided a 'hand in his face' for post moves. What I really like about these Czech players is that they really work --- they are workers. The teams attitude and effort is excellent. I am sure pride playing for their national team is a big part of it, but I believe there is individual quality in the players character and they demonstrate it daily.
Pavel taking the team through our teamwork against Estonia's fullcourt pressure defense. Ladja finished practice with some interesting strengthening and core drills. To start, he had the players put their feet on a chair assuming push-up position. Then, while propping themselves up with one arm, they were instructed to put the cap from their water bottle on the upper shoulder area of their back. Then, with the other hand, while holding themselves up with the opposite arm, they were to take the bottle cap from their back to the floor. It was yet another creative use of body-weight to strengthen a player. Ladja continued with more traditional core exercises and a cool down stretch. While the players were working through the drills, Pavel and I sat on a chair and enjoyed the time.
Pavel and I watching the players work through Ladja's conditioning drills. Back at the hotel for lunch, the routine felt a familiar false sense --- almost as if we had been doing it a long time together. We ate lunch, took rest and got ready for our snack and meeting. Honza prepared a quality video for the team to see clips of our first quarter mistakes and several scenes where we made mistakes. If players were feeling great about our big win Sunday night, the video brought them back down to earth that our game was not perfect. But the video had a perfect ending as it finished with several highlights from Sunday night to give the players a positive feeling heading to the gym.
Standing at attention for the Czech Republic anthem. Pre-game was positive. Our team had confidence and energy. We were comfortable at home. It looked like the players were settling into the routine and feeling good. Ladja took the team through another excellent pre-game warmup and the players were ready for the rematch with Estonsko.
Lubos Barton controls the tip as Monday night action begins. Pavel Houska won the tip. Lubos Barton controlled the ball. Quickly, we controlled the game. Bursting to a fast 13-3 lead, the game was over early. Estonia was tired. If their small lineup and short bench was a big part of our 23-10 fourth quarter last night, their depth was certainly a factor in the back end of back to back games. Five minutes into the game the scoreboard showed 16-5. Rolling with the strong start, playing with confidence, the Czech players put up 35 first quarter points taking a 35-19 lead. Lubos Barton led the way with 10 points sinking two three pointers while Pavel Pumprla and Petr Benda posted 6 points apiece. As a team Czech hit 11 of 13 shots (85%), made 4 of 5 threes and sank 9 of 9 free throws in the first ten minutes.
Pavel Pumprla drives baseline against Estonia Monday night. The tired Estonia team kept fighting. But they were in a hole and expended extra energy working their way out. Every ball was bouncing our way. We built a 45-27 lead midway through the second and cruised to a 53-33 halftime lead. By the half, Barton, Pumprla and Benda all had double digits. The Czech players sank 60% from the floor making 4 of 9 threes (44%) converted 13 of 14 free throws 93%) and dished out 15 assists while outrebounding Estonia 20-8. Simply put, it was an excellent first half.
Michael Carnecky glides in for a breakaway layup. Throughout the third quarter the flow of the game remaind the same with Czech holding a 20 point lead. At one point in the third, the lead swelled to 24. But by the quarter break, it was back to a twenty point margin 67-47. Through three quarters, the game was terrific for fans, players and coaches --- everyone in Czech red, white and blue was happy.
Petr Benda making moves in the post In the team room we were all pleased with the next victory. Our team had progressed tremendously over the last weeks and we had met challenges in Bulgaria and Lithuania and now at home in Decin. We could all be pleased with the first three quarters of play --- the first thirty minutes were tremendous team basketball on both ends of the floor. However, we all recognized our fourth quarter focus left something to be desired. We still had some work to do. In the big picture, it was a good team win. It was the next step to build on.
Back to back wins over Estonia closed our preparation games and our team could now completely focus on our first official game. It just happened to be the biggest game of the summer, the derby against Slovakia. We could feel great about our development and our progress and we could take confidence into our big rivalry game. The two victories over Estonia also established our home floor for our second official game against Cyprus August 17th. For our team, it was all strong build up for Slovakia.
Pavel Houska working for his shot in the post.
Lubos Barton with a baseline floater
Ales Chan showing excellent form on a skyhook in the lane. Looks alot like shootaround.
Shaking hands with the Estonian coaches after Monday nights home win in Decin Czech Republic. click for Youtube highlights from Czech Republic vs Estonia Monday August 9, 2010 The rematch with Estonsko showed excellent potential for the Czech players and helped them grow even more together as a team. Back to back wins was great for everyone. Closing the friendly part of our summer schedule, official games were upon us. We were right where we wanted to be! Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm and international baketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com! GO ULM! MIKE T
|
. |
 |
 |
Email: info@taylorhoops.com