Reader Comments
Sean P. O'Neill (5 time US National Champion, 2 time Olympian) wrote:When I was in San Diego, I spoke at length to Stellan about this topic. He said taking a TO when you are trailing in the 5th is probably too late. He said the Chinese love to take them in the first game to assure themselves of leading at 1-0. I didn't know that and then proceeded to call one when Jackie was up 7-4 in a first game to make sure she finished out the game on top. I have to say the players that I have worked with generally win the games when we call a time-up for some odd reason. Maybe it is the 2 heads are better than one. It is probably also a rhythm control issue.
Here is something you forgot Greg, a coach can call a TO and the player can decline it. I work with my players enough to give the final veto as if they feel they are on a roll I don't want to disrupt it unless it is a losing roll.
Great Topic.
Oh, when I play a chopper and I am leading I feel almost zero pressure. When I am playing a chopper and trailing I feel double the pressure of needing to play safe, smart and to catch up. I think this might be what the Chinese coaches want their players feeling in all matches; relaxed with the lead and thus wanting to get the first game under their belt.
Thanks,
Sean