Short characterization

GERMANY

STARTING PLAYERS / SUBSTITUTES

Germany led the competition by sustaining an even level of play in all matches. Team play was very steady, led by setter, Lena Möllers, who ran a very efficient offensive system and used her size in being a very good blocker. Her use of her middles (slide) and powers was extremely efficient throughout the competition. Definitely, the best serving team in the competition (averaging 2.63 aces per set) but they were also in the top 3 in all other skills except for serve receive where they were ranked 5^th overall. Consistent skill execution and strong team play led this team to the Gold.

Power attacker Sarah Petrausch was the 3^rd best scorer in the competition with 137 points, 4^th overall in attack (43.2% kill), 2^nd in Service (.67 aces per set), and 9^th in digging. Setter Möllers was ranked the best in the setting department, 6^th in blocking (.78 per set) and 6^th in service (.48 aces per set). Libero Lenka Durr was fairly even in her play and contributed 9^th overall in receiving and 6^th for liberos.

Offensive System:        5-1

• Use of Shoot/High sets in 4 along with ‘A Quick’ and Slide with middles
• 3 m ‘Pipe’ and 3 M Right Side attack with the Diagonal player.
• Good consistency by taller Setter who is always very square (shoulders and feet) in facing position 4 when setting.

Defensive System:        6 Back

• Very consistent and strong positional play.
• Defense is built around a strong closed block that is tall with defensive players being allowed to work around the block.
• Position 1 is usually behind the block with tip responsibilities.

Free Ball

• Generally shoot, one foot slide and 3 m pipe or right side 3 m attack.

Service

• Definitely the strongest serving team in the final 8.
• Almost all players used the jump spin serve.

Block

• High, good penetration and solid closing by middles.
• Middles slow vs faster sets to the antenna but solid in taking away a space, allowing defenders to dig the hole.
• All positional players are tall and force opponents into taking chances when trying to score.

Attack

• Power attackers with strong skills but little combination play from either side.
• Diagonal player gives good 3 m attack from right side

Libero

• Libero was quite consistent and passes with solid contact. Her performance in the semi and final matches were very strong.