Match Point

When Martin announced that, against the Trojans, Gawain would be the first singles player, the atmosphere of the team obviously changed subtly.

In fact, from an objective point of view, the NCAA game is a team contest, and the formation of troops is full of knowledge. There are countless cases of tactical switching of singles positions, even if it is the first singles to the fifth overall. Strangely, everything is for the collective victory.

But the truth is the truth, but the heart is the heart.

Someone came on the stage as a surprise player and became the first singles, which naturally meant that some players needed to give up their positions accordingly.

Martin did not analyze the tactics of the coaching staff in detail, but repeatedly emphasized the importance of the group, they need to fight for victory as a whole.

"Yes!" Saier responded grinningly. He was not serious at all. Obviously, it had nothing to do with him. He felt relaxed, but the two protagonists, Thompson and Jiron, didn't respond much. Their lowered faces couldn't see clearly. For a while, I didn't know what was going on in my heart.

Martin also knew that a group of brats would inevitably fluctuate in their moods, which could not be calmed down with just a few words. Let the team disband.

Grant was still a little uneasy, looked at the players, then at the coach, and finally chased after him, "Coach, I know you are optimistic about Gao Wen, but is it really okay to be so anxious?"

In fact, Grant is also very optimistic about Gao Wen, but because of this, he doesn't want to act too hastily, which will affect Gao Wen's growth trajectory, which is not a good thing for the team.

Moreover, Grant was also worried about Gawain's position in the team, after all, Gawain was only a freshman—

All of a sudden, Gao Wen was promoted to the first singles, and he only completed three complete matches, so what would the other senior players think? Not to mention Thompson and Geelong, there are other substitute players.

Grant thought, are you sure you don't need to explain it to the players in detail?

Martin hesitated slightly, stopped, turned his head and looked in the direction of the court, but never spoke.

Grant pinched his fingers anxiously, and then looked helplessly along Martin's line of sight.

The players disbanded the formation and were about to start training, but they saw Gao Wen catching up with Thompson in three steps and two steps, bumping the 198 cm tall man with his shoulder, saying something, and then Thompson laughed heartily. The sound of laughter can be heard from far away.

Immediately afterwards, Gawain walked towards Geelong again, and the two exchanged a few words face to face, before Gawain turned and walked towards Thompson, he could see Thompson winking and grimacing head-on, which made Gawain also burst out laughing, completely different from the silent appearance just now .

Gawain and Thompson walked to the court side by side. It seemed that the two were preparing to practice serving and receiving as a partner. Thompson was very excited. The figures of Gao Wen and Thompson hesitated.

Then, Gawain turned around and shouted loudly, "Marcos!"

Under the golden sun, those bright smiles were shining brightly, and they seemed to be launching a brave challenge—not a provocation, but an upright knight duel application, full of confidence and vitality.

Ji Long's jaw was also slightly raised, which may not be visible from the front, but can be clearly seen from the back. He unconsciously straightened his waist slightly, opened his shoulders, exuding an inviolable pride from the inside out, Then he picked up his racket and walked towards the training ground. His not-so-strong figure also revealed a strong spirit.

Publicity, surging.

"That kid is smarter than you think."

Martin's voice came from Grant's ear, he turned his head and looked back in a daze, and then he could see the smile on the corner of Martin's mouth, with a touch of relief.

Vaguely, Grant seemed to understand something.

Of course Martin knew he was taking a risk—

This is what he has always opposed the most. There is absolutely no need to hurt the lives of these children for the sake of a game or a season; but this does not mean that Martin is restrained. On the contrary, he is a very adventurous coach.

Just look at Thompson. Last year, he was still the sixth singles player, but this year he has been promoted to the number one singles player. Thompson's level of explosion is one reason, while Martin's trust and boldness are another reason.

In the upcoming match against his rival in the same city, Martin also thought carefully about using Gao Wen as the first singles player.

In the last match, Gawain's performance under pressure was really impressive, but what Martin really admired was Gawain's calmness and wisdom in a crisis situation, and his use of tactical arrangements was far superior to his peers. , in a league like the NCAA that is used to playing with talent, the advantage of the mind is far greater than imagined—

It is true that strength and speed are absolute advantages, but when the "absolute advantage" is not so absolute, the mind can become the key to turning the situation around.

Gawain's different handling of Thompson and Geelong just now has proved that Martin's judgment is correct. His psychological maturity and rational wisdom are undoubtedly one of Gawain's great strengths. more importantly, Gao Wen can also bring such advantages to the court and become a part of the game, which is even more commendable.

It can even be said that it is one in a million, which makes Martin further sure that his formation is correct.

Facing the University of Southern California, he despises the opponent strategically but needs to pay attention to the opponent tactically. Martin knows that this team can achieve four consecutive championships, not just luck. The calculation of the formation cannot be taken lightly.

Martin believes that Gawain can become a surprise soldier.

When facing the Shortcuts, if the Bruins were playing at home, Martin wanted Gawain to be the third singles player to attack the opponent's lineup. As a result, Gawain still faced the Fastfooters by mistake. The team's No. 3 singles played Harris, and the actual performance proved that Martin's vision was correct.

When considering the lineup against the Trojans, Martin really thought about letting Gawain be the third single, instead of rushing to let Gawain be the first single, but the situation changed slightly.

After the game against the Quickies, the Trojans must have noticed Gao Wen, and the possibility of them seeing through Martin's strategy in advance has greatly increased. If they want to break the game, Martin needs to think again, at least more than the Trojans. Just take a step.

On the one hand, Martin needs to measure Gawain's strength and state, which player against the Trojans can play the role of surprise and overthrow the opponent.

On the other hand, Martin needs to speculate on the opponent's thinking, skillfully use Gawain's ranking to truly break the Trojans' layout and seize the upper hand.

The first singles, this is the result of careful consideration and comprehensive consideration.