Bounce matches

[Alex MacLeod]

Are they a new training method or have they always happened. Last tuesday we had a bounce game at St Mirren. This week its down to St Andrews for a game against Dundee United. Are bounce games a good idea or an unneccessary risk?

[Libero]

I think they are becoming more frequent now that there is no reserve league

Given the amount of players returning from injury or looking to improve match fitness then i think its a good idea

I was dissapointed when the SPL scrapped the reserve league system as it was a great way to keep fringe players match fit, help injured players gain fitness and also blood youngsters against SPL quality

[RossP]

Does anyone know the scores/scorers from our bounce games v. St Mirren and v. Dundee Utd?

[Yngwie]

More importantly, does anyone know why they are called "bounce" matches?

[tm4tj]

Cox, Mackay and Sutherland against Paisley

[Alex MacLeod]

Is it because its purpose is to help players 'bounce' back from injury?

[bauhaus]

no tackles allowed in them, all about touch, control and fitness

[PaderbornCaley]

Does anyone know the scores/scorers from our bounce games v. St Mirren and v. Dundee Utd?

3-3 V St Mirren

[IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER]

The problem with "bounce games" is that they are non-competitive in the meaning that there are agreements regarding any zealous tackling etc., and therefore they are a bit like a training game - probably even less contact. That can show up the skilful player in a good light but doesnt add to committment etc.

What they should do is to allow the team to look at different systems, trying out squad players and trying out dead ball moves etc. It really doesnt make up for the loss of the reserve leagues. The positives are that the games are be played against SPL opposition.

For instance if Sutherland and McKay scored against Midden should that be a precursor to a SPL start ?