Bishop jumping for headers

[Bigmike]

I note that subuteorob and one other recently have resurrected the Bishop jumping for headers debate. I took a fair bit of stick (most of it good natured) for suggesting he was jumping early not mistiming his jumps. I explained at the time what I thought were the advantages for a smaller player jumping early against a bigger player. This evening I found these two pieces.

A piece from Ashley Cole taken from fourfourtwo
“You’ve got to mix it up. Someone like Kevin Davies is going to be bigger and stronger than you so when the ball is in the air you nudge them slightly because it makes them think I’ll be standing right on them next time, but then I’ll jump early and try and get elevation off him to win the ball.

A quote from Les Ferdinand
“I’m 5ft 11 and three quarters! I don’t think it was something I learned, I was born with it. I used to play against defenders who were 6ft 3 and I’d make it my mission to outjump them – and I would. I just had the ability to anticipate when to jump, and a lot of the time I’d get up early.”

Now Bishop was not that effective but it seems he was in good company jumping early for headers against a bigger guy

[fezbob]

There's jumping a little early then there's jumping in a different time zone.
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[Bigmike]

Originally Posted by fezbob

There's jumping a little early then there's jumping in a different time zone.
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fair comment fezbob I merely want to make the point that it is a legitimate tactic. As I posted he was not that effective at it.

[Phils-an-alki]

Those quotes aren't relevant as they are talking about actually winning the ball in the air against taller opposition. Bishop used to jump way too early and often wouldn't get close to winning the header. It was ridiculous and laughable.

He was just poor in the air and I got the impression that many times his attempts to compete were merely token gestures.

[benwilliams]

I'd love to read more threads about strengths and weaknesses of players who left us years ago... said no-one ever.

[Get It Forward]

Your were talking shite back then and your talking shite now
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[Bigmike]

Phil and Mike I totally agree with you about Bishops effectiveness. I am merely defending my point of view that jumping early is a legitimate tactic. Mike I don't agree about Holroyd I think he is playing well. As far as effectiveness is concerned he is scoring goals.

[Bigmike]

Originally Posted by Get It Forward

Your were talking shite back then and your talking shite now
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thank you get it forward.

[89Leader]

Always thought he took a lot of unfair stick when here. Would have been interesting to have seen how we would have ended up had we played to his strengths more. Instead we just limped high balls upnbe pitch every week and expected him to score 30 goals a season