Okay, so, I’ve been getting really into volleyball lately. It all started a few months ago when I was looking for a new sport to try out. I wanted something that was team-oriented, fast-paced, and a good workout. And boom, volleyball came to mind. It just looked so cool watching it on TV, all those players diving for the ball and spiking it over the net.
Getting Started
First thing I did was to check out some basic rules online. I learned that it’s a game between two teams, six players each, separated by a net. The goal is to ground the ball on the other team’s side to score points. Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the gist of it.
Next, I started practicing the basic skills. These included:
- Serving: This is how you start the rally. I practiced tossing the ball up and hitting it over the net.
- Passing: Also called forearm underhand passing. I worked on getting my feet to the ball and using my forearms to direct it to a teammate.
- Setting: This is the overhead pass used to set up a teammate for an attack. Lots of practice with setting the ball high and soft.
- Spiking: The fun part! I practiced jumping and hitting the ball over the net with power.
- Blocking: I worked on jumping at the net to block the other team’s attacks. It is important to develop both attack and defend blocking skills.
- Digging: This involves diving to save the ball from hitting the ground. My knees and elbows got a good workout! Sometimes I also do some rolling and sliding practices.
Training and Practice
I knew I couldn’t just rely on learning the skills. I needed to get in shape. So, I started doing some strength training to build up my muscles, especially in my legs and core. Agility drills were next, to help me move quickly around the court. And of course, endurance training to make sure I could last through long matches.
I also focused on my mental game. I read about staying positive and focused during matches. Visualizing successful plays and keeping my cool under pressure became part of my routine.
Then came the team aspect. I joined a local club and started practicing with others. We did a bunch of drills to improve our skills and played practice matches to get used to game situations. Communication was key. We learned to call for the ball, let each other know who was going for it, and cheer each other on after every point. Huddling after points really helped boost our morale and strategize for the next play.
Finding My Level
One thing I realized early on was the importance of understanding my skill level. I had to be honest with myself about where I stood and what I needed to work on. This helped me find the right level of competition and really enjoy the game without getting overwhelmed.
Using Technology
Here’s a cool thing I found: there’s AI tech out there that can analyze volleyball footage. I uploaded some videos of my practice sessions, and this AI processed them and gave me feedback on my technique. It was like having a personal coach! It helped me pinpoint areas where I needed to improve and track my progress over time.
Reflections
Looking back, it’s been an awesome journey. Volleyball has become more than just a sport for me. It’s a way to stay fit, meet new people, and challenge myself. I’ve learned so much about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of both physical and mental preparation.
I am still trying to find more information about the famous volleyball player Akuri Hara. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about this person. But I found some information about another Japanese volleyball player Ryoya Kadota, he is a 186cm Ace and Captain. I will try to learn more about the skill from him.
If you’re thinking about trying volleyball, I say go for it! It’s a fantastic sport that’s both fun and rewarding. Just remember to start with the basics, stay committed to practice, and most importantly, have fun out there on the court.
