Two valuable tips we should ALWAYS remember.
Former Japan stars Yoshie Takeshita and Kana Oyama took part in a promotional event in Kitakyushu on November 28 aimed at discovering new volleyball talent in Japan.
The event, sponsored by Fukuoka Volleyball Association and Marudai Foods, was held at Kitakyushu City High School. Takeshita, one of the world’s top setters, an Olympic bronze medallist and MVP at the 2006 World Championship, was born in Kitakyushu on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. She retired from the national team in 2012 after a stellar career. Oyama retired in 2009.
Around 160 students from local elementary and junior high schools attended the event in which Takeshita and Oyama gave coaching lessons in service, reception, spiking and setting. Takeshita emphasised the importance of communication with teammates.
“The second you touch the ball, you must be able to sense where the receiver is,” she said. “The toss will be ineffective if you don’t have a sense of what the spiker is doing.”
Oyama gave practical advice on diet to help children grow strong and tall, and added: “Even if you don’t want to be a volleyball player, everyone should have a dream.”
(images: FIVB)