I have nicknamed my translators “Solver” and “B-ball”. Solver because he seems to take care of everything or any problems I have. B-ball got his name because he loves basketball. Both have a light sense of humor and we all laugh often. We are learning how to communicate quicker which translates to quicker learning for the players. Solver is a Middle School PE teacher. The Olympic program in Taiwan is affiliated with the educational system specifically the PE department.I haven’t asked B-ball his story yet.
This morning I had the chance to watch the players scrimmage against one another. The head coach divided the players into one team of starters and the other of mostly role players or practice players. I was extremely impressed with their defensive skills. I was informed most of their defensive knowledge has been shared with them by the Japanese. It was here I saw the true skill level and athleticism of their Olympic team. They moved with such speed and agility – rarely was a ball missed or hit the ground. Their angles were perfect, their arms strong, gloves accurate, and everyone moved with great confidence.
A player which I have nicknamed Picky is one of the best overall athletes I have ever seen in my lifetime. During the defensive session she missed a very easy ground ball to her backhand. Without thinking I impulsively roared just load enough so only Solver could hear me, “Aw common Picky catch the ball.” Simultaneously every other coach bellowed something out load. Solver immediately started laughing because we all said the same thing just in our different languages.
There are usually two training sessions throughout the day.Breakfast is served in the morning from 7:00-8:00am and our first training session begins at 8:00am and ends at 11:30pm.Lunch is served at noon and although I do not begin the hitting session until 2:30 players get back to work right after lunch and usually continue their training until 5:30. Once this week we had a night training session from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Although they spend a great deal of time training they take enough short breaks to make the training meaningful and less stressful. They are never rushed and seem to place more emphasis on the quality of training. I can see how players respond better to these conditions. My students and players are overstressed during the school year and their energy is pulled in many different directions. It amazes me how much they accomplish in so little time.
