Nat’l team plans to develop intangibles in Japan trip

The national women’s volleyball team is currently in preparation for the 2017 Malaysian Southeast Asian Games, and part of its regimen is a two-part training camp in Japan.

Head coach Francis Vicente said Friday the team’s goal in their Japanese training camp is to develop their floor defense and imbibe some of the host nation’s volleyball traits.

“We hope that everyone will learn from Japanese volleyball,” said Vicente. “That will be a big boost for us because I’ve said before we really have to develop our floor defense.”

“We have the height, we have talented players, we have everything, but we need to experience top class volleyball to further understand the game.”

The women’s national team is set to fly to Okayama City on July 17 where they will conduct the first part of the camp before going to Kobe for the second leg.

Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc., Director Tats Suzara added the team’s Japan trip will emulate what the 1993 gold medal-winning team in preparation for that year’s SEA Games.

“Floor defense and blocking will be developed in Japan, but the most important thing is the players should know themselves and further develop their teamwork,” said Suzara. “The communication between the coach and the players, that’s the most important thing.”

The 2017 SEA Games is set to start on August 19 in Kuala Lumpur.