PH women get strength, conditioning upgrade under noted trainer

BARUERI, BRAZIL—Jose Inacio Salles Neto carefully guided Jaja Santiago as she lifted weights on the bench and evaluated every spiker comprising the Philippine women’s volleyball team as they worked out in the gym.

Neto has been sent by the technical and development department of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) to shore up the national team program of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

“I’m here for the continuous technical support from the FIVB. My duty is to give support to the staff in preparing the integration of different parts of the training process,’’ Neto told the Inquirer.

The Brazilian national team trainer will coordinate with women’s head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito in organizing the training process of the national squad, specifically physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and technical development, among others.

“He is part of the support for the national team program of FIVB to PNVF. With his expertise, there will be a transfer of knowledge to our local strength and conditioning coach and at the same time educate our players on the latest trends on [strength and conditioning],’’ said PNVF president Ramon “Tats’’ Suzara.

Neto is known for developing an advanced technology test called “joint position sense’’ for the preparation of Brazilian athletes in high-level meets.

Neto will hook up with both national indoor teams in Manila on May 2, a week before the men’s and women’s squads embark on their mission in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“He focuses more on basic and proper movements. The treatment of injuries are likewise addressed and how to heal them during workouts,’’ said PH squad physical therapist Grace Gomez.

Neto applied the joint position sense on elite Brazilian athletes, a test which aims to evaluate the muscle movements’ perception of each athlete.