novelnext Chapter 4: Training
Chapter 4: Training
Aoba Johsai eventually lost the practice match.
Even though Oikawa's serve earned three consecutive points to temporarily take the lead, the stark difference in overall ability between them and the university team was insurmountable for the time being.
However, Coach Irihata was satisfied—the purpose of this practice match had been achieved.
"Losing a practice match isn't scary. What's terrifying is regretting it after losing during the Inter-High or Spring High tournaments," Coach Irihata said, scanning the room full of slightly frustrated players. "If you want to make it to nationals, your opponents will only get stronger than the ones you faced today. Third-years, you especially know what I'm talking about."
Oikawa, Iwaizumi, and the rest of the third-years clenched their fists. They understood all too well. This was their final year. In the past two years, they hadn't even made it to nationals.
"Alright, everyone, we'll focus on improving serve-receive quality, and then split into groups to practice offensive setups, defensive transitions, and tactical plays. Taichi, finish five laps of diving drills first, then join the others."
"Yes, sir." Taichi grumbled internally. This petty coach wasn't going to let the punishment slide.
Volleyball training—with its passing, serving, setting, spiking, and more—seems repetitive and monotonous on the surface. Yet, these drills are the foundation of reaching higher competitive levels.
Every pass involves judgment and movement; every serve demands control of power and angle; every set tests hand techniques and vision; every spike combines the perfect timing of a jump with precise arm swings. These actions, repeated endlessly, refine the smallest technical details and test the athlete's endurance, skill, and tactical understanding.
Such repetition is not merely practice but a grinding wheel that polishes an athlete's patience, perseverance, and focus.
[Ding! Beginner training mode has been activated. Every completed training task will improve the corresponding stats. Side effect: post-training fatigue doubles. Please prepare yourself mentally.]
Perfect! Taichi thought, full of excitement. Training directly leading to improvement? What could be better? As for the side effect, well, he was young—wasn't sleep the cure for everything?
[Task one: 10 laps of diving drills. Completion rewards: +1 Stamina, +1 Receiving.]
The system, ever 'thoughtful', had doubled the original punishment from Coach Irihata. Taichi had every reason to believe this was its way of ensuring he didn't get free rewards.
Brushing aside his irritation, Taichi moved to the edge of the court and began his "diving journey."
Diving in volleyball is a defensive technique used to handle fast, low, or difficult-to-reach balls.
Players must judge the ball's trajectory, then push off the ground with their legs to launch their bodies toward it. During the dive, they extend their arms and fingers to maximize the contact surface area, using their wrists and fingers to control the ball's direction and force. After contacting the ball, they perform a roll to safely absorb the impact and return to position.
Diving drills train anticipation, quick reactions, coordination, precise ball handling, and safe landings—crucial for expanding defensive coverage and creating counterattack opportunities during matches.
One hour later...
Kunimi was bent over, clutching a volleyball, breathing heavily.
"Kunimi, what's wrong? Come on, serve already!" Taichi was still full of energy, urging his partner to continue.
"This guy... wasn't he the one about to collapse earlier? Why does he look like he hasn't tired out at all?" Kunimi glanced around, desperate for an escape. He spotted a familiar face—Kindaichi.
"Kindaichi, your turn to pair with Taichi. I need a break." Without waiting for a response, Kunimi strolled to the sidelines and sprawled out, seeking a moment's peace.
Kindaichi hesitated, but seeing Kunimi's state, he stepped in. "Alright, I'll take over."
Another hour passed...
"Kindaichi, your stamina's insane!" Taichi praised, trying to keep up.
Kindaichi, drenched in sweat, wheezed out, "Dude, yours is even worse..."
Taichi checked Kindaichi's stats using the system:
[Name: Kindaichi Yūtarō
Speed: 75
Strength: 83
Stamina: 88
Jump: 75.]
"Not bad," Taichi mused. "Good stamina and strength. Pity about his speed and jump—no wonder he struggled against Hinata in that match..."
_________
[T/N] - If you guys want to read 50 Chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on my Patreon. Trust me, it's awesome!
Link - /Iseeblack [Remove the brackets]