Volume 2 Chapter 6 It's Important To Go Back To The Basics, Whether You're Studying Or Playing Sports
Starting volleyball practice for the ball game tournament seemed like a good idea, but honestly, I didn't expect to be this bad at it. Back in junior high, I used to play soccer and volleyball during lunch breaks and after school, but it's been decades since I've actually touched a ball, so it's only natural.
On the other hand, I don't have a regular driver's license right now, but if someone asked me to drive a car, I would confidently say that I can do it. Of course, whether I can pass the written test at the license center is quite questionable.
Volleyball has many rules, like not grabbing the ball, not touching it more than twice, not holding on to it, not dropping it, not hitting it out of bounds, and passing it below the net. It's actually quite a challenging sport.
So, what should I do in situations like this? It's the same as studying. I just have to start over from the basics, diligently get used to the ball.
So, the next day during our break, I immediately started doing things to get used to the ball.
As I was about to borrow a volleyball from the storage room for sports equipment to practice, I bumped into Namiki-san.
"Hey, Namiki-san, are you here to get a volleyball too?"
I asked, and Namiki-san replied with a shy smile.
"Haha, yes. If I don't do something, I'll just slow everyone down as I am."
I laughed at Namiki-san's response.
"That's true. We're supposed to enjoy the sports festival together, and we don't want to be a burden to others."
"Yes... and I don't want people talking about me behind my back."
"Well, that's a good point. So, how about we start by passing the ball to get used to it? But since it's difficult to do proper passes right away, let's begin by practicing how to hold and throw the ball."
I suggested, and Namiki-san looked puzzled.
"Huh? Aren't you not supposed to hold a volleyball?"
"Well, yes, I understand that. But, for example, when you are learning to ride a bike, you start by using training wheels to practice without falling, right?"
Namiki-san nodded in agreement as I mentioned this.
"Yes, that makes sense."
"So, I think the important thing is to first get used to handling the ball. One of the reasons we might struggle is probably because we are afraid of the ball coming towards us."
"Yes, it can be scary, especially if it hits your face. Fear is definitely a factor."
"Yes, exactly. Another reason is the pressure of not holding onto the ball in volleyball; you have to quickly pass it to someone else, which can cause a bit of panic."
"That's true. I can see that being a challenge."
"And then there's the fear of looking uncool or embarrassing when you can't do it well. You know, the fear of appearing awkward to others."
Namiki-san agreed with a nod.
"Oh, yes, that is definitely a concern. It's embarrassing when you can't do it well."
"So, first, let's start with what you can do and get comfortable with handling the ball. This will help reduce the fear of the ball itself and the fear of making mistakes. Once you feel more confident and familiar, you'll also notice that the anxiety towards making quick judgments and movements will decrease."
"I understand, what should I do then?"
"Well, first of all, to get used to the ball, let's begin with the basic form of an overhead pass. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other. Hold your hands in front of your forehead, keeping them slightly apart. Position your thumbs just above your eyebrows, creating a triangular shape with your hands. Then, use your thumb and four fingers to grip the ball, making sure your pinky finger only lightly touches it without applying any pressure."
To give her a better idea, I'll demonstrate the posture, and Namiki-san can adopt a similar one like mine.
"Like this... right?"
"Exactly! That's the idea. Now, grip the ball with your thumb and four fingers, and throw it above your head at a moderate speed."
"Okay, anytime."
After that, I throw the volleyball I was holding, and Namiki-san catches it.
"Ah, I get it. With this, I can definitely do it without feeling rushed."
"Yeah, there's a line in an old soccer manga that says, 'The ball is a friend and don't scared.' I think it's best to start with simple things to get used to the ball."
"That's right, let's go then."
"Okay."
We kept throwing and catching the volleyball between us many times.
"Alright, let's slowly decrease the time to catch it. Once you have a good grip on the ball with both hands, bounce it off with your fingers and pass it back to the other person."
"Got it."
"Also, make sure to maintain your posture while doing it."
"Yes, you're right."
After throwing the ball back and forth about 50 times, our lunch break was over.
"Well, I think I've become more comfortable with volleyball compared to yesterday. It feels like progress, don't you think?"
I said that, and Namiki-san smiled and nodded.
"Yes, Hata-kun is amazing after all."
"Huh? I don't think I'm that amazing, though."
"Oh no, you are. Even if you can't do something well, just by starting with what you can do and gradually improving, it gives you so much confidence."
"Well, confidence is important after all. If you're always scared of making mistakes, nothing will go smoothly."
"Yes, you're correct."
"Well, I suppose it's time to head back to the classroom. It wouldn't be good to arrive late for class."
"Yes, let's go."
With this, we have at least found a way for us, Namiki-san and me, to take part in the sports festival without feeling embarrassed, right?
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