International Camp Report 3
Tuesday was the first training day of the camp. After breakfast, the training started at 9.00 with a warm-up on the football pitch. First warm-up of the camp was led by Marián Žigala, World Champion in single but also one of the best Slovak pole vault athletes.
After the warm-up the girls (aged 15 to 33) stayed on court number 1 and the boys (aged 9 to 17) plus one girl who was only 10 went together to the neighbouring courts to be split into groups according to their skills at ball control, service, passes… Since there were 5 courts (in addition to the one taken by girls), they were split into 5 groups. From then on, each group progressed at their own pace, with otheir own coach, focusing on the practice of futnet skills according to their level.
Almost all of the groups spent some time during the camp practising:
Service – Strenght and precision, for example, trying to hit a particular target (a ball) in the opponent’s service area.
Passes – In pairs, first usually with a bounce, later without on, varying the distance between the players. The players alternating the right and the left foot.
Reception of service – One of the basic and most important elements of the game. Reception with the head or the foot, trying to pass the ball to a teammate into a small square designated by the coach towards the right side line and towards the middle line. Practice of half-volley. See also Spatial orientation.
Smashes – Diagonal as well as along the line, from right and left side.
Technical balls – “Short” stop balls just behind the net, rotated balls, diagonal kicks with the sole…
Spatial orientation – The players stand on the service reception line with their backs to the net. On hearing the whistle, they have to turn round fast and try to pass the ball that was thrown into their area from behind the net onto the other side. In a more difficult version of this exercise, the player has to pass the ball to another player on his/her side who lifts it up and the first player performs a smash.
Blocking – Strength, resilience, flexibility. Finding the right moment for a block.