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nov 2010 15

Gary Sato Returns from 2010 FIVB World Championships

In October, Sato traveled with Team USA to the 2010 FIVB World Volleyball Championship in Italy where the team competed to a sixth place finish.

“The last World Championship I coached was in 1986 (USA won the championship) so there have been quite a few rule changes: Rally score, the libero position, taking the first ball overhand, serving from along the entire endline to name a few but those are easy to adjust to. What impressed me the most is the depth of the field. In the top 10 there are some big strong players and teams that all know how to play the game dynamically as well as consistently and on any given night beat up on one another,” said Sato.

When asked about the key differences in past world championship competitions. Sato explained that injury prevention and experience are key factors for teams maintaining their competitive edge. He cited the importance of maintaining balance between 1.) the players’ physical health; 2.) their mental health; and 3.) their overall wellness in maintaining that ultimate competitive state.

“In my research and experience the balance of the three is critical to more effortlessly achieve peak performance. So at all times we are working to improve all three. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic Director of Sports Medicine and Performance, Aaron Brock, who keeps the players in fine working order,” said Sato.

“2011 is a critical year for USA Volleyball. We will compete in the FIVB World League in a pool with Brazil, Poland and Puerto Rico. Then we will compete in the NORCECA zonal (in the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico) to qualify for the World Cup in Japan which will be the first opportunity to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games. There will be other competitions but the last two are the most crucial at this time,” said Sato.

The U.S. Men’s Team, comprised of veterans and talented new players, will use their experience from the World Championship to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics.


Category Volleyball

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