JAPAN volleyball superstar Ran Takahashi knows a thing or two about making it big in the global scene.
And in his fourth trip to the Philippines, the 22-year-old fan favorite kept it real on the inherent disadvantage Asian players face when it comes to international volleyball that Ran and Co. managed to overcome to make Japan the world’s No. 6-ranked team and Asia’s top squad.
As is most sports, the lack in ceiling is a major disadvantage against teams from nations from Europe and the Americas.
Taking advantage of instances in which taller teams fail to maximize their height advantages is one key step for Asian teams, in particular, according to Takahashi.
“I think Japanese teams, and of course, Asian teams, are more likely to lose. But, I think that if you think about the height, power, and height, if you think about European teams, and America and Brazil, the height and power are the weak points that make them lose. The same goes for Japanese teams,” said Japan's outside hitter.
Looking at the bigger picture, however, the Japanese ace said Asian players can make up for the wide disparity in terms of height with what he calls as ‘high accuracy’ and ‘high quality’ volleyball.
Playing in overseas leagues, just as the likes of local volleyball stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo have done, is also something more Filipino players should do moving forward.
“In order to make up for that, we need to have high quality, high accuracy volleyball, and also, the ability to play well. That's what we've been improving. I think high accuracy volleyball is the best.
“Other Japanese players are also trying to play in international leagues. I think it's important to get used to the height and power, and to have the power to overcome it.
“To create teams that will fight in the world (stage), I think that's what (Philippines) needs to do.”
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