Spot talent at school

Pavilion View By Leslie Fernando

VOLLEYBALL - The standard of volleyball in Sri Lanka has improved tremendously among the men and women since we won the 'silver' in both tournaments at the 10th South Asian Games volleyball tournament held in Colombo and the players should continue to maintain the encouraging standard and improve their skill and technique said W. L. Karunaratne one of Sri Lanka's Volleyball 'greats' who has represented Minuwangoda MV, Gampaha Central, Education Department and Sri Lanka from 1959 to 1972.

Those days the game was purely played on stamina but the present day playing method is based on technique.

Karu's opinion is that talent should come at school level. The game of volleyball - the national game, should be introduced to a boy or girl around the age of 7 or 8 years.

We have lot of talented players. The Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation should consider in having tall players for cross blockings, jumping services. At international level height is very important added Karu who is the Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation.

Development pools

The Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation should be commended for taking great amount of responsibility to develop volleyball throughout the country by organising several tournaments on secretarial division, and at district and national levels. It is heartening to note that 2,676 teams 1,732 men's teams and 944 women's teams are participating in the Munchee Volleyball Tournament now in progress throughout the country said A. A. Jayatissa, a top 'spiker' who has represented the country from 1974 to 1985.

Jayatissa a product of Bandaranayake MV and Veyangoda Central played for Gampaha Central and Siyanatharu SC and is the National coach of SLVF.

Jayatissa said that the SLVF has also formed several junior and senior development pools and should maintain them with proper care and then the players will come up to very good standard.

Good standard

Volleyball in Sri Lanka has reached a good standard due to the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation officials taking a keen interest in promoting and developing the game. The present set of volleyballers have the opportunity to participate in many tournaments to display their skills and to further improve. There are several establishments who have extended their support for the national game of Sri Lanka said Ranjith Premadasa an able 'spiker' who has represented the country from 1969 to 1987. Ranjith has played the game against teams from Korea. Japan, Russia and at the Indo-Ceylon contest.

Employment necessary

He said that to improve further, the SLVF should obtain the services of a very knowledgeable foreign coach and also send outstanding players abroad for short tours to play with teams that are better equipped.

There are young and potential players involved in volleyball at present and they should be supported by public sector organisations with employment and other benefits.

So said Padma Gunawardena a double-international in volleyball and netball. She is the Programme Officer attached to Sports Ministry and a qualified national netball coach. The game of volleyball is going at a very good level due to Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation's good planning, implementation and evaluation.

Spiker's role important

There is plenty of talent in the rural areas and villages. The SLVF must also conduct volleyball clinics for them, with the assistance of Schools Volleyball Association and the Education Department.

The standard of volleyball has improved and Sri Lanka can achieve great heights and come on par amongst the top volleyball playing countries in Asia if the 'spikers' can use their stamina and strength at optimum level, said Sarath de Silva FIBV (world controlling body for volleyball) Level three coach who has represented the national team from 1982 to 1985.

Sarath further said that the 'spikers' have to build up the ability to stay steady on the court for long periods even though they may be somewhat tired.

He paid special attention to fitness, technique and tactics to reach the top.

Sarath who has played for Sri Lanka against several countries added that Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation should go in for young and taller players to get greater advantage.