Volleyball’s Secret Weapon: Earphones

“The left has frequently founded cross-court spikes.”

“Should our guard move?”

“I think our blockers should move to the right."

“I got it. Over!”

Earphones are enjoying their golden days in professional volleyball. Recently, old-fashioned analogue methods have taken a backseat to digital ones. Instead of analyzing opponents’ strategies based on records written on papers, volleyball coaches and strategy experts now exchange their opinions in real time.

○ Immediately grasping of opponents’ strategy

Volleyball coaches love earphones because they allow them to apply their analysis of strategy in real time.

Hyundai Capital volleyball team coach Kim Ho-cheol was the first to use earphones last year. He exchanges information with Italian volleyball expert Domenico Nazaro while the team’s assistant coach, Kang Seong-hyeong, exchanges information with strategy expert Lee Han-su, all via earphones.

Coach Kim said, “I can make a quick call regarding the performance of our players as well as opponent players.” Since strategy experts watch the games near the stands, they can understand the games in a glance. That’s why coaches can make quick countermoves after listening to the opinions of strategy experts.

After being appointed as coach of LIG Insurance volleyball team, Park Gi-won brought in strategy expert Gian Paolo Montali, who worked along with coach Park back in Italy. Coach Park said, “He’s very helpful in understanding the teams’ every move from blocking to receiving.”

○ Earphones are just aiding devices

On the other hand, Korean Airlines volleyball team coach Mun Yong-gwan doesn’t use earphones. He thinks real-time statistics do not determine the game. He said, “I used earphones in last summer’s training session. However, I could not concentrate on the game.” After thoroughly analyzing opponents before the game, he directs tactics with finger movements to the court.

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance volleyball team coach Shin Chi-yong has recently used earphones but he considers the device a tool through which he refers to the opinion of a strategy expert. Shin explains, “His analysis helps me understand the flow of the offense and defense. But, I cannot solely depend on his opinion.”

beetlez@donga.com