[Pro Volleyball] Samsung Uses Unique Strategy in Win

Shin Chi-yong, the coach of the pro volleyball team Samsung Insurance Bluefangs, held a simulation training yesterday morning in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, prior to his team’s match against the Hyundai Capital SkyWalkers.

“This is preparation to strike at the enemy’s weakness,” he said. Because the SkyWalkers and his team are well aware of each other’s strategies, he came up with a reverse idea: minimizing his team’s use of its main attack tool, the fastball.

His strategy worked, as the Bluefangs rallied to beat the SkyWalkers 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-20).

During the game at Seoul Olympic Park, Samsung teased Hyundai by depending more on delayed spikes and open attack rather than the fastball, deceiving tall SkyWalkers positioned in the center to block fastballs.

Bluefang attacker Andelko Cuk scored 36 points, including 10 from the back and four each from serves and blocks, to record a “triple crown” (three points or more in each category).

Samsung lost the first set as two consecutive attacks by Jang Byeong-cheol were blocked by Hoo In-jeong with the scored tied at 16. The Bluefangs also struggled with their serves.

Samsung won the second set, and led 5-4 in the third. Cuk scored from the back and three consecutive points through spike serves. He displayed a burst of energy with 16 points, tying a set record.

His team led 18-16 in the fourth set. Cuk secured victory with open attacks and blocks.

Coach Shin said, “We won because we were strong at basic skills such as serve, receive and serve.”

Samsung remained at the top of the standings at 16-3. Hyundai fell to third at 13-6.

beetlez@donga.com