Post by Turlington on Oct 15, 2004 14:26:22 GMT -5
This was lifted from V-Spirit website:
Interview with Toshiaki Yoshida
Head Coach of the USA Women's Volleyball National Team
Photo by FIVB V-SPIRIT: We never know what's going to happened in games. Yet it was hard to believe that USA lost to Dominican Republic in Athens Olympic Games 2004. Looking back that game now how do you analyze it in all aspects of technique, mentality and startegy?
Yoshida: Unfortunately, the USA team did not have the technical or mental combination to come out of this match with a win. All of the teams at the 2004 Olympic Games, including the Dominican Republic, have weapons that allow them to score against their opponent at critical times during the match. The USA team was not able to stop the scoring capabilities of the Dominican Republic team at clinch times. The Dominican Republic team was very focused while playing with a "nothing to lose" mindset while the USA team did not have this same spirit.
V-SPIRIT: Judging from the world ranking and the results of past four years USA should have been in the place of Top 4 in stead of Cuba. Why is it harder to win at Olympic Games comparing to other International competitions?
Yoshida: The USA team has been able to maintain it's world class ranking of being in the top 3 over the past four years. With this high ranking also comes a lot of expectations and pressure to maintain this high level throughout the Olympic competition. Maintaining this high expectations level can give the athletes a lot of great energy but at the same time can be a big distraction. It was difficult for the USA team to combine different aspects to maintain that high competition level.
V-SPIRIT: I believe all of the members in USA team devoted their whole energies to every game in Athens Olympic Games. But what would it be if you name one reflection for the future?
Yoshida: It is very difficult for me to identify only one aspect that I would do differently, but I would have to say "identifying talent and their timing adjusting to world class competition."
V-SPIRIT: What did you tell the players after losing to Brazil at the Quarter-final match or at the end of 2004 Olympic Games?
Yoshida: This is very similar to what I told the players in two different team meetings during the Olympics. I would tell them "We've experienced a very difficult time at the Olympic Games. No matter what the situation is or the outcome, you guys did your best. Even though we did not achieve our Olympic goal, I am very proud and have a deep respect for each one of you."
V-SPIRIT: Russian head coach Karpol said "Now comes another time that Russia and other countries learn from China." If you agree with it, what is the most important thing to learn from them?
Yoshida: China is definitely one of the powerhouses in the international volleyball realm in terms of talent, the overall organization of the system, and a successful four year performance plan. China is the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and can be a great learning tool for those yearning to reach this level. China has the ability to teach us about the importance of the setter's height, how to run and adapt to a fast offense, and the significance of an excellent defense.
V-SPIRIT: You have achieved wonderful results since you became head coach of the USA Women's Volleyball National Team. what is a matter of significance for the coach to build up the strong team?
Yoshida: The most important factor to build a strong team changes throughout the entire process. I think it is very important that the coaches have the ability to know and to adapt to these changes. The coach must know the most important factor for building a team at that present time.
V-SPIRIT: 2004 Olympic Games ended. What is next goal for USA team? And what is your future plan?
Yoshida: Being world class and getting a medal at the Olympics has always and will always be a goal for the USA Volleyball teams. Currently, I cannot comment on my future plans.
Interview with Toshiaki Yoshida
Head Coach of the USA Women's Volleyball National Team
Photo by FIVB V-SPIRIT: We never know what's going to happened in games. Yet it was hard to believe that USA lost to Dominican Republic in Athens Olympic Games 2004. Looking back that game now how do you analyze it in all aspects of technique, mentality and startegy?
Yoshida: Unfortunately, the USA team did not have the technical or mental combination to come out of this match with a win. All of the teams at the 2004 Olympic Games, including the Dominican Republic, have weapons that allow them to score against their opponent at critical times during the match. The USA team was not able to stop the scoring capabilities of the Dominican Republic team at clinch times. The Dominican Republic team was very focused while playing with a "nothing to lose" mindset while the USA team did not have this same spirit.
V-SPIRIT: Judging from the world ranking and the results of past four years USA should have been in the place of Top 4 in stead of Cuba. Why is it harder to win at Olympic Games comparing to other International competitions?
Yoshida: The USA team has been able to maintain it's world class ranking of being in the top 3 over the past four years. With this high ranking also comes a lot of expectations and pressure to maintain this high level throughout the Olympic competition. Maintaining this high expectations level can give the athletes a lot of great energy but at the same time can be a big distraction. It was difficult for the USA team to combine different aspects to maintain that high competition level.
V-SPIRIT: I believe all of the members in USA team devoted their whole energies to every game in Athens Olympic Games. But what would it be if you name one reflection for the future?
Yoshida: It is very difficult for me to identify only one aspect that I would do differently, but I would have to say "identifying talent and their timing adjusting to world class competition."
V-SPIRIT: What did you tell the players after losing to Brazil at the Quarter-final match or at the end of 2004 Olympic Games?
Yoshida: This is very similar to what I told the players in two different team meetings during the Olympics. I would tell them "We've experienced a very difficult time at the Olympic Games. No matter what the situation is or the outcome, you guys did your best. Even though we did not achieve our Olympic goal, I am very proud and have a deep respect for each one of you."
V-SPIRIT: Russian head coach Karpol said "Now comes another time that Russia and other countries learn from China." If you agree with it, what is the most important thing to learn from them?
Yoshida: China is definitely one of the powerhouses in the international volleyball realm in terms of talent, the overall organization of the system, and a successful four year performance plan. China is the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and can be a great learning tool for those yearning to reach this level. China has the ability to teach us about the importance of the setter's height, how to run and adapt to a fast offense, and the significance of an excellent defense.
V-SPIRIT: You have achieved wonderful results since you became head coach of the USA Women's Volleyball National Team. what is a matter of significance for the coach to build up the strong team?
Yoshida: The most important factor to build a strong team changes throughout the entire process. I think it is very important that the coaches have the ability to know and to adapt to these changes. The coach must know the most important factor for building a team at that present time.
V-SPIRIT: 2004 Olympic Games ended. What is next goal for USA team? And what is your future plan?
Yoshida: Being world class and getting a medal at the Olympics has always and will always be a goal for the USA Volleyball teams. Currently, I cannot comment on my future plans.
