'B' Division Volleyball 2011,
Remember your trip to Hong Kong?
Remember the things you all did not like about each other and how you wanted the person to change?
Remember the camaraderie and the bond of brotherhood you guys built over there?
Remember of the threats I pointed out that would break down and destroy this team?
Don't take things for granted
Don't hold expectations
Don't judge
Instead
Learn to make the most of what we have
To have expectancy not expectations
and more importantly to know how to LOVE
Remember that for each and every 'B' division member,
YOU coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is PROGRESS
WORKING TOGETHER is success
It's sad isn't it, that after 3 and 4 years of training together, something like Tuesday's training can happen.
Whatever happened to the driving mantra and long withstanding vision of sports for CHS, Discipline, Character then championship?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
[VBALL 'B' DIV SZ] CATHOLIC HIGH VS CHONG BOON SEC
Chong Boon Secondary was Catholic High School's opponents today. How good were day? During the warm up sessions, they seemed like a tea that was well trained and discipline and their Number 10 was skinny and lean but the power of his spike shots were really good.
Before the game, their teacher in charge again gave the whole team the choice to set their personal goals on what they wanted to achieve in each game. The last two games, their goal of keeping their opponents at the 15 point mark was not met. This time they continued this goal as the mark and also set themselves to keep the score as low as possible.
With opening game, Wayne gave away 3 points with a poor service, and mistakes on court, Nicholas gave a good short spike to get back some points and Sunny did a good save at the back of the court to keep the ball alive to bring the points to 14-4 to Catholic High's favour. However, Nicholas was caught touching the net to allow the opponents to gain a point, 14-5. Service errors seemed to be on the Catholic High side as Peijie gained a point with a spike to bring the score to 15-5 but erred in a service, serving out of the opponents' court letting the score to be 15-6.
With rallies on and spiking and blocking, Catholic High did good with receiving the opponents spikes and attacks and converted these into their own attacks back to their opponents, gaining point by point. At 24-12, Catholic High took down the set with a good tag team block of Nicholas and Darius, 25-12.
At the second set, Catholic High team, determined to continue to keep their opponents at bay at below 15 point and Darius drew first blood with his serve. Shawn received well with a thunderous spike from Chong Boon's Number 10 but his technique was really good and he got the point for Chong Boon at his second spike into Catholic High's court, bringing the first score for Chong Boon 1-3.
It seems that the umpires were on the Catholic High side with calls that were made to our favour, with four touches not being called, or ball from Chong Boon being in, was called as an "out" ball. This added the frustration to the Chong Boon side and helped Catholic High in their game play. But kudos to Number 10 from Chong Boon never gave up and played a splendid game of spiking cleverly into empty space left and right to the back court area, catching the Catholic High boys unaware and gaining crucial points back for Chong Boon.
But Volleyball is a team game and even one talent, Number 10 from Chong Boon is not going to stop the team from Catholic High. The Catholic High team played the game to 24-9 and Shawn had the honour the end the game with a spike down with the score of 25-9.
Though Chong Boon, seem seemingly like an easy opponent, Catholic High have got to remember that at the second set, at least 3 points were points freely given by the umpire and lots of points also were given by the opponents as well, their own mistakes. So realistically, Catholic High did not really work that hard to gain the points in the game. Catholic High also had some mistakes and the showing from their opponents proved that mistakes must be minimized at every game.
The take away from this game was also that, each player need to remember not to celebrate too early. That they need to celebrate only after the FINAL whistle has been blown and until then, every effort to get the point to win is crucial.
Also, there is a need to remember that Catholic High Volleyball team is not a team made up of some talents, we are a team and there is no "I" in the word "TEAM". The teacher in charge told the boys this
"We build the team on basics, not Talent. It is basics we can fall back upon, Talents failed us at times"
and it is something they have to remember especially where at times they are going to face difficulties and some might not perform up to par to their usual talented self but to remember that every training, their basics and core of their art of playing volleyball is what will help them rise up to the occasion in every competition they are going to be playing.
Before the game, their teacher in charge again gave the whole team the choice to set their personal goals on what they wanted to achieve in each game. The last two games, their goal of keeping their opponents at the 15 point mark was not met. This time they continued this goal as the mark and also set themselves to keep the score as low as possible.
With opening game, Wayne gave away 3 points with a poor service, and mistakes on court, Nicholas gave a good short spike to get back some points and Sunny did a good save at the back of the court to keep the ball alive to bring the points to 14-4 to Catholic High's favour. However, Nicholas was caught touching the net to allow the opponents to gain a point, 14-5. Service errors seemed to be on the Catholic High side as Peijie gained a point with a spike to bring the score to 15-5 but erred in a service, serving out of the opponents' court letting the score to be 15-6.
With rallies on and spiking and blocking, Catholic High did good with receiving the opponents spikes and attacks and converted these into their own attacks back to their opponents, gaining point by point. At 24-12, Catholic High took down the set with a good tag team block of Nicholas and Darius, 25-12.
At the second set, Catholic High team, determined to continue to keep their opponents at bay at below 15 point and Darius drew first blood with his serve. Shawn received well with a thunderous spike from Chong Boon's Number 10 but his technique was really good and he got the point for Chong Boon at his second spike into Catholic High's court, bringing the first score for Chong Boon 1-3.
It seems that the umpires were on the Catholic High side with calls that were made to our favour, with four touches not being called, or ball from Chong Boon being in, was called as an "out" ball. This added the frustration to the Chong Boon side and helped Catholic High in their game play. But kudos to Number 10 from Chong Boon never gave up and played a splendid game of spiking cleverly into empty space left and right to the back court area, catching the Catholic High boys unaware and gaining crucial points back for Chong Boon.
But Volleyball is a team game and even one talent, Number 10 from Chong Boon is not going to stop the team from Catholic High. The Catholic High team played the game to 24-9 and Shawn had the honour the end the game with a spike down with the score of 25-9.
Though Chong Boon, seem seemingly like an easy opponent, Catholic High have got to remember that at the second set, at least 3 points were points freely given by the umpire and lots of points also were given by the opponents as well, their own mistakes. So realistically, Catholic High did not really work that hard to gain the points in the game. Catholic High also had some mistakes and the showing from their opponents proved that mistakes must be minimized at every game.
The take away from this game was also that, each player need to remember not to celebrate too early. That they need to celebrate only after the FINAL whistle has been blown and until then, every effort to get the point to win is crucial.
Also, there is a need to remember that Catholic High Volleyball team is not a team made up of some talents, we are a team and there is no "I" in the word "TEAM". The teacher in charge told the boys this
"We build the team on basics, not Talent. It is basics we can fall back upon, Talents failed us at times"
and it is something they have to remember especially where at times they are going to face difficulties and some might not perform up to par to their usual talented self but to remember that every training, their basics and core of their art of playing volleyball is what will help them rise up to the occasion in every competition they are going to be playing.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
[VBALL 'B' DIV SZ] CATHOLIC HIGH VS CLEMENTI WOODS
Today is the second match after their match against Queensway Secondary, is the Catholic High Team all ready? Are they going to have the match jitters they had with their first game last week? Well, all was answered during the match today.
Be it a habit or a curse, Catholic High seem to always take some time to warm up in their first game. The points were close in the first set, 1-1, 2-2, 5-6, 6-6 brought by Xian Lun’s service, at 12-11, Wayne rained a spike down to bring the point back to 12-12. Was it going to be like this throughout the whole game?
The Catholic High boys were fighting for every point and Clementi Woods wasn’t going to let Catholic High have an easy time at all. Having long rallies and grabbing every chance to score the crucial point they needed. Darius, Sunny, Nicholas did their best and performed their spikes, receiving and blocking as usual like they always do during training times.
Score came up to 17-16 favour to Catholic High School and Darius got a point back with a spike down and with frantic digs over on the left court of the Catholic High side, they managed to secure points and the score was 20-16 when Clementi Woods called for a time out.
Was this going to a momentum break for the Catholic High School team? Nope, the answer was well answered with Peijie spiking down, Clementi Woods hitting an out ball and Peijie again answering back to Clementi Woods with a beautiful spike down the line, with the score at 23-16.
Clementi Woods weren’t all letting our boys get the point so easily and their Number 18, returned the favour through a spike and added a point to their board at 17-23. Darius responded back with a spike and a mistake by Clementi Woods, sealed the game set at 25-17.
On some advice and reminders by Coach Jonathan on playing the game slow and counting the momentum of jumping and blocking and not being easily swayed by the opponents’ fast pace playing and momentum, the boys stepped onto court for the second set.
Opening the set Wayne made a mistake allowing Clementi woods to have the first kill, 0-1. Darius however, gently spiked a ball into space and got the point back easily to 1-1. After which, Darius spiked down the line and Wayne proved to amend for his opening match mistake by giving a good block for a spike from Clementi Woods together with Darius. Points were at 4-1. This set seems to be looking good and the Catholic High team seem to be gaining more game composure and getting set into the game well.
Shawn who came in replacing Anders did not show any game jitters or inexperience at all, he came in, did his job and did well. Doing whatever was required of him, showing that basics works and that he can be relied upon whenever the need arose. Nicholas had a good short spike and brought the score to 7-2. Catholic High was playing their game and Celmenti Woods responded with few spikes and managed one and had the increased their point to 3. The Catholic High team, played slow and well, the basic of receiving, setting and communicating on who to attack, slowly point by point, Catholic High gained point by point comfortably to 20-7, and Clementi Woods called for a time out.
Coach Jonathan reminded them to be always on their toes to be ready to go to their left or right to jump to block and not let their feet get grounded to the ground so that whenever there is a movement by the opponent, it is easier for their bodies to react to it and jump up to block where the opponent is.
Back on court, Peijie earned a point to bring the point to 21-8, mistakes by Clementi Woods libero put the points to 23-8, good blocking by Wayne and Peijie increased the point to 24-8. The ball was set well by Xian Lun to Darius for a finishing spike to end the game. Unfortunately, Darius finished badly and spiked into the net bringing the points to 24-9. Was it going to be a comeback for Clementi Woods?
What did the Catholic High team need to improve on still? Their immersion into Competition mode immediately in the first game.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
[VBALL 'B' DIV SZ] CATHOLIC HIGH VS QUEENSWAY SECONDARY
The 'B' division Volleyball team played their first match today against Queensway Secondary at Jurong West Sports Stadium.
The bus journey down from Bishan to Jurong West Sports Hall was a long one and in a way it was draining as the journey added a little sleepy potion to the boys psychic. The team was met by the large Jurong West Sports Complex which was five levels high with the spaces maximized to include a stadium, restaurants, swimming pool and of course the indoor sports hall where the competition was to be played.
The boys were all chill and cool about the match against Queensway Secondary and most of them were all at smiles and joking around. Complacency or were they well trained in the physical and mental? Their game showed what they really should be working on.
The warm up area at Jurong Sports hall wasn't that fantastic and the two teams were squeezed into the corner of the carpark, having to share a tiny space and were at the mercy of the weather. The boys after their warm up made a pact with their teacher to keep the opponents' score at 15 maximum and the boys said they could do it.
Warming up on court, the boys looked composed and poised and confident, especially when they started spiking down onto their opponents, their cheers roared the hall.
The team lost the first point to QSS and the subsequent 3 points, and CHS was always losing at least one point behind their opponents, the previous confident and roaring CHS volleyballers seem to turn to mice as the started to trail behind their opponents. Only Peijie had his competition persona on and Wayne was at all smiles, taking it easy, forgetting mistakes and looking forward to play a better ball the next time he touches it. Whereas, some members nursing injuries and old injuries seemingly became quieter and quieter.
It was only at the 7th point where CHS gained back her reign over QSS and started to roar up, the 1 point lead gave the CHS the added confidence to come back onto the game and to eventually win the set.The first se was taken down by CHS at: 25-17
Instead of coming out more determined and awaken form complacency or at least have settled their competition jitters, the CHS team seemed even more lost. Having the captain injure his thumb, their libero still inhibited by his ankle injury. Wayne, Anders, Peijie were the ones who shone with their spikes down to their opponents courts, not forgetting good blocking by Nicholas, Wayne, Xian Lun and Darius which helped in regaining more points. However, 3 precious points were lost through service by Peijie, Nicholas and Aw Shen, which could have brought the score down to 25-18 instead, something the team has to work on to minimize especially in the more intense and challenging games ahead.
Communication between the members was another area the boys have to work with each other and they seem unwilling to talk at times on court when it was so necessary. There was a point of time where it was so dead pan that the spirit of CHS seem to have vapourized into thin air. Where was the passion and life? So much so that Aw Shen from the outside had to rope in to cheer the team on. Noise, cheers, passion, is what reminds us of why and what we are playing for not silence. When soldiers go to war, or when warriors of the past go into battle, they always have war cries, why? So as to fill up their courage, to pump up their courageous spirit and also to mentally psych themselves up for war!And in some sports, it helps to also intimidate their opponents even before the game, maybe CHS volleyball should follow some war cries like this:
Stupid looking? Nope, when you are psych up together as a team, when you become a psych yourself up like how a warrior psych himself up for war, in your sport, when you become blood thirsty for the win, that's where you unleash the beast (best) in you and power up more in one's game play. That's where when you cry out together as a TEAM the desires of your hearts, that everyone in the team communicates the common message and desire.Volleyball is no contact sport but I believe it is a sport that enhances the idea of the desperate need of teamwork more than anything since everything is played on one side of the court
That death silence on our part lethally killed CHS too as we as usual began to trail behind QSS at the start and was always playing catch up game to try to win over a point with QSS. QSS coach played tactical play and tried to always break the CHS momentum whenever we were leading, it kind of succeeded in the end and at the last point of 24-21, CHS coach did the same tactic and broke the momentum of QSS's winning streak by calling a time out. Eventually, with a sigh of relief, the boys clinched the second set 25-21.
Was it a victorious win? No
Did it feel good winning? No
Is this B team one which is able to live up the vision set on them? Let's see...
Lessons learnt and areas of improvement:
Unity and cheering lacking.
Not being prepared and unable to get into competition mode in a snap.
Complacency and humility.
Respect for coaches, umpires and table officials. (Need to thank the coaches, teachers and table officials)
CHS VBALL 2011 B DIV, what will your response be for your next game?
The bus journey down from Bishan to Jurong West Sports Hall was a long one and in a way it was draining as the journey added a little sleepy potion to the boys psychic. The team was met by the large Jurong West Sports Complex which was five levels high with the spaces maximized to include a stadium, restaurants, swimming pool and of course the indoor sports hall where the competition was to be played.
The boys were all chill and cool about the match against Queensway Secondary and most of them were all at smiles and joking around. Complacency or were they well trained in the physical and mental? Their game showed what they really should be working on.
The warm up area at Jurong Sports hall wasn't that fantastic and the two teams were squeezed into the corner of the carpark, having to share a tiny space and were at the mercy of the weather. The boys after their warm up made a pact with their teacher to keep the opponents' score at 15 maximum and the boys said they could do it.
Warming up on court, the boys looked composed and poised and confident, especially when they started spiking down onto their opponents, their cheers roared the hall.
The team lost the first point to QSS and the subsequent 3 points, and CHS was always losing at least one point behind their opponents, the previous confident and roaring CHS volleyballers seem to turn to mice as the started to trail behind their opponents. Only Peijie had his competition persona on and Wayne was at all smiles, taking it easy, forgetting mistakes and looking forward to play a better ball the next time he touches it. Whereas, some members nursing injuries and old injuries seemingly became quieter and quieter.
It was only at the 7th point where CHS gained back her reign over QSS and started to roar up, the 1 point lead gave the CHS the added confidence to come back onto the game and to eventually win the set.The first se was taken down by CHS at: 25-17
Instead of coming out more determined and awaken form complacency or at least have settled their competition jitters, the CHS team seemed even more lost. Having the captain injure his thumb, their libero still inhibited by his ankle injury. Wayne, Anders, Peijie were the ones who shone with their spikes down to their opponents courts, not forgetting good blocking by Nicholas, Wayne, Xian Lun and Darius which helped in regaining more points. However, 3 precious points were lost through service by Peijie, Nicholas and Aw Shen, which could have brought the score down to 25-18 instead, something the team has to work on to minimize especially in the more intense and challenging games ahead.
Communication between the members was another area the boys have to work with each other and they seem unwilling to talk at times on court when it was so necessary. There was a point of time where it was so dead pan that the spirit of CHS seem to have vapourized into thin air. Where was the passion and life? So much so that Aw Shen from the outside had to rope in to cheer the team on. Noise, cheers, passion, is what reminds us of why and what we are playing for not silence. When soldiers go to war, or when warriors of the past go into battle, they always have war cries, why? So as to fill up their courage, to pump up their courageous spirit and also to mentally psych themselves up for war!And in some sports, it helps to also intimidate their opponents even before the game, maybe CHS volleyball should follow some war cries like this:
Stupid looking? Nope, when you are psych up together as a team, when you become a psych yourself up like how a warrior psych himself up for war, in your sport, when you become blood thirsty for the win, that's where you unleash the beast (best) in you and power up more in one's game play. That's where when you cry out together as a TEAM the desires of your hearts, that everyone in the team communicates the common message and desire.Volleyball is no contact sport but I believe it is a sport that enhances the idea of the desperate need of teamwork more than anything since everything is played on one side of the court
That death silence on our part lethally killed CHS too as we as usual began to trail behind QSS at the start and was always playing catch up game to try to win over a point with QSS. QSS coach played tactical play and tried to always break the CHS momentum whenever we were leading, it kind of succeeded in the end and at the last point of 24-21, CHS coach did the same tactic and broke the momentum of QSS's winning streak by calling a time out. Eventually, with a sigh of relief, the boys clinched the second set 25-21.
Was it a victorious win? No
Did it feel good winning? No
Is this B team one which is able to live up the vision set on them? Let's see...
Lessons learnt and areas of improvement:
Unity and cheering lacking.
Not being prepared and unable to get into competition mode in a snap.
Complacency and humility.
Respect for coaches, umpires and table officials. (Need to thank the coaches, teachers and table officials)
CHS VBALL 2011 B DIV, what will your response be for your next game?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
CHS VOLLEYBALL VISION AND MISSION 2011
Volleyball 2011 vision:
"It's not "DO-haviour" but "BE-haviour" that counts.
What we are speaks so loudly that people no need to hear what we say."
Volleyball 2011 mission for South Zone:
"We train to win and to win the South Zone Nationals"
~DISCIPLINE, CHARACTER, education then championships~
Saturday, January 1, 2011
CHS VOLLEYBALL ACHIEVEMENTS
2011
South Zone ‘B’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division 2ND
==========
National ‘B’ Division Top 8
==========
National ‘C’ Division TOP 16
=========
2010South Zone ‘B’ Division 4th
South Zone ‘B’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division 2ND
==========
National ‘B’ Division Top 8
==========
National ‘C’ Division TOP 16
=========
2010South Zone ‘B’ Division 4th
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
National ‘B’ Division Top 16
==========
National ‘C’ Division TOP 8
==========
MOE-Sentosa Beach Volleyball Challenge 2010
Top 4
==========
Paricpated in International MOE Beach Volleyball Invitational 2010
==========
MOE-Sentosa Beach Volleyball Challenge 2010
Top 4
==========
Paricpated in International MOE Beach Volleyball Invitational 2010
2009
South Zone ‘B’ Division RUNNER-UP
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division RUNNER-UP
==========
National ‘B’ Division 2nd RUNNER-UP
==========
National ‘C’ Division TOP 8
==========
National U16 Beach Volleyball
CHAMPIONS & RUNNER-UP
==========
International Beach Volleyball Invitational CHAMPIONS & 2nd RUNNER-UP
==========
Rex V-Game Invitational RUNNER-UP
(Johor Bahru, Malaysia)
2008
South Zone ‘B’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
National ‘B’ Division 2nd RUNNER-UP
==========
National ‘C’ Division 4th Overall
==========
National U16 Beach Volleyball CHAMPIONS
==========
International Beach Volleyball Invitational CHAMPIONS
==========
Rex V-Game Invitational 2nd RUNNER-UP
(Johor Bahru, Malaysia)
2007
South Zone ‘B’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
National ‘B’ Division 2nd RUNNER-UP
==========
National ‘C’ Division 2nd RUNNER-UP
2006
South Zone ‘B’ Division 2nd RUNNER-UP
==========
South Zone ‘C’ Division CHAMPIONS
==========
National ‘C’ Division CHAMPIONS
2005
South Zone ‘C’ Division 2nd Overall
==============
National ‘C’ Division Top 8
Friday, January 1, 2010
Updates on Day 3
Today was mainly a competition day where the ‘C’ division team had two games and the ‘B’ division had 1 game.
What greeted us at the start of the day...=)
The ‘C’ division was against Raffles Institution for their morning game. However, they seem to be all jittery and seemed fearful of their opponents even before they played the game. From their warm up to even when the players were standing on the batting plate, the expressions and body language they exuded just hinted to their opponents that they were not ready to bat and not even confident to be on the batting plate to hit the ball to their best ability. They performed way below their normal standards and as expected they lost to Raffles Institution unfortunately at the last inning where, they got in 4 runs which edged us out by 1 run at the last minute.
Competition jitters?
Ready to field...
Group photo with Satit CMU
Maybe because they did not get to have their competition game yesterday and it was their first this morning? However, this cannot be an excuse for this team who won the championship last year. With that achievement, a heavier stake weighs on them to take home the championship again for 2010. This team having gone through National Championships, equipped with the experience already, have to really step up their game and propel even further than last year in terms of their skills, team spirit and especially their mental strength.
The ‘C’ division redeemed themselves during their second game against Satit Chiang Mai University (not really a university team) as they seem more composed and realized what they erred in during the first game. Unfortunately, our fielding cost us 7 runs in the first two innings, making it difficult for the team to catch up at the last few innings. The ‘C’ division has to really work on their foundation on fielding and more importantly their mental strength and confidence. They have to believe in themselves and the team that they can do it.
Pitcher
Running....
and scores at home...
Bringing in the run...
group shot with PYU
For the ‘B’ division, they played relatively well but could have done better when playing against PY University. Their maturity of the game has grown with the years they have trained as a softball team. Some of them are in Secondary Four already and would be their last chance to really play with the rest of the boys competitively. Individually, the boys need to really remind themselves of the common mistakes and bad habits they tend to make and really make an effort the change them so as to be ready for the upcoming Nationals very soon in the earlier part of the year.
Also comparing both CHS and PYU, the cheering and encouragement for each other on the field could be done much better. You could really sense and feel the spirit of the Thai team with every run or good hit made. Even when their team members make the mistakes, words of encouragement that come sincerely from the hearts always seem to help their team mates forget their mistakes and to carry on with the game with a clean slate, allowing them to perform better. There is no fear within their team for mistakes and they trust their teammates very much for whenever anyone of them made a mistake, they are confident of their teammates that they will help cover them and back them up in any way. No hesitation in throwing or committing in an action for they know it is okay to have mistakes. And one could really see the different dynamics just because of this basic common interest that the PYU had of each other-FAITH and TRUST in their own teammates.
Another would be the desire and really the hunger to really want to win the game badly. The competitiveness and arrogance needed at times in team games is still lacking in our ‘B’ division team and our team being too “gentlemanly” always seem to be taken advantage off at times. Nice guys always end up as being losers? It seems to apply to our team today. Not calling the team to turn rough and playing dirty, but more so of being aggressive competitively and playing all out in every game they partake in.
After the games, Coach RJ asked them to rate themselves in today’s performance and many of them had points not more than 5 upon 10. It is at least good to know they know their mistakes and that they need to improve of things. At least from here, we can work things out and iron out anything for each individual player before the Nationals itself.
Let’s hope tomorrow would be a better game day for the boys.
P/S: The boys got to head down to the night bazaar (Chiang Mai version of Pasar Malam) after dinner and they had quite a bit of fun shopping, bargaining (which I do not think they are very good at =P and what else, what Singaporeans do best, makan again!
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