So far "Jamming in Five Questions has
explored a Middle Blocker, an Opposite,
a Outside Hitter, and a (THE) Coach.
Today we sneak inside the mind of a Libero.
What makes Tama Tick? Some unique insights into
the training and playing of her position.
Get to know Tama Miyashiro.
Tama Miyashiro
Position Libero
Current Location Anaheim, CA
College Univ of Washington
Major Art
Training for your position has to be challenging. What specific exercises
are good for the skills needed
for a libero?
I think from a non-volleyball standpoint building a strong base and having
strength in your legs is always
a good start. Doing serve receive, defensive drills and out of system
setting should be a main focus if you
are in small groups. If you have the ability to play with a live serve
or attack that is always the best way to
train your eyes.
Preparation and scouting have come a long way. If you are breaking
down film of an opponent what
tendencies are you looking at?
I like to look for patterns when players are contacting the ball. Servers at a
high level can hit targets so as
a passer if I can get some information as to what kinds of things the ball does for each server or a baseline
trajectory it can help in serve receive. The less a passer is surprised the better. As for hitters I like to look
for tendencies based on their approach or where they hit the ball in relation to their body. Hitters also have a
lot of range at this level so figuring out what half they like to hit the ball can help a lot because it can give
us a starting point on how to set up our defense. Reading the setter is important as well the sooner I know
where the ball is being set the sooner I can get my eyes on the hitter which allows me to get as many clues
as I can when trying to defend these quick and powerful attacks. Im looking for patterns in hand position,
body position and situational tendencies. To be more specific a lot of setters drop their hands when setting
quick sets. If this is a tendency I can look for this when I am playing and hopefully get set up to dig before
she hits it.
If you were looking for an athlete in another sport to train as a libero, which sport and what position has
the skills that most closely mimic what he/she will need?
Out of the sports I have played I think tennis can translate fairly well. The movement patterns can be the
same. Moving laterally as well as forward and backward are important in both sports.
What other sports interest you? What else have you played, and what are you a fan of?
I like to watch a lot of sports. I'll watch baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and tennis. I have played all
of those except football. I like the Seattle Seahawks. I like what they stand for and Seattle has a special
place in my heart. When I played in Germany I watched a Bayern Munich game and became an instant fan.
I read Rafael Nadal's book and enjoyed learning about him as an athlete and a person.
Long road trips are great for reading. What is the last book you read and what is your all time favorite?
The last book I read was "The Art of Learning." I recommend that to everyone.
"Mastery" by George Leonard is a book that I find myself reading multiple times.
Bonus Question:
Most likely your iPod is loaded up with a wide variety of music. Is there a song that you think you could
perform and would your family or teammates agree?
Performing songs is not really in my genes however you will find a lot of reggae on my ipod.