On Wednesday, October 19, we left for the SAISA Volleyball Tournament for Girls. We were very excited to finally go and show what we trained for. We had trainings 5 times a week, including Saturdays. This year’s tournament was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Volleyball is a team sport made up of 6 players per team. The goal of this sport is to get the ball to touch the ground on the other side of the net. Each player plays a specific role in the game, depending on their position on the field. The measurements of the terrain are shown in the image below:

 

 

 

 

 

Technical gestures:

Passing: With this movement, players pass the ball to each other by placing the ball high in the air

The bump: this way, the players in the back row receive the ball from the other side/team

The smash or attack: this consists of hitting the ball (almost slapping it) over the net, in a way that is difficult for the other team to receive.

The block: the players in the front row jump and try to prevent the ball from going to their side by sending it over the net

The service: the player in position 1 serves the ball over the net to start the game

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although there are rotations during the game, and the players move counter-clockwise (following the number of positions), each player has a specific role. My main roles were serving and blocking.

I was especially excited to go on this tournament because on the 16th of October, Serbia’s women’s volleyball team won 1st place in the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation).

Although we only got 7th place, our team played really well and ended each game with a difference of 2 points. We were also one of the only teams who beat Lincoln, who made it into 2nd place! And needed 2 more points to beat TAISM, who won 1st place in the end. 

I really enjoyed SAISA, it was a great experience where I could learn more about the game and the different techniques. I also got to know a lot of nice girls that I became friends with.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see much of Dhaka during this trip, since our stay mainly consisted of drives back and forth between the school and the hotel. However, during these short drives we we able to see at least a little bit of the city.

Learning Outcomes:

Challenges and skills, working collaboratively with others, showing perseverance and commitment.