How many fans love or hate the Brazilian men’s or women’s National representation all over the world? I love both teams, but not for their winning path. I admire the National volleyball development program because thanks to it those positive results were achieved.

 

 

 

The volleyball success in Brazil is a result of a long and hard process. They know it in Brazil that not only training and competition are the keys to success. In Brazil, the volleyball is a business matter and everyone who participate in has responsibilities in favor of the program of development.

Before this program appeared,  Brazilian point of view was to imitate gameplay of other countries. They tried to play in defense like Japanese, think like Russians and spike like Americans- everything but we couldn’t say they played  like Brazilians.  National teams also have had different criteria at the same time, so it was hard to think about the progress of the player if constantly the criteria changes. Other aspect that created a negative effect, was that the coaches didn’t have sponsors and also didn’t have a unique philosophy of work.

Since 1975 there is a lot of hard work done since volleyball has lived through some big changes in order to have self development with a proper philosophy. One of the highlighted points was  to create and maintain schools for coaches and players.

First they reunited all principal coaches of the nation because they wanted to discuss the new formation of Brazilian volleyball model. Then, they started to capacitate coaches (For the Brazilians is very important that the coaches work all over the country), and create the development of training methods for athletes. Also they changed the visualization on National Team’s work so that the Brazilian game became a presentation card to the world.

All development programs starting with Viva Volei (Mini Volleyball) are seriously taken because those are the pillars of this philosophy to have lead Brazilian to an Elite volleyball program.

One thing that elevate the enthusiasm on volleyball in Brazil is the creation of idols to follow, like Giba, Mauricio Lima, Nalbert, the Murillo brothers, Sheila Castro, Fabiana, Thaisa, Jackeline, Dannielle Lins among others. Kids try to emulate those Idols and that motivate them to stay in Vollyball and follow their steps.

I think that some Federations around the world had similar programs like Brazil today. But no matter if they win or not, what is remarkable about Brazil is the consistency of the Cariocas, so the others are far away from them. 

For more information of Brazilian volleyball development, please visit:

http://www.cbv.com.br/v1/index.asp

 

Ivan Jimenez

Puerto Rico