There are many habits that Ramil De Jesus has established in his 20 years as La Salle head coach. One of the most infamous is him rushing his wards to training immediately after a loss or a sloppy win.
The Lady Spikers were at their sloppiest against the National University Lady Bulldogs, but still came away with the win – their third of Season 81.
De Jesus emphasized that he does not underestimate NU, a rookie-laden team hobbled with an injury to their only true setter.
Most of his frustrations stem from La Salle’s service errors, a skill that he prioritizes in their training.
“Unang-una, nakita ko ang ganda ng service receive ng NU, solid. Tapos ‘yung floor defense nila, although hindi nga lang ganoong karaming options para sa atake, at ‘yung setter nila, medyo… Lalo kung matibay yung setter nila, so baka maiba ‘yung resulta. So ayun, nakita ko ang strength ng NU,” De Jesus rued during their post-match presser.
“Ano lang kasi, mga service error, mga unforced error… Ang daming service error. Isa yun sa mga pinagbubusahan ko ng errors, tapos maraming unforced error na nanggaling pa sa service.”
There will certainly be a training session this afternoon as La Salle prepare to face University of the Philippines, one of the best team’s of the off-season.
The Lady Spikers will be drilled on serving, like basketball players train free throws.
“Sa player ko na yun eh. Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘pag ganoong pagkakamali, lalo na sa service, kayo na yun. Hindi na pwedeng isisi pa sa kalaban yun. Kayo yun, kayo yung lumabas sa service area, kayo magse-serve, lahat yun kayo gagawa,” the decorated mentor continued.
“Kung mali yun, tayo ang may mali, hindi yung kalaban. So doon ako medyo na-frustrate. Ikaw na yan eh. Parang sa basketball, free throw yan, araw-araw mong ginagawa mo yan. Kung ma-shoot mo, eh ‘di okay. Eh ang nangyari, kapos, hindi man lang tumama ng ring.”
