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For the young Capital1 Solar Spikers, training days double as a safe space. Here’s why.
As a young team in the Premier Volleyball League, the Capital1 Solar Spikers are well-aware of the competition they are facing: experienced teams filled with veteran names.
But as with any team (or athlete) looking to prove their mettle, building a contender begins all the way in the gym, where culture is established and smallest details are refined.
In an exclusive interview with The GAME, we learn more about Capital1’s training regimen from captain Roma Mae Doromal.
All bases covered
Doromal says that Capital1 usually trains for five to six days a week, with a structure designed to balance court time and conditioning drills. Sundays are meant for rest, while Saturday training depends on the team’s schedule.
“Usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we do weights. Then after that, sometimes may viewing kami…Usually one hour sa weights, then maybe 30 minutes to one hour sa viewing, depending on gaano kahaba ‘yung concerns or ano ‘yung pag-aaralan namin,” Doromal explains.
“Around two to three hours for the court [every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday], then every Tuesday and Thursday ‘yung parang ball training ng lahat.”
Fundamentals aside, Coach Jorge de Brito also places a premium on skills training. For instance, one part of training could focus on improving reception, while the next is dedicated to executing transition plays, according to Doromal.
“So we have drills also na ginawa nila coach for us para magawa and makita kung paano namin i-improve ‘yung part na ‘yun. Then sa spiking also, serving also, specific siya sa kung ano ‘yung need namin sa training,” said the captain.
“Hindi lang siya ‘yung basta-bastang maglalaro lang kami sa training, but then more on sa skills talaga naka-focus ‘yun.”
It also helps that Capital1 has built a very “healthy” and “professional” dynamic. Personal problems are set aside, Doromal said, allowing players to lock in fully during training.
“May times natapos na pala ‘yung time then cool down na. Tapos lahat kami ‘What?! One more, one more!’. There was a time na nag-training kami ng ganon…kasi nga sobrang nangigil kami, sobrang productive na hindi mo literal namamalayan ‘yung time. Na three hours kaming nagtitraining,” shared the captain.
Their family-like bond, meanwhile, allows for open communication, and coaches are open for extra drills after training.
“So we’re free na magsabi kung ano ‘yung concerns namin, kung ano ‘yung need namin sa team. Kung individually, may mga kulang,‘yung assistant coaches namin very willing sila to do extra work and to study the game, even our personal skills.”
‘Gen Z’ approach
There is also Coach Jorge’s Gen Z attitude, according to Doromal, which lightens up the mood further during training. Being a former player himself, there are times when he even joins in on the fun.
“Volleyball player kasi si coach, so minsan magjo-join siya sa amin randomly, na nasa gitna siya…parang nakakatuwa lang kasi parang may time noon na parang sa sobrang inis [jokingly], dumapa pa siya sa floor,” Doromal recalled.
“As in! Ganun, parang very ‘childlike’ din ni coach, then nakakatuwa kasi may pagka Gen Z ‘yung jokes niya sometimes.”
Still, Coach Jorge also knows when to get serious, according to the captain.
“May time syempre na seryoso siya tapos professional…tapos syempre, may times din na nagagalit siya. Syempre sa times na ‘yun, talagang lahat kami, parang ayaw namin dumating sa point na magagalit siya kasi nirerespeto din namin siya and ‘yung work niya.”
Overall, Doromal describes Capital1’s training days as “challenging”, but also “productive”. If anything, the comfort of their gym also acts as a perfect stress reliever.
“At the same time, healthy competition. Kasi parang iron sharpens iron, like lahat talaga gusto and striving talaga to be better,” says Doromal. “Plus, I would say parang mas naeenjoy namin maglaro pag nasa training, parang nawawala ‘yung stress namin kapag nasa training kami.”
Images by Kieran Punay/KLIQ Inc.