Practice started this time with 1 v1 tennis with 2 balls. Just a continuous drill switching sides. Good chance to get moving also to see sight lines and learn the court. After Adam again did dynamic warmup with. Foot speed and core. 
This practice involved a lot of serve reception and setting. As mentioned in an earlier blog depth perception varies in each gym so this is important to do tons of reps and from both sides of the court. I get the feeling the team is very focused and confident. I really like the feedback and communication they give each other. At the end of practice Lupo gives 10 minutes to work on what ever they want. The athletes discuss with each other and head out in groups. One group of spin servers work with libs, a few attackers work with setters. The two groups fall into rhythm alternating each time so they can get the most out of their ten minutes. The rest change and get ready for weights
In order to maintain power and strength over a 10 day tournament they need to continue their strength and conditioning. The girls worked hard for the 45 minutes. Adam worked and help modify the workout for each player. After the workout waiting happened again.
Lupo, Byron (athletic therapist) and Maren had to go back for the preliminary inquiry. In this meeting they show passports and jerseys to make sure they fit code. Since the three of them had to take our bus back we had arranged to travel back with Team Mexico on their bus. This meant waiting an hour after we finished weights. The group found a spot in the sun and relaxed. The bus ride back to hotel took 75 minutes because of construction, making our lunch quite late.
Tomorrow we were scheduled for an 8am practice. With the time between travel it wouldn't allow for much rest before our 3pm Match with Peru. Lupo decided that we would be better off sleeping in and doing an activity with Adam. Just too tight of timelines and the Peru match will be a fun one.
We then had a team meeting at 5:30pm. In this meeting Lupo laid out our roles. He explained to each player what their strength were and what we expected of them. A great example of this is Captain Britt Page. In the World Qualifier Britt was asked to be a passing right side player , this tournament she is switched to left side. She accepts what ever comes her way. This is a great lead by example captain. We are going with the two Libero system again. Tesca Andrew-Wasylik will be in on serve reception and Janie Guimond will be in on our defence. This will be the first time I am part of the two Libero system will be interesting to watch.
Lupo went through roles in coming off the bench, what to expect and mindset to have. It was very clear that this will be about the team and living in the moment. Playing what is happening now. If your not starting and are subbed in expect to play for awhile. It might be one point, it might be a remainder of set or it could be rest of tournament. We can't waste energy worrying about the coaches thoughts. Lupo also reminded everyone that the team also consist of the athletes back training in Winnipeg. They are very important to our overall success. He explained to the team each role that the coaches will fulfil and how it will affect them. Joey Martins From Niagra will be working with middles and keeping track of opponents trends and shots. I will be working with passers and outsides as well as making sure the substitution paddles are ready to go for the team. He explained how timeouts will work. Basically Lupo talks and coaches stay out of the way. If he takes the setters then we can give some feedback if necessary. Basically using the do no harm theory and don't try to over coach. There was a study done in Canada involving hockey, they found that poor coaching decision affected the outcome of the match more than good decisions. Don't make change just for the sake of change.
At 8pm Lupo, Maren and Bryon had a technical meeting. This meeting they go over all the rules and protocols and answer any remaining questions. This meeting finished around 10 pm. We then had every teams roster and we proceeded to I put it into our data volley program. It also gave us a chance to compare who was new on each team.
Tomorrow will be a fun day to be a part of.
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