Volleyball Couple Reaction to Haikyu!! S4E23: “The Birth of the Serene King”
Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel. I’m Sarah Pavan, an Olympian and Beach Volleyball World Champion and a long time professional indoor player. And I’m Adam, former indoor player coach, current beach volleyball coach and most importantly Sarah’s husband. Today we are watching season 4 episode 23 of Haikyuu called: “The birth of the serene king.” Last episode had the moment that I know you guys have been waiting four seasons for, in Hinata’s super dig. So I think I need to address my in the moment reaction to that play. He’s been thinking about this for a while. I have been, because I feel like everybody’s going gonna be a little underwhelmed with my initial reaction. I thought about it and I don’t think my opinions changed. But hear me out. All the goodwill you’ve built up with our community is gone because of that. I’m kidding. I understand the excitement for Hinata, right. He struggles with everything volleyball related, figuring it out. He goes to the camp he figures out how to watch and how to read and he’s always wanted to make a dig. We’ve seen him kind of step in but not put his hands out or not get it. And he comes into a match and he makes a read and he makes a dig. I think from my point of view you know the reading the things that he’s learned it’s translated to his hitting it’s translated to his blocking. I tend to look at the team as a whole versus Hinata making one random play where he’s on the court for one rotation to dig a ball. It’s great he’s excited but from a team perspective it doesn’t hit me the same way. And yeah you’re excited for him and I loved his reaction and you’re happy for him but in terms of moving the needle. It wasn’t one of my favorite moments. I think you just shouldn’t have said anything because you probably made everything worse Well maybe, but I did, I spent some time thinking about it and I was curious why my reaction was the way it was when people you know in general were very excited about that moment so I figured I should say it. Regardless of your feeling on the actual dig itself Hinata was so pumped up the team was feeling pretty down leading up to that point. Hinata was so pumped up that during the time out, was able to just break the tension. Which was awesome. And everybody was able to kind of exhale a little bit, which I think is super important. And we ended with Osamu noticing that Hinata is the type of guy that will just keep eating. He just, he can’t get enough. So coming down to it. I think a moment like that, they’re feeling the pressure. None of them have been here they don’t know how to deal with this they’re not a perennial contender. Breaking that tension in a third set in an elimination match that in and of itself is gonna do so much for them. So that was good. We hope and we’ll find out because time is running out everybody. So here we go season 4 episode 23 of Haikyuu is coming right now. My boy. Is that a dye job? Every team needs him. Respect. What? Oh dear! Big swing and a miss. Oh no. That’s a tough error at that point in the game. Okay, good response. I that he went right back to him. Yep, good. Oh baby, he missed the last one by just a smidge. I love that he went for it. Atta boy! That’s what happens when you keep getting after it. I love that. Not twice. Nice touch. That’s all you needed. From the back row? Of course. What are you thinking? I mean Kita did say to Daichi you could have made an attempt on that. And so for him to do it I’m like okay fair. But still I’m like come on. But that’s those are the kind of players who do the little things every time and you just. I just wanted it to land! I 100% agree but you never realize players like Kita that they do it right every time until, there’s a situation where one time a coach is like hey whenever they do this you should probably follow them up and then come back. It’s a wasted effort 99% of the time until it’s not. I know I’m just saying they’ve been getting up these balls that I’m stop it you know. I love that Asahi continues to go for his serve and he got the ace. That is, talk about where he started cowering beneath the iron wall. To where he is now that’s amazing. Also a little reckless in my opinion for your setters in the back row you’re gonna okay Osamu typically sets when Atsumu digs but to run a minus tempo quick with your setter who’s in the back row. Not smart. I know that’s a reason why people love the twins and love Atsumu but it’s just no. You don’t get one without the other, right. They’ve run a bunch of different plays that they’ve been successful it’s a high-risk play, that’s what happens. I don’t mind it. The grin you just gave me when you said that. Moving on That’s right Daichi I mean great mindsets all around right now. Well here it is. And there’s where Kita and Daichi are a little different. He’s , I’m not just a backup, I’m an equal participant here, okay? Come on! Get out of here, man. Thank you. Not too tired for that The goddess of victory. That’s why they’re the ultimate challengers. That was a good angle. That was a great dig. A triple block though. Wait three people are moving though. They didn’t get there. Okay. Wow. Well you’ve got three points left, so let’s snap to it. He needs to make two more plays. Pickle jinx! Good swing, good swing. His bread-and-butter shot. Short serve. Tsukishima’s smart, though. Short serve. That was your play, Hinata. This kills me. He didn’t get his hands together. Is that match point? Is that match point? 20…. Yabba! Listen to your instincts. Don’t try to do too much. Oh that’s so good. He is he’s trying to do the right thing for the team and he’s overthinking it. And Kageyama. I thought Kageyama was gonna say okay and then said him anyway. But he just flat out said no you’re it’s coming. Oh good for him. Build up the confidence. Good for him. We need you I’m not gonna stop setting you. Yeah. That was a tough point to give up on the overpass though. At that point. Yep not ideal. No, not ideal. He didn’t even get his hands together. It just kind of hit him. Yeah. That was tough. I’m not gonna say anything I gotta finish watching it. Wait what were you about to make a prediction? I was. Well I was gonna say I didn’t think they we’re gonna lose, but this is they have to side out and then steal, Is Kageyama serving next? Well Asahi just served so it would oh Tsukushima did so it has to be Kageyama yeah. Well that’s what you want back there. It is. He’s the best option. Yeah. I was just gonna say it’s always him serving when they need a point because we always went on about that about no. No, with Karisuno, it doesn’t matter, okay? Wow. Noya. Wow! What the? On all accounts that’s an insane touch. No you did not. Down the line. Jump off that ledge, baby. That’s a heck of a shot. Dang! That feels so good. His faith in his teammates was rewarded, he didn’t have to do it himself. You gave him something to think about. I have full body goosebumps okay. The birth of the serene King baby, okay. That’s such a good title for the episode. Understand your teammates, understand the flow of the game how everybody’s feeling. He’s learning. It’s easy to say and you, we sit back here and watch this happen and think look at all that character development look at how calm he is look at. Now imagine you’re at the end of the set you’re sweating you’re only thinking about how to do your job how to deliver that set. And on top of that you have to be thinking about what the other team is doing what rhythm you’re in did your hit hit or get outside what’s the mental state of Tanaka. Doing that as a setter it’s so incredibly difficult. It’s awesome to see him being able to do that and to grow himself. I love him. There’s always a battle you know? Who’s better Atsumu or Kageyama or Oikawa blah. I love Kageyama I’m sorry. I do. I’m not I don’t even know why I apologize I’m not sorry. I think his ceiling’s the highest. 100%. People are obsessed with Atsumu. But I’m sorry Kageyama is where it’s at for me. But he’s also a third year is he not? Is he a third year or a second year? Atsumu is very good, but he also has his brother, which is an added kind of safety blanket, I would say. And I’m not sure. He has that, I will work hard to get you your set, but then you have to take care of it. Kageyama is kind of, he’s finding that balance between trusting his hitters and pushing them to be even better. Which I think especially in this dynamic is really important. I think it’s an interesting mixture between Oikawa who is always trying to give his hitters the set that they want or will excel at. And Atsumu who is just like no I’m gonna make you better. Yeah. He’s an interesting mixture of that I think. Yeah. Or has evolved into that as as we have watched the series. Yeah, I agree. Been there. All right. Yeah thank you we know. Unloaded. That’s incredible. That is ice cold. That’s Canadian cold right there. Dude, that takes some balls. Serious cojones. MVP. It’s not even it’s not. That play right there dictates why he’s better. Match point the other way. Oh. Oh no way. I feel we’ve got a couple things we need to unpack here. I was going to ask you where you wanted to start. First of all Kita’s assessment. There’s a reason he’s in the bro house from the first day I met him. First second, first minute. For those of you who were doubting that was the case that was the intention. It’s it’s such a great statement but it’s also very interesting. So a guy like Kita does all the right things. But he does all the right things in everything that he does, right. If you were to see him with his schoolwork, with his volleyball, with his, probably with his relationships, with his grant, he just does the right thing all the time. Good habits, all of that. But he doesn’t give any one thing all of that focused attention like Atsumu or Hinata or Kageyama. And because of that there is a limit to how good he can be in that one area. Atsumu’s in the gym every day setting one-handed to his brother kicking the ball to his brother doing all of those weird things that sole focus allows him to kind of reach that next level or that level that nobody thought was possible. To hear him say you can’t just look at this product in this match and go he’s a genius. That takes away from all of the work and all of the passion that he has for that. And I love that he pointed that out. You could see the characters they highlighted that that’s the case, they’re gym rats they touch the ball all the time they’re playing with things, they’re experimenting. They’re making mistakes not everybody’s like that. I think too I think it’s fair to say, Kita he honest he operates on a scale from 1 to 10 and he gives a 10 in everything. But sometimes people’s buckets are just bigger. So I’m not, I completely agree with what you’re saying. I think that was for sure what he was getting across. But it’s also if you are innately more talented you have the 1 to 20 available to you. And it’s just how much are you going to maximize it? Are you going to give a 10 to be at maybe a Kita’s level? When you your potential and your inherent ability is so much bigger. Or are you going to be satisfied with the 10. Yeah I think it’s interesting to think I am 100% behind what you said. But there are people that who don’t maximize their potential and kind of come up short. The players he highlighted definitely they have a bigger pool to draw on and they really push it. Yeah well, I love that I love that he said that to his teammates. Because there’s teammates would still see Atsumu working and all of that. It’s like dude you got to kind of give him a little bit of credit. It’s like oh I wish I could serve that it’s yeah well he practices it all the time. There’s a reason he’s that good at it. Yeah. Love that whole thing. Absolutely. Switching gears to Hinata’s kick save. I understand I loved the moment of Kageyama stretching for it trying to save it laying it out all on the line. I would have loved him to pull his hand away and just mess up the block but I know Rintaro was there solid. Yeah or what I thought he was going to pull Rintaro into reaching over and touching the ball and getting the call. Which I would have loved. I’m not going to say that this is not possible. The likelihood. I have never seen it done I’ve never seen anybody miss an attack and be able to not only get their foot on it but get the ball over. You’re gonna be sent so many clips of people scouring the internet for clips of this working. And totally fine send them to me I want to see them. I will eat my words. But I’ve I’ve never seen it and again we’ve talked about. I think for me the volleyball has been so accurate and so relatable I would have loved to see Noya kick it over. Follow it in and make a play that or just. And I get Hinata I love miss with one hand go with the other totally on board with that. We’ve also seen him do that. Yeah, and that was that’s I’ve seen players do that body awareness. This is. That requires a a lot of things to go your way because he’s in the air already. Kageyama had to he missed it but he had to miss it in the perfect way for Hinata to be mid-air and be able to extend his leg to the side. To be able to even make contact. I’m gonna take it because 100% I want Karasuno to win. I will take the point. It’s a great story it’s a great move by Kageyama. I love to see them score the dirty points. From a purely volleyball standpoint this one it feels empty to me. This point feels empty to me. Match point though. Yeah I’ll take it. They’re terrified. That little sequence at the end is the essence of sport for me. I love honestly I’ve played on good teams. I’ve played on bad teams. I’ve played on teams where you walk into a gym and you know you’re going to win and you roll teams. The best matches are the ones where you’re playing another team that is playing well and it’s firing all on all cylinders. It’s a battle. They’re recognizing the compete the greatness in the team that they’re playing and they’re just soaking in every point and every little bit of compete. I love that. But I also love, I’m you know Kageyama maybe was feeling a little insecure after making that miss set or not being able to extend it. But it’s just. I think the point Tanaka was also trying to make is it’s not just your opponents that push you to be better they’re your teammates do the same thing. And it’s just Hinata again not unknowingly he’s just being himself. Is just like no keep em coming give me the next one. As all true middle feel. Just the faith that he has in Kageyama even though he Kageyama’s feeling terrible about that set maybe doubting himself maybe feeling tired. Hinata like no of course you can keep going you know what I mean. Well and none of Kageyama’s teammates doubt no matter how tired he is how exhausted is that he’s gonna he’s gonna execute. Not that he’s not gonna keep trying that he’s going to execute which is that level of faith is impressive to have in your teammate. Yeah and knowing that your teammates believe in you so much can help you, pull you out. 100% Of course we’re not seeing in the end we still have two episodes. You think the game is over of course not. Oh that was a good one that was a lot of fun. I enjoyed that there were some really cool moments people stepping up. Asahi Kageyama hitting the serve. The twins, Kita. Kageyama just having faith in his teammates and letting him know it. Yeah. That was I had fun watching that episode, very much so. This match in general is just full of so much gold. As it should be, you’re in a battle for the national championship. 100%. I know you guys are very passionate so please let us know your thoughts about all the conversations that came up. All the opinions that were thrown about. Send Adam all the videos that you can find of people missing an attack with their hand and then kicking it over with their foot. I was gonna say, I challenge somebody to find me a clip. The challenge is on. I know you’re up to it. But we’d love to hear your thoughts, so please hit us up in the comments below. And as always, we’d be so excited. If you liked this video, subscribe to my channel and stay tuned for more Haikyuu coming next week. Thanks, guys.
Professional volleyball player and World Champion Sarah Pavan shares her love of Haikyu!! with her husband/coach and former volleyball athlete, Adam.
Edited by: Lydia Xu
Source Materials:
“The Birth of the Serene King.” Haikyu!! To The Top. Writ. Taku Kishimoto, Dir. Rokō Ogiwara, Sentai Filmworks, 2020.
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Sarah Pavan is a Canadian beach volleyball Olympian and World Champion. She is the 3-time FIVB World Tour Best Blocker, and one half of 2019’s Most Outstanding Team. Before playing beach volleyball, Sarah Pavan was one of the world’s top indoor volleyball players. She had an impressive professional career in Italy, Brazil, South Korea, and China, and represented the Canadian Indoor National Team.
On this channel, Sarah shares everything you want to know about volleyball, from beginner skills all the way to the more advanced levels. You can find volleyball drills, how-to skill technique, sport-specific strength and conditioning exercises, strategy, and more. This is a great place to learn about volleyball from someone who has played at the highest levels in the world, both indoor and on the sand.
35 Comments
I have seen somebody's comment mentioning once this is over Bring your dad/mom or even dog. Please I second this 😂😊
I don't know if you noticed, but the ball daichi smashed ended up touching their banner
hearing adam want to see noya kick a ball over made me emotional 🥲 rip for those who know
23:00
I don't know how large Atsumu's fanbase is, but I would reckon that a bit of sidecharacter favoritism might be involved, with which I mean that experience of a character's qualities shining brighter, because they are an underdog in screen time. Kita is one, he is a lovable character in his own right, but the fact he is so tiny in the scope of the whole story makes people more empathetic towards him and cheer him more.
Maybe I'll be able to find another clip, but the save below looks similar to how Hinata saved the ball in the episode.
The obvious difference is that this guy was still on his way up into the jump, whereas Hinata had already reached the proper height for a minus tempo attack.
It's a bit hard to tell if the setter went for a set like Kageyama did, but given how the spiker went for a swing – I'd say he did.
In any case, it makes sense that Hinata would instinctively try and kick the ball given how he practiced with it during an earlier episode in the season.
I'm not saying he practiced this particular foot save, but we do see that he has the physical awareness to move his foot in order to save the ball.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hp00meFj4Ek – foot save similar to Hinata's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BML9XcH8xvg – Hinata does a foot save, while doing his lonely passing drill at 01:45
Ngl the whole “accurate volleyball” is why every game up until the end of nations after this match. I didn’t really didn’t like.
I think it's great that while Hinata is the main character, there are others like Kageyama who play a central role in the story and while most of the non-professional audience connect to Hinata's volleyball evolution more, Haikyuu still has great perspectives for all kinds of people to enjoy, and just shows the amazing diversity of the series.
Kageyama was never a goody two-shoes. He has tons of respect for seniors, especially when he wants to learn from them. He only saw that face. He never saw him play until today. That's why he's all "what happened in this short period?" Nothing happened. You just never saw him in his element.
I really loved those description about Atsumu,oikawa and kageyama you guys mentioned.I think it was really interesting.🤝🏻😍💛 24:04
No need to defend yourself, Adam! Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions.
Kageyama’s “no” is honestly one of my favorite lines of his in Haikyuu
Now that we have Kageyama achieving his potential I wanted to bring up the Leitmotifs (The music that represents a character in the OST) for our three greatest setters since I think it is very representative of the way they play.
Kageyama's Leitmotif is "King of the Court" which is a very musically interesting piece since its almost clockwork-like. It consists of repeating sounds, almost like a heartbeat with sudden spikes within. This represents the way Kageyama sets, every ball with perfect precision, one like the other with the sudden bursts of the Freak Quick. It's a somewhat sad feeling track, likely representing his isolation.
In this moment Kageyama gets a new leitmotif "The Birth of Serene King" – which still has that mechanical quality but adds a victorious majestic flair. It goes at a very calm tempo to not break the feeling of Kageyama's methodical setting despite the epicness. It represents the shift into the composed and well rounded player he evolved into during this game as well as losing that lonely feeling as he finally finds his place on the team.
Oikawa has the smooth jazz – It has very varied tempo which represents the way Oikawa plays with timings on sets. It also overall is a bit faster likely representing the insane hard work he puts in.
Atsumu's Leitmotif – is "Miya Atsumu" – his song is a bit of a Jazz-Rock fusion. Its super show-offy just like he is. It has a very unpredictable rythm representing his own unpredictability and while it is very cool and flashy it has an unsettling undertone representing his blunt harshness that might strike the moment you lower your guard.
Just wanted to share these since I think the Leitmotifs are interesting and they dont really get much attention despite the fact a lot of thoughts seem to go into them. I doubt I even managed to pick up all the intricacies hidden within.
I disagree on the take of Oikawa always giving the set that they want or excel at, giving the fact that he is described as a setter that enhances the abilities to a 100% and we see that early on when Oikawa kinda forced Kindaichi to reach a higher point to hit.
I like how Oikawa was the only one watching by himself but still training, being upset but happy at the same time. His mentor's words seem to finally have sunken in.
"Believing that this isn't all you've got, and sticking to that belief…
Will be a far longer and far tougher road to follow…
Than simply throwing your hands up and declaring that you aren't "gifted," so it doesn't matter."
I think, Adam and Sarah, that if Kageyama tried to feint the MB on Hinatas kick save, and Kageyama touched it at the same time or after the MB, it would’ve been a point for the other team since Kageyama is the back row setter. Would’ve been an “attempt” to block
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your reactions — they’re thoughtful, honest, and full of heart. I really admire how clearly and respectfully you express your views. Please keep doing so — it means a lot.
Adam, please keep sharing your thoughts! Love them! It’s not always easy, especially in such a passionate fandom. And Sarah, I especially admire how you stay true to yourself and have created such a warm, thoughtful space for all of us. I’ve learned so much from both of you — and for the record, I actually share your opinion on many things (as do many others, I’m sure!). Also, Sarah — your ability to balance strength and openness is something really special.
Different perspectives are what make this community beautiful — we grow by hearing each other out. Outside of technical aspects (where you both clearly know your stuff, and there are rules to the game!), there’s rarely a black-and-white, right-or-wrong answer. It’s all about how we see and feel things, and I love that you bring that into every reaction with such integrity. Thank you for being real and making this space so special. 💛🏐
I appreciate it everytime a character gives credit to who we call "genius". The hard work can be the same, yet the "gifted" people have the "guts" to think big and act big, that's what makes them stand out. Inarizaki will forever be my most favorite team throughout the series, they deliver and also convey different views on "genius" and it's so crazy.
I know the Hinata Kick is controversial but I honestly think it's just an animation problem. We know the animation in this season is lazy in some places, so if the movement in that scene was conveyed better it would be and ''look'' more realistic.
Great episode as always! I'm actually a bit shocked yall didnt comment on Kageyama and Tskuii's exchange when they missed the quick.
Kageyama apologizing, Tsukki cutting off his apology and admitting "I just didnt jump high enough." Thats already a feat in and of itself. Earlier, Tsukki would've made some smart comment like "We're not all monsters. I'm tired. Set somebody else."
And in the past Kageyama would've probably just accepted it, especially since hes had such a hard time connecting with Tsukii especially. He wouldve probably thought "Well hey, if he wants to take responsibility for that, cool. Moving on." But for him to instead double down and say "No YOU shut up. That was my mistake. But are you okay? Can you finish this?"….and Tsukki responding "Of course."
That is AMAZING growth from both of them, I always love that moment in my rewatches.
It's a pity such a great episode is probably the worst animated one in Haikyuu
I am not ready for this reactions to end
Going back to last episode, I think the biggest thing about Hinata's dig was what it represented and indicates going forward. It represented the culmination of all the work from training camp, showing that his time as a ball boy really did pay off. It's also the moment where Hinata first shows that he's finally not a liability on defense, a huge step in his development as a player and major boost to the team as a whole. Now, even if he's not scoring reliably, he has a use on the court, and when the team needs defense, they'll still be able to keep his offense on the court.
"One random play for one rotation" — that seems reductive, but you're an expert and we're just anime idiots i guess
Thank you for being a soothing comfort after a night of being a stupid sloppy drunk 🫡✌️💖
Yup there are a handful of plays that are impossible and not realistic that we’ve seen in S4. From Korai’s crouching save, to Hinata’s headbutt and kick save. But the most egregious one is in the final tally of the match. Let’s see if you can see which one it is…
My favorite moment in this episode is a moment that didn’t happen: Tsukki and Kageyama didn’t connect on a critical point … and there was no reflexive blame from either of them. The two teammates who dislike each other the most didn’t give in to their usual instinct to take a dig at the other. I loved that. Second favorite: Yahaba 😂
Serious question re setters. I haven’t read the manga. Did Oikawa ever get invited to the national youth camp? If not, do they explain why?
Having Adam call Hinata’s kick save an “empty point” really makes me 😢.
I appreciate y’all’s perspective, but I think y’all are forgetting who Hinata is as a character and athlete. He’s the kid who had 0 experience. He’s the kid who begged others to practice with him. He’s the kid who practiced by himself as often as he could, in hallways, at home, and outside. He’s the kid who was nothing without Kageyama’s setting ability. But he’s also the one who brought out everyone’s potential and challenged the team dynamic. He’s the one that reminded Kageyama of the kind of setter he wanted to be. He’s the one who found a way to play the sport that favors those with height. He’s the one who for the longest time only wanted to spike at the ball. All he wants to do is play the game of volleyball. To continue to “stay on the court.” So he’s going to do EVERYTHING he can to keep the ball in play in his offense AND his defense.
Hinata’s kick save although unconventional and highly unlikely, should be admired not because it was cool or because our favorite character did it, but because it encapsulates everything about Hinata’s character. He’s just happy to get set and he’s going to make the most out of every set that comes his way. The next few bits of dialogue happen BECAUSE of Hinata’s kick save and Adam follows up the “empty point” statement with “that’s the essence of sport” after Tanaka and Atsumu have their inner dialogue.
Atsumu is moved not because of how well his competition is playing but because of Hinata’s relentless drive to play the game of volleyball, to keep asking for sets to come his way.
I might be speaking out of pain here, but don’t overlook (pun unintended) the short athletes who have to give everything their all just to be at the starting line with everyone else. Don’t downplay the drive and the passion Hinata has for the game that will cause him to do the wildest things (sneaking into an invite only youth camp), craziest maneuvers (kick saves, head bumps, and quicks from every position) AND the most mundane but essential plays (digging Inarizaki’s ace, reading balls) that bring out the best in Karasuno.
The show centers on how Hinata has to fight all odds to get to where he is, and here in Adam and Sarah’s (first watch) reactions it feels like Hinata will never be one that has made it because of his height and his unconventional style of play.
* (No spoilers for them please) *
It pains me that GREAT volleyball players such as yourselves, Adam and Sarah, see these few bits of Hinata moments and go “meh, not that special,” because THAT’S WHAT SOME OF THE CHARACTERS AND SPECTATORS IN THE SHOW WOULD SAY ABOUT HIM HAVING NO KNOWLEDGE OF HIS BACK STORY 😭😭😭
You both saw how Hinata grew up with volleyball, but you haven’t appreciated the impact of the moments where Hinata has shone on and off the court. Hinata hasn’t just grown in the skills of volleyball, but also in his understanding of it. His IQ and his LOVE for the game is going up and I wish we’d get more hype and empathy for that.
I appreciate the perspective from the professional side of volleyball, but I’m seeing that my favorite reactors have come from the amateurs who can identify with Hinata as a character and athlete.
I won’t bash your perspectives but I just wish as those who have played the highest levels of volleyball that you would have empathized more or celebrated harder with the struggle and triumph of those who are undersized and have to go through unconventional ways to go far in this game that favors height.
As always though I enjoy each reaction and the different perspectives. Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts more and even just acknowledgement that y’all have read this mini essay lol
Kita's definition of genius is what I think Sarah is! One of the best players physically & mentally. You can see that in both Sarah's and Adam's commentary and thats why I love watching you guys! 😀
This is one of my favorites episodes. The Hinata's kick was over the top. However, I love that because the similarities with Tanaka's line shot. Both Tanaka and Kageyama felt the threat in their teammate trust.
Sometimes people forget Hinata and Kageyama are as rivals as teammates. From Kageyama perspective, Hinata is always challenge him. It's like he's telling him everytime he jumps ''Can you toss me here?'' or ''Can you toss me after a bad pass?''
Both Tanaka and Kageyama felt kind of shocked with the genuine response of their teammate.
People like Atsumu and Kageyama, who are called geniuses, of course, do have a natural talent in this field. But this talent also needs to be honed. The skills, concentration, adaptability and so on that they display on the court all come from years of persistent love, accumulation and diligence, which leads to the moment when they are praised as geniuses.
Sometimes you just have to forgive Haikyuu for it's unrealistic plays. It's a shounen anime, after all, meaning that it was made mostly for teenage boys, so hype and cool and somewhat unrealistic things come with the territory 😅
Haikyuu makes us forget that it's fiction and makes us tense as if we were watching a real game.
Spoiler alert?
All the talented players in Haikyu!! were practicing volleyball long before Hinata, but Ushijima and Kageyama in particular had professional-level players in their family. Although it's not mentioned in the story, Hinata's sister is set to become a promising athlete in the future (according to the fan book).
I respect Adam's take especially considering his experience as a coach.
However, if I may share my fairly amateur perspective, if I were coaching a team, and the defensive liability starts making defensive plays, I'd be a little bit pumped about it.
loved adams reaction to kitas speech! you nailed it!