Chapter 110: Traveling Together

“Coach Fu, hello. I hope we’re not interrupting your training?”

“No, as long as you don’t break their focus, it’s fine. I’ve heard about your situation. Have you qualified for the National Games finals yet?”

After Ma Dongmei brought Wang Lei into the training base, she returned to the team. She introduced Wang Lei to Fu Sansheng and mentioned that the changes in her playing style were all guided by Wang Lei.

“Your Mandarin is really good. Yes, we have qualified, which is why we came to Jinling to see Mei Mei.”

Fu Sansheng had a favorable impression of Wang Lei. After all, he was a fellow coach. Although Wang Lei’s presence sometimes distracted his star player, Fu Sansheng felt that Wang Lei had matured compared to two years ago.

In the past, Ma Dongmei would disappear right after training and never stayed for extra practice because she needed to take care of Wang Lei, who was rather aimless and lost. This had angered Fu Sansheng, making him think Ma Dongmei wasn’t professional enough and that Wang Lei was holding her back.

But now, Ma Dongmei’s performance had improved significantly. She had become the team captain and demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility.

Fu Sansheng initially thought Wang Lei would always be a burden to Ma Dongmei. But he hadn’t expected this young man, missing a leg, to rise again. Such a story was admirable in any culture. Over the years, Fu Sansheng had gradually embraced and actively learned Chinese culture, which helped him better understand Ma Dongmei's persistence and Wang Lei’s “rebirth.”

“You’re a coach too, though not in volleyball. I’m curious, what made Ma Dongmei change her playing style?”

This was what Fu Sansheng was most curious about—how Ma Dongmei suddenly seemed so mature. Such a transformation usually came only from accumulated experience and reflection.

“Although I’m not a volleyball coach, Coach Fu, I know Mei Mei well. I don’t want her to retire burdened with injuries. At the same time, I hope her career can be longer and without regrets.”

“Ha! I really like your perspective, Coach Wang. It’s clear you’re a competent coach. Though your motivation stems from caring for Ma Dongmei, I know that someone who observes with such sensitivity can definitely become a great coach.”

Fu Sansheng was very satisfied with Wang Lei’s answer. Although Wang Lei was young and his starting point differed somewhat from a traditional coach’s view, his guidance aligned well with Fu Sansheng’s philosophy. Fu didn’t want his star player to become fragile soon; after all, injuries are an athlete’s greatest enemy.

After sincerely accepting Wang Lei’s role, Fu Sansheng said no more and refocused on his work. Wang Lei quietly observed the training on the court.

This training session wasn’t heavy in volume since the team had already played half the season, and the players were near a training saturation point. Excessive physical or strength training now would be counterproductive. Therefore, this session focused more on tactics and drills.

Fu Sansheng was a European-style coach. Though now a citizen of the Republic, his volleyball career had begun in Europe.

The European style emphasizes high sets and powerful hits, pursuing victory with absolute determination. The team’s offensive tactics are relatively simple, primarily relying on strong attacks from the fourth position and spreading out attacks. Quick, short plays from the middle blockers serve only as support, along with the distinctive European back-row attacks.

This style demands great physical fitness and height from players, as well as strong individual skills. When executed well, it is highly effective.

However, this season Fu Sansheng planned to change the team’s style. Last season, the roster suited his usual tactics. But this season, with several star players poached, the lineup no longer fit that style. If it weren’t for Ma Dongmei’s rise taking the lead, the Yangtze River Women’s Volleyball Team might have already slipped out of the top six.

To adapt, Fu Sansheng tried to diversify the team’s tactics, not relying solely on Ma Dongmei’s powerful attacks from the fourth position.

Wang Lei watched from the sidelines, noting that Ma Dongmei was still the core of the team. Even with Fu Sansheng increasing the middle blockers’ roles, the whole team was still centered around Ma Dongmei. The tactical drills for other positions were not going smoothly.

Fu Sansheng didn’t hold back in front of Wang Lei, giving a demonstration of what it truly meant to be a tough coach. Wang Lei didn’t agree with Fu’s harsh methods but said nothing, as his role was only Ma Dongmei’s boyfriend.

Nonetheless, Wang Lei’s keen observation revealed some weaknesses in Fu Sansheng’s team: the setter lacked decisiveness. He showed some confidence when passing to Ma Dongmei but hesitated with others. Also, the two middle blockers had significant injury risks, and the libero responsible for reception was similarly vulnerable.

Additionally, Wang Lei noticed that Ma Dongmei’s reception technique was flawed. Once the lineup rotated to the back row, she could become a weak point, significantly lowering the team’s defensive success rate.

Ma Dongmei worked hard today, especially with her boyfriend watching and as team captain. She wanted to shine and make him proud. But since the team’s tactics focused more on other positions’ attacks, she hardly got a chance to showcase her skills.

Fu Sansheng didn’t want Ma Dongmei to attack too much; instead, he aimed for her to improve her reception. Though substitutions could cover her shortcomings in matches, Fu believed she was capable of more.

Watching the setter and middle blockers lose confidence under Fu Sansheng’s sharp criticisms, Wang Lei shook his head. He felt Fu Sansheng didn’t fully understand the Republic, nor the Eastern women and their culture. Fu was still training the players using old methods. Wang Lei thought he should talk privately with Ma Dongmei. At this rate, it would be difficult for her to defend her title this season.