Hyotei's Training Plan

After observing for a few days, Sakaki Taro noticed that while Kannagi Shinichi was very strong, his technique and fundamentals were only average, not matching his top-tier national-level strength.

Therefore, he also formulated a new training plan for Kannagi Shinichi.

"Kannagi, because your power is too great, many matches don't require much tennis fundamentals. This is both your strength and your weakness.

If you want to improve your technique, the first step is to control your power. So, I've already customized weighted wristbands and power straps for you, totaling about seven kilograms. From now on, except for bathing, you must wear them at all times."

"Yes, Advisor."

After Sakaki Taro finished speaking, Kannagi Shinichi quickly stood up and agreed.

"To improve your technique, the best method is practical combat," Sakaki Taro said, looking at Shishido Ryo, Oshitari Yuushi, and Yamazaki Uye. "From now on, the three of you will spend one hour each day sparring with Kannagi. Remember, it's three against one, otherwise, you won't be his match."

"Yes, Advisor."

Upon hearing this, the three stood up with slightly awkward expressions. After all, being told they'd need three-on-one to have a chance against Kannagi felt like a loss of face for them, especially as Hyotei regulars.

However, that wasn't the most important thing. The most important thing was that the advisor was stating a fact.

Sakaki Taro looked at Kannagi Shinichi again and continued, "When you play against them, you must remember to learn to control your power, understand?"

"Yes!"

Kannagi Shinichi knew his excessive power was hindering his technical improvement. Now that he had a solution, he naturally agreed.

Sakaki Taro nodded, quite satisfied with Kannagi Shinichi. He then turned his gaze to Atobe Keigo. "Atobe, your technique is very comprehensive, and your stamina and physical strength are excellent. However, you lack a decisive finishing move. Perhaps your Dance of Destruction is strong, but against a truly skilled tennis player, it's not enough. Therefore, your immediate priority is to develop a new special move."

Hearing this, Atobe Keigo rose slightly from his chair and nodded at Sakaki Taro. "Yes, Advisor."

Sakaki Taro nodded and continued, "Your insight is exceptionally outstanding, ranking among the top nationwide. You can use those eyes of yours to learn to see through your opponents' weaknesses and attack accordingly."

"I understand. Thank you, Advisor."

Atobe showed great respect towards Sakaki Taro, as he saw a similar commanding presence in Sakaki Taro as he did in his own father. But most importantly, this Advisor Sakaki had seen through his strengths and weaknesses at a glance, forcing Atobe to take the person in charge of the Hyotei Tennis Club seriously.

"Mhm," Sakaki Taro was also satisfied with Atobe's attitude. He then looked at Mukahi Gakuto and Akutagawa Jirou. "The two of you will also spend one hour each day sparring with Atobe."

Upon hearing this, Mukahi Gakuto quickly pulled up the drowsy Akutagawa Jirou and bowed to Sakaki Taro. "Yes, Advisor."

"Mhm," Sakaki Taro looked at Atobe again. "When you play against them, you must learn to observe with your eyes. Your eyesight is your greatest weapon."

"Yes, Advisor."

Seeing Atobe Keigo agree, Sakaki Taro then spoke about Akutsu Jin. "Akutsu, your physical talent is exceptional. Playing tennis based on instinct is good; however, you also need to understand the basic knowledge of tennis, know the methods of playing and scoring techniques. These are also the rhythm points of tennis.

As you are now, you need to deepen your own playstyle, or rather, create a path of tennis that belongs to you. Then, learn the orthodox tennis playing techniques, absorb their essence, discard the dross, and integrate them. Only then can you improve yourself."

"Yes, Th-thank... you... Advisor."

Akutsu was genuinely grateful to Sakaki Taro. He was the one who gave him the opportunity to attend Hyotei, and he was willing to guide him. Akutsu never voiced it, but in his heart, he always remembered the kindness of those who truly cared for him.

"Atobe, you will also spend an hour each day sparring with Akutsu. If Akutsu has any questions about basic tennis, teach him well."

"Understood, Advisor."

After speaking, Atobe glanced at Akutsu, who gave a slight nod in return.

"And you, Oshitari. Your playstyle is diverse, but it also limits your path in tennis. You must remember, tennis is about mastery, not breadth. Your current tennis lacks a true decisive move. So, when you spar with Kannagi in the future, try to develop new tennis techniques and refine them."

"Yes, Advisor."

Listening to Sakaki Taro's words, Oshitari Yuushi quickly stood up and agreed. Then, he glanced sideways at Kannagi Shinichi.

Sensing Oshitari's gaze, Kannagi Shinichi offered a friendly smile.

"Yamazaki, your lower body stability during serve reception is consistently poor, which greatly affects the power of your return shots..."

"Shishido, your movement speed is very fast, allowing you to quickly reach any position on the court, but you don't know how to utilize your explosive power..."

"Mukahi, your jumping ability is excellent. You can return any lob shot freely, but your stamina and endurance are severely lacking. If you encounter a prolonged match..."

Sakaki Taro then pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of Yamazaki, Shishido, and Mukahi individually, along with their future targeted training methods.

These individuals also humbly accepted his advice, as what the advisor said were indeed the problems they encountered during matches.

Looking at the group, Sakaki Taro's face showed a hint of satisfaction. Then, his gaze shifted to the last regular of Hyotei, Akutagawa Jirou.

Just looking at Akutagawa's sleepy eyes, Sakaki Taro could only let out a long, helpless sigh.

Akutagawa Jirou was very talented, an all-around player with many strengths, including solid technique and excellent net volleys. If he were willing to train, he could definitely achieve significant improvement.

However, he also knew Akutagawa Jirou's most obvious weakness: his body's ability to fall asleep at any time, anywhere.

Getting Akutagawa Jirou to train obediently was impossible, not in this lifetime.

After all, for Akutagawa Jirou, training was out of the question; it seemed like he could only survive by sleeping every day.

At this moment, the other Hyotei regulars looked at Akutagawa's face, which seemed like it could fall asleep on the conference table at any moment, and covered their faces. Even Kannagi Shinichi and Akutsu were not surprised.

This Akutagawa Jirou slept too much.

"Forget it, let's leave it at that."

Sakaki Taro glanced at Akutagawa Jirou one last time and finally decided not to say anything further. He then surveyed the regulars. "Go, you can start your training!"

"Yes!"

The Hyotei regulars responded in unison. Then, seven youths were seen dragging a drowsy Akutagawa Jirou as they slowly walked out of the conference room.

Watching the youths leave, a slight smile appeared on Sakaki Taro's usually stern face. "Interesting little guys."