“Talking to the ear”, “saying a word and very strong”, the tips and tricks of Luca Ramon and the volleyball towers to be heard at Lawson-Body

Poitiers – Tours

This final between Poitiers and Tours is expected more than any other would have been. Because it summons history, because it offers a tasty derby and because it also brings together two of the most faithful public in hexagonal volleyball. It is understood. But there is also Lawson-Body and Grenon, two famous writings, two rooms that will be in turmoil. To start therefore, in chronological order, with that of Poitiers which will, obviously, be filled, arch-fashion this Saturday, May 10 for the first leg. The volleyball towers knows it: it is about to play in a molten volcano and it will face, at all costs.

If there is one in Tours who knows Lawson-Body, and who cherishes this “Mythical room”it was of course Luca Ramon, who started his professional career there and who played there for three seasons. So, the Saint-Avertinois perfectly knows what to expect, aware that it will be even stronger, even more crazy.

“Full of noise”, “full of drums” and servers “50 cm from the public”

“With all the story behind it, it is something that will bring even more fervor. It will be really very noisy, very passionate, imagine Levels from TVB. These are the two hottest atmospheres in France, where there is the most noise, the most pressure for the opponent and where there are always people. »»

And then, if Grenon looks like a high arena that can be impressive and majestic when it is full, Lawson-Body also has a particular configuration. “She is a bit compiled, so it resonates a lot, testifies Luca Ramon. It makes lots of noise, with more full of drums. And then, the play area is smaller than Grenon, for example, so the supporters are very close. When the players are used, they are 50 cm from the public. »»

“It can also put pressure on the locals”

An experience that as a Libero, he does not know but of which he measures the pressure that can result from it. A pressure which will nevertheless impose itself on everyone and throughout the match. TVB will have or eat it, or ignore it this Saturday. “There are perhaps guys that it will galvanize, I prefer to stay focused, says Luca Ramon. Even when we play at home, we don’t necessarily hear what’s going on so much we are concentrated. But everyone knows each other, and the differences in approaches can also strengthen the team, everyone will be there to help the other. And then it can also put pressure on the locals. »»

Which will be subject to another difficulty shared with the Tourangeaux: to be heard on the ground! It may seem stupid, but the Poitevin fervor – and probably also the Tourangelle on Saturday 17 for the return final – should make it difficult, if not impossible at certain times, verbal communication.

“Put more walking to talk to each other in the ear”

“During the points, normally we get along because often there is no noise. But there, it will probably have to be content to say a word and very strong so that we all know what will happen. And then, between the points, we will have to walk more to talk to each other. »» Then remains the body language which, rendered at the end of the season, must be intelligible for all. “We know each other normally well enough to understand each other …”confirms Luca Ramon. But the signs are not always enough …

And what about players – bench communication! No question here to talk to each other in the ear … “It is not very well seen to bring coaches too often to us, Smiles the Tourangeau Libero. We will have to find solutions, maybe we make the link. »»

The best is obviously to be in full control of the scenario and the game plan so that the staff does not have too much to speak out of time-mounds. But that is the ideal scenario and the Poitevins, pushed by their audience, will do everything so that it does not come true.

Going final: Poitiers – Tours, Saturday May 10, at 8 p.m., Lawson -Body room.
Return final: Tours – Poitiers, Saturday May 17, at 8 p.m., Grenon room.