Ep 9. The Volleyball Idiots

The Volleyball Idiots is the ninth episode of Haikyu!! Third Season, an anime series adapted from the manga written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate. The episode first aired on December 2, 2016, and follows the story of the Karasuno High School Volleyball team as they face off against their rival school Shiratorizawa Academy in the national tournament.

The episode begins with the Karasuno team struggling to keep up with the power and skill of the Shiratorizawa players. As the game continues, the Karasuno team also deals with several unforced errors and communication breakdowns that put them at a disadvantage. Despite this, they refuse to give up and continue to put up a strong fight.

The focus of the episode is on the characters Tadashi Yamaguchi and Tsutomu Goshiki. Yamaguchi, a second-year student, is a pinch server for Karasuno and often feels overshadowed by his more talented teammates. Goshiki, a first-year student at Shiratorizawa, is a skilled outside hitter who often tries to impress his captain, Ushijima.

Throughout the episode, Yamaguchi struggles with anxiety and self-doubt as he is called upon to serve during crucial points in the game. He begins to doubt his abilities and worries that he is not good enough to help his team win. On the other hand, Goshiki also deals with pressure and expectations as he tries to prove himself to his captain and gain his approval.

As the game progresses, Yamaguchi and Goshiki both face pivotal moments that force them to confront their fears and doubts. Their individual struggles are mirrored in the larger theme of the episode, which highlights the importance of mental toughness and overcoming self-doubt in order to succeed.

As the game comes to a close, the tension builds and the fate of both teams hangs in the balance. The Karasuno team must learn to work together and support each other in order to overcome their opponents, while Goshiki must find a way to channel his nervous energy and prove his worth to his captain.

Overall, The Volleyball Idiots is a gripping episode that showcases the intense competition and high stakes of the national tournament. It also highlights the mental and emotional challenges that athletes face on the court, and the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming adversity.