I Learned to Visualize Achieving My Goals: Mohammad Mousavi

“The first thing that a middle blocker should have is good vision. A middle blocker should be able to predict the opposing side's next move, and have quick legs to adapt. The timing of a jump and hand positioning are also keys to success. But the most important thing is that feeling of defense inside you. It is a feeling that you get in your hands every time they touch the ball. Sometimes the ball comes too fast and is uncontrollable, but that feeling in your hands and that drive inside you enable you to stop the ball nonetheless,” Mousavi told FIVB.com.

“I chose volleyball because I was so tall that I had to sit in the back row in class, and besides that I come from a volleyball family and I played with my family as a child,” he added.

His exceptional talent meant Mousavi was promoted to the senior team in 2008 and he immediately helped his new teammates to an Asian Cup title. Since then, he has earned multiple medals at regional and continental tournaments. He also made a significant contribution to Iran’s first ever appearance in the FIVB Volleyball World League in 2013, which started their consistent appearances at world competitions, including the FIVB Volleyball World Championships and the Olympic Games.

“Gaining my very first FIVB medal for Iran at the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup in Japan is my biggest accomplishment in the last decade. I think the most memorable moment for the Iranian people is our first appearance at the FIVB World League in 2013, when we lost to Russia in the first week but beat hosts Italy in front of their home crowd for the first time in history. That was so memorable for me as well,” he added.

Mousavi has a knack for defending at the net and is regarded as one of the best middle blockers in the last decade. Since winning his lone Best Spiker award in 2005, he has won countless honors as a defensive player.

“In the last 10 years, I have learnt to fight until the last moment and put 100 per cent of my energy into a match. In sports, there are many difficulties and uncertainties. Sometimes you win unexpectedly and sometimes you lose and wonder in disbelief. In every match you play, you have to learn how to fight and always visualize achieving your goals.”

Even though his focus is on defense, Mousavi also produces many points from the middle, combining with setter and national teammate Saeid Marouf. The 33-year-old middle blocker only has good words to say about his captain.

“Saeid Marouf is one of the most prominent players in the history of Iranian volleyball, and he is also well-known around the world. One of his most distinguishing characteristics is his intelligence. He is so smart, not only in volleyball but also in life. And he has devoted his life to volleyball."

“The key to his success is his desire to win. He knows the meaning of the word ‘will’ very well and has shown the world that ‘where there is a will, there’s a way’,” he concluded.