Ok but the part when Hinata calls Ukai....

Asahi is such a fashionista. His hairstyle changes every season, and we haven't even talked about later in the manga yet.

34:40 with regards to Kageyama also needing to adjust - he is indeed going to need to adjust to the players he's playing with currently for the time that he's with them, yes, but the show is saying that he actually needs to keep his current tendency, as well. When he set the ball and no one hit it, he was setting it at the tempo of a freak quick, and then he went, "Sorry, force of habit" to the other players. That freaked all of them out, because that basically means that sets that absurdly fast are such a normal thing for him and his team that he just assumed someone would be there to hit it. That's why although you see all the other players glaring at him after that, the coach is extremely pleased. Because to him, it's like, "Yes, absolutely, we would LOVE for our future Japanese offense to be used to that fast of a tempo!"

Sarah: "he's gonna be a brand new player...and maybe not get hit in the face so much" *tries hard to hold in laughing*

It's so adorable when Sarah patiently waits for Hinata to remember the name of the split step technique when it's such a basic thing to her 😂😂😂🤣

The next episode is one of my favorites. The curly black hair person was Sakusa, he's right up there with Ushijima as one of the top 3 aces. That Ukai moment is so wholesome.

In the S3 flashback where we see Daichi, Suga and Asahi as first years, there’s actually a brief scene where we see Daichi as a ball boy in his first year. Which is how he got so good at receiving. Such a cute little tidbit I wanted to point out! The eyebrow guy (Komori) and Sakusa are actually cousins! Don’t know if they ever mention it in the anime. But clearly Sakusa didn’t get the round eyebrow gene 😆

I love all the Tendou and Ushijima conversations this episode. At the beginning, when Tendou and Ushijima say how creepy Hinata is- It is a similar expression as the one Hinata gave when he said 'Are we concrete or something' to Ushijima in S2E1. That's why he hates it. Then Ushijima and Tendou's conversation about Hinata not getting lodging. You can clearly see their personalities in the way they react and that they both care in their own way. Tendou despite being creepy on the outside, is kind and sympathetic and genuinely wonders what the harm is in letting Hinata stay. Ushijima, on the other hand, appears cold on the outside but is being practical about the fact that Hinata needs to be ready to create opportunities for himself whenever possible while being aware of the consequences for his actions. Almost like concerned parents.🤣 And lastly this is the first time we see Ushijima smile and Tendou is the one who makes him do so. Also, this solidified for me that Washijo being the experienced coach that he is saw what Hinata was lacking and was trying to put him on the right track by making him ballboy. Hence him saying last episode that Hinata wouldn't be allowed to participate even if he showed dedication because he knows that's not what Hinata needs right now. But it was on Hinata to self reflect on what he should be working on for his personal growth. Washijo was testing Hinata to see if he had the patience and will to evolve. That's why when he was not paying attention in the last episode, he shouted at him constantly to do so. Now that he's on the right track, he isn't saying anything (until he gets hit in the balls because he wasn't paying attention). This is similar to S3 game. When things were going right he said nothing for almost 2 sets. Also, he shouts at Goshiki more than others because he has high expectations of him. All similar to his treatment of Hinata in the first 3 episodes.

It feels SO nice to see you enjoy Hinata learning things, it's almost like I'm reliving this arc for the first time, too :") Oh, and the word Kindaichi used, hisshi, is often translated as "desperate" (the kanji are literally "certain" + "death"), but it doesn't really have much of a negative connotation in Japanese. It's used when a person is doing everything and anything to achieve some goal, and it definitely goes a few steps beyond just "doing your best". Here it's about how Hinata takes his ballboy duties 100% seriously and with fervor, and then on top of that makes a point to learn, striving for something more. So yeah, it doesn't sound cold or bad, only highlights just how much effort Hinata puts in everything, almost unnaturally so.

omg I knew that there are people that don't love the beginning of this season because there's less action and more building but calling it "filler" is INSANE thank you for your videos as always

I'm right there with you Sarah. I'm not even a sports player at all, but Hinata's conversation with Ukai was one of my favorite moments in Haikyuu, and it made me tear up. It was the moment Hinata stopped thinking like a player who simply enjoys the sport and started thinking like an athlete. The growth TvT

In the scene where Kageyama is playing, he got so excited tha he instinctively served like he was serving for Hinata, and I love that. The way Hinata is maturing is so beautiful!!!!

YES! The 'eat a proper meal' that is finally paid off since the start of season 1. One of the most underrated moments ever.

Your reaction here is great. Because like you, Hinata felt he was missing out on skill training, only to realize that the place he actually needed the most improvement was in understanding the dynamics of the game. He didn't need to play, he needed to see. And he couldn't see, because he was always trying to play. Only when he couldn't play anymore, could he finally see.

It's not about this episode but I really want to say Thank you to Sarah and Everyone who wrote all the comments and shared a LOT of interesting details and cool tidbits. I've watched and read Haikyu SO many times but, to be honest as a person who doesn't play and knows much about volleyball beside enjoy watching I also really enjoy reading all the comments too! It gave me a lot of enjoyment information/details that I never know before! I really appreciated the Haikyu community!

Ushiwaka is right. Not only Hinata, but every player/person will encounter a situation where they will not be chosen because of someone's biases. It's not Hinata's fault that Washijo-sensei prefers players like Hyakuzawa who is tall and strong, but no experience nor foundation. But that is the standard and reality of this particular camp. Even Nishinoya, who has been a brilliant libero since middle school, was not chosen/noticed by the National Youth Camp. Every person will experience a form of discrimination at least once in their lives. As Ushiwaka said in this ep, in the sport of vball, Hinata will continuously experience biases against his height. That's why Ushiwaka asked Hinata last ep "So, what are you doing?", like what do you plan to do about it? As a trope of every anime main protagonist, Hinata trespassed recklessly with no plan at all, sacrificing precious practice time. Is his enthusiasm endearing and inspiring? Absolutely. But it's also a sign of immaturity and panic from being left behind by his peers. His heart is in the right direction of wanting to self-improve, but he went over the heads of his own coaches and coaches from other schools. Quite frankly, knowing Washijo-sensei's feelings about Hinata (from later eps & in the future), all Hinata had to do was ask. He may not have been allowed to participate in the camp still, but I'm pretty sure Ukai-kun, Old Ukai, and Washijo would have told him how to improve his individual skills. Instead, Hinata disrespected all 3 (Ukai, Takeda, Washijo) of them lol. The simplest answer to what Hinata needed was to develop enough skills to overcome other people's biases. It doesn't only apply to Hinata, or even vball. We all have to improve ourselves so that people with biases against us can't help but choose us anyway. Further explanation, but manga SPOILER: This was exactly what Hinata ended up doing after high school. He didn't pull a tantrum when Kageyama immediately got scouted for pros while he wasn't. Hinata developed his skills to the point where a far taller and more experienced player gets subbed out of a pro-league team, because they deemed Hinata more useful in that specific match.

This is my favorite episode- it’s that moment every serious athlete has where that sport you love just clicks for you and you start seeing the nuances that you never noticed before. It’s that true start for you as a competitive player

As a massive Tsukki simp, I understand what you feel; Tsukishima's and Hinata's friendship dynamic is one of my favourites in this series (and there are sO MANY)

the eyebrows dude that you mentioned around 29:00 is Motoya Komori. it doesn't get mentioned in the show but he was ranked in the volleyball magazines that our boys read as the #1 ranked libero in the country. he's a pretty chill guy

WOO you made it through the worst of the second hand embarrassment!! I’m so excited for you to watch the rest of the training camp for both Hinata and Kageyama :D I always come back to ballboy arc because it’s so reassuring to remember that evolving and becoming better may not happen without admitting you’re not at the level you want to be yet, but you’re willing to put yourself out there to get to that point. Self assessment is so hard, but if Hinata can do it so can I 💪

The scene where Hinata simultaneously says what Ukai says really got me tbh. As someone who played at a high level then eventually became an assistant to my highschool coach in my free time. Nothing in my entire career was more gratifying than having the group I worked with recite back something I told them that I thought was important unsolicited. The idea that they listened, retained, and applied it in their everyday life is super encouraging.

Loved the reaction as always Sarah haha, and you are entirely right, those commenters need to understand the difference between "filler" and "setup" episodes, because to my knowledge there aren't any fillers in Haikyuu.

Sometimes i forget she's not just simply a volleyball player but an Olympic level player lol, seeing so many of the characters aim for the olympics must be incredibly cute for her

Korai, the guy with the weird "eyeliner" (LOL), is design-inspired with seagulls! Which is the theme of their team! ❤ Like how Karasuno are crows, Nekoma are cats... etc.

19:23 Ukai said that at the end of Season 1 when they lost to Aoba Johsai.

Who the heck said these are filler episodes 😠. The ball boy arc is one of the most character centric And important arcs in Haikyuu... it's the best 🤧

I think one thing people haven't mentioned a lot is the soundtrack, but the music is a parallel form of storytelling. Starting at 14:32, the background track is called "Level 1 Ball Boy," but it's based on the same base melody as a soundtrack from Season 2 called "Baby Bird." In Season 2, it was a high-energy rock sound, but here, the same melody is slowed down, the texture is thinned out, and it's with a much calmer and yet more complex percussion. You can hear the "Hinata theme" at about the 0:30 mark here for S2 "Baby Bird": kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fJlkpZCcvcicYGg.html And then in the background starting at about 0:16 for S4's Level 1 Ball Boy here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hd6GntRyktuUj3k.html Just like this is only the beginning of Hinata's new evolution, it's only the beginning for this musical motif, which will eventually become one of my favorites in the whole series.

32:40 Haikyuu has some of the best training arcs, it always feels like the growth and time is organic and realistic. You feel that the players are learning concepts, and then slowly but steadily applying them without it feeling rushed.

I love this arc so muchhhh TAT. I think it's so important for teens! Maybe it's cause I mentor/tutor so many teens and all they want to do is flashy stuff lol. When they realize they have to go back to basics it's like omg you've grown up 😭😭😭!

You can definitely say Hinata makes the game of volleyball better in the world of Haikyuu. You see many times where people see Hinata playing, and push themselves to be better, making the game better. That infectious drive, and love of the game is highly contagious.

Great watch as usual. It was also nice to read several comments giving some great explainations for the difference between「必死」& its English counterpart "desperate". It's interesting how「切実」&「ひたむき」are also words that have a very "giving one's utmost best efforts" vive in Japanese, but usually get translated to slightly negative terms like " desperate" & "single-minded" in English. It might be because the Japanese tend to think "working desperately hard" is a virtue. Gonna leave my personal opinions about some of the subs as usual: 7:04 「日向…反射神経はめっちゃいいのになぁ…」→ "You have really good reflexes, Hinata". This should be more like "You have really good reflexes, though...". Their version just sounds like a simple praise, but actually, Hinata's friend is saying how it's weird that he's not doing that well with tennis even though he has natural athletic abilities. 24:49「『基礎はこう』という概念が無いような…」→ "it seemed like he didn't even know the basics". This is a mistranslation. A more literal translation would be something like "He doesn't seem to have a concrete 'this is how basics is' kind of concept". Coach Anabara isn't saying that HInata doesn't know the basics in playing volleyball, but that he doesn't seem to have a clear-cut, fixed idea/mindset about what those basics should be at this point.

If ur a true haikyuuu fan you know these episodes with Hinatas growth are the most important in the series, after all the criticism he’s experienced from the start this was his chance to finally climb the ladder and play at the level he’s always dreamed up just like his idol, the little giant

Kindaichi wasn't trying to insult Hinata in that exchange. I don't know what he says in that line so I don't know if "desperate" is an accurate translation or not, but I think he was just genuinely trying to understand what drives Hinata to go to such extreme lengths and how he's still able to be so positive in this situation. Kindaichi obviously has a lot of respect for Hinata and has acknowledged his growth back in the previous episode. Even if they aren't exactly 'friends', I doubt that Kindaichi would do or say anything to put Hinata down at this point in time.

I have been using the "watch the player, not the ball" tip lately and it is working, especially when I'm blocking. So, thank you Sarah

I'm not particularly emotional, but this season brought tears to my eyes more than once. Be prepared

Man watching this reaction to this episode gave me major flashbacks to my serving routine when I used to play. Jump floaters were my absolute favorite and same motion every time: Bounce three times, spin it - serve. Crazy how into the zone just a repetitive, familiar motion gets you. Man I miss volleyball so much 😭

Next few episodes you will see why Hinata is able to makes so many friends. I love all these episodes too.

This arc does so much for restructuring not only Hinata but how we see him, love it

This first half of the fourth season is my favorite part of the anime so far, Hinata being directly asked what he's been doing to improve, and feeling shame over not actually knowing, him crying in the closet and standing up to look for an answer, dude, the growth is great here. His performance in games is important but there's a journey behind those results. So like, it's the first time i hear people say this is filler, if what you all mean is that it's not too impactful to the story, I'm sad to inform you you missed the whole point of the arc lmao.

Okay. The spinning Noya in splits graphic while Sarah was talking about the split step had me cracking up. lol

Yeah.. the feels hits different.. I bet you'll tear up more when the tournament starts and also when they release the 2 movies for the finale of Haikyuu.. I'm sure you'll be more overjoyed seeing them grown up.. cant wait for the day you react to that.

The transformation of Hinata into a defensive beast has begun. The payoff for this is truly incredible and I can't wait for you to see it. As others have said the next episode is a fan favorite. Also have you noticed how short hoshiumi is? (the keebler elf)

Hinata does not get near enough credit for his ability to take things seriously. It is so hard to be the only person in the gym that gets zeroed in during practices. Especially when the other players are just chilling and trying to fit in with each other.

This is a great episode, "don't underestimate what it means to be a ball boy" - great line by coach Ukai. Do you think Washijo sensei made him ball boy for this reason? The things that Ushiwaka said - "he wasn't chosen to be here is the fact and it might happen in the future too" - Do you think Washijo sensei is making Hinata go through this now to see if he gives up or endures it? Is this all to let Hinata gain a new perspective on sports and his life and learn things that he is lacking now? 2:32 Tendo saying how creepy, I like to take it as him realizing that something has changed in Hinata, a sixth sense kind of thing. When I heard Ushiwaka agreeing with Tendo, it double confirmed it for me. 21:45 Tanaka's serve routine - is it a subtle nod to Nishida from Japan National Team?

I stopped this video halfway through. I dont usually comment on your videos, but I just had to mention this. I've watched this series 10 or so times over, and watching it again with you has been so much fun. You are able to provide so much insight to things I would otherwise be unaware of, and your emotional reaction to certain scenes makes it feel like im right there with you sometimes. I'm so glad you decided to go on this journey with the Haikyuu community. Edit: I love when you breakdown character traits and characteristics. It's something i've never really thought about because i get all caught up in the character development instead of the physical transformation per se. Keep it up!

I burst out laughing when I heard Sarah talk about the eyeliner part 🤣🤣

Love these episodes so much. So satisfying on a rewatch.

a little fun fact tanaka is yuji nishida favorite haikyuu character and nishida serve routine is base on takana routine

What I love too about when Hinata is leaving the camp and talks about tsukki and his food habits. Is how much he pays attention to his team, it was shown a little earlier when they were comparing heights, but it's nice to see how attentive hinata is to everyone around him. This is something I just thought of now, but the scene where ukai talk about building muscle by eating, we had both voice actors say that line. I'm gonna go compare the 2 and see the differences in inflections. Rip ukai. Also small correction, the eating scene was at the end of season 1. So even better, you have an even better memory. As much as the art style resembles the manga more, some of the characters I find dot llnt look right. Hinata and Asahi are 2 that I feel their old design was much better, Asahi the hair and face were just perfect for s2 and 3, Hinata, I feel looks a little too surprised all the time now

Just want to note that in English it says "ball boy" but in Japanese it's, "tama hiroi" which is literally, "picking up the ball", and can convey the meaning of "recieving" in this case. I think that's part of what Ukai was hinting at.

You completely missed Hinata receiving the ball to the crown 💎 jewels! 😂

Your reaction and insight is an actual joy. Thanks for reacting, as always Sarah!

Thanks for always serving great reaction Sarah! I’m so happy that a great volleyball player is legitimately enjoying Haikyuu! And also whew this season is one of the best. I mean we all love the previous seasons but this season is really hype - new characters, new arena! Can’t wait for you to see it all!!!

Regarding the speed of Hinata's growth being realistic or not, consider that he's just learning to observe the game, the players and gather information from that. He still hasn't successfully performed anything that he could directly use in a game, so I don't think that it's unrealistic. After all, even if not fully conscious of it, by now he already has a certain experience with the game and now he's starting to use his head to acquire a deeper understanding of what happens on the court. He's gathering info. That doesn't seem to have happened at an unrealistic speed. Putting that into practice successfully is still gonna take time.

I’m so excited you’re reaching this point in HQ. It’s been a favourite of mine forever and it’s SO nice reliving the excitement, rediscovering all the tidbits, and having your super insightful and lovely reactions alongside it, plus this lovely community. It’s like rediscovering HQ all over again! Thank you very much for your videos. 🥰

The guy with eyebrows are currently one of the best liberos in their generation the nxt one the guy with black hair are ushijima’s rival and the last one is another short player and the nxt little giant

22:36 >>LITTLE SPOILER FROM THE MANGA

I appreciate the consistency!

I love how Asahi's hairdo is a part of the improvements.

I really love your reaction. The way to analyze characters, the knowledge as an athlete, and the warm prospect for Hinata just like his big sister or mother, and especially the funny comment about eyebrows!

Always love your reaction and insight!

I remember you mentioned the split step in your s1 ep 1 reaction of haikyuu and I was like, yeah, this reaction will be so gooood!!!

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this reaction!

Hinata has the power to inspire or pick the curiosity in others for why he is trying so hard (hungry eyes) than even other players feel uncomfortable for not doing the same.

Thanks for explaining the split step! I'm always happy to hear your insight on volleyball stuff from Haikyuu

The growth! ❤ This is in my top 3 arcs in all of Haikyuu

These videos are literally such a highlight of my day!!!!!

I am literally waiting for these reactions videos like a series. Love your videos!

Always looking forward to these. 😁

Your reactions make every eps more and more interesting!

Amazing reaction🔥👍

I definitely relate with the second-hand embarrassment. It gets so bad for me sometimes that I will get up and leave the room when watching a movie/show without even consciously making the decision.

I appreciate Asahi's hair updo get the same level of "watch out" with other's new volleyball techniques. 😁😁

ALL THESE FREE TIPS FROM A VOLLEYBALL LEGEND! THANK YOUUU

(sorry for my bad english) Asahi has a new hairstyle after the final match . In the last of season 3, with hair band, but in the original, it was the current hairstyle. The end of the 3rd season and the beginning of the 4th season are the same scene, but I think that the anime-staff hat changed the hairstyle of Asahi to the same style as in the original work (there is 3-years gap between the production of the 3rd and 4th anime-seasons). I’m looking forward to watching the next your sending❤

I love this arc so much! I love seeing Hinata, who was previously single mindedly focused on attacking and enamored with the role of the spiker, discover defensive techniques and get excited about learning to dig the ball!! Gah, it's so fucking great and really shows his growth :D

really looking forward to the next episode

Desperate in that context it's used to mean he's acting with a lot of fervor, fiercely. Like saying that someone is living like it's the last day of their life, it doesn't mean they're doomed or pessimistic. It's do or die, all out, because he really wants something. "Desperate: having a great need or desire for something."

Only one thing I dont enjoy about these reactions are that they are only ones a week! Waiting every week for a new haikyuu reaction, tho it makes it that much better ones i get to watch along with u! its fun to find someone reacting to the same parts but also coming from a professional! Keep it up Sarah!

Hello from Japan! I always look forward to your videos. I love the original work and animation of Haikyuu. The original work has already been completed, but the anime will become more and more interesting from now on. I think Haikyuu is packed with the fun of volleyball. Seeing you, an Olympic athlete, enjoying this work made me love Haikyuu even more. The big game is about to start, so please take a look and give us your reaction. Thank you very much.

Hahahaha I love your reactions!

Yes, I as well thought the moment with coach Ukai and Hinata was wholesome. Love that the second hand embarrassment is going away and trust me it’ll all come full circle in future episodes. One thing I also want to say is that I love the feedback you give Sarah and aren’t afraid to give your first thoughts/opinions about things! Love your video reactions to Haikyuu.

I love how in the spiel of the skills the different characters are picking up, Asahi having a new hair style was worth mentioning as well haha. That aside, I love that at this point we see Hinata go through what every person who is truly passionate of a sport goes through: Developing from a lover of a sport, to a student a sport. It's one thing to say you love volleyball or basketball or running, but it's an entirely other thing to began to truly study the sport even when you're not necessarily active in it, honing a craft with more than just your body, but also your mind. As a coach (different sport, but still) that little spark is something magical, and seeing it appear isn't always common, but when you get that athlete who wants to be more than just a simple 'athlete' is what makes coaching (as least from my perspective) so worth it.

The Kinata+Ukai's conversation broooo, I'm just gonna say that this conversation it's VERY IMPORTANT AND I LOVE IT WITH MY SOUL

i was waiting for this

This episode definitely had me tearing up on my first watch. Our boy is growing 😢

Siempre espero con muchas ganas tus videos sobre este animé. Ojalá la espera sea menos😢. Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱! Me encantan tus reacciones.

Another thing about the split step is... be it tennis, vollyball, or dodging a fist, it gives you the nano second head start to do what you need to do. Hinata Ryoma from prince of tennis Bruce lee.

Sara's expressions after cliff hangers are so cuuuute ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I learnt about split step from an anime called prince of tennis and even started using it when i used to play table tennis and badminton back in highschool. good ol days

Im hoping you're gonna finish this series because you definitely gonna love haikyuu for the new upcoming season or after

This arc makes me tear up every time. It’s not just a volleyball lesson it’s a life lesson.

Its only up from here!!! its gonna be an amazing season!

i love seeing the moment hinata remembers how to split step and that IMMEDIATELY you see his finaly receive position IS SO MUCH BETTER like look at how low he got! that's what you like to see! (except the face plant tho ofc lol)

Thanks for explaining the split step technic

This and next episode are unbelievably great for character growth

Sarah. I love your reactions and perspective. My comment on S4E3 just wanted to say I thought your ponytail bun looked a lot like Asahi’s high bun. 😂

Just let me live 😂😂 I love watching your reactions ❤❤

Hinata upped his game, and managed to upgrade from face shots to a cup check in this episode lol Also, I love the elf guy (Hoshiumi). His theme song, Seagulls, is

I watched and read Haikyuu too many times that even when i read the manga i can hear Hinata and Tendou voice lol... I can understand you secondhand embarrased by it, it's Hinata turn point... I really love how they did it... Can't wait to see you watch the result later....