In 25 years of his coaching career, Xiao Zhan has coached numbers of World Champion, including Chen Qi, Hao Shuai, Qiu Yike, Fang Bo and grand-slam player, Zhang Jike.
He feels proud and honorable for being part of the successful men's team in the past years. His players Zhang Jike, Fang Bo and Yan An did their job and did not lose to non-Chinese players in the Olympics, Worlds and World Cup Finals. In 2017, he will make a new start in the Women's A Team as he has been named the coach of Women's A team recently.
Challenges
Challenges of the New Plastic Ball
New plastic balls will be applied in international meets starting from the Korea Open in April 2017. Players have tried the new balls in the Marvellous 12 (Chinese Trials) and reported that there are differences between the new ball and old ball in terms of the hardness, magnitude, bounce and speed. Xiao Zhan said he would research on the features of the new ball and study how would the new ball affect players' technique. The new ball increases the numbers of rallies so it requires players play more high quality counter-attack. The team will develop new skills and improve the physical fitness and integrated ability of players in the coming years.
Challenges of the Intense Competitions
2017 Worlds is the first international big meets of the Tokyo Olympic cycle, players will fight for their opportunities with their ability. There is no room to get a spot by luck. Generations of key players have stood out in competitions when they were young. So standing out in the coming competitions will be crucial for the career path of the young players.
Coaching Principles
Xiao Zhan stated that he would set high standards for himself and manage every detail precisely. His coaching principal stressed on trust and communication. Players are surrounded by different voices from the social media and fans. It is important for coaches to understand their players and guide them to focus on training. Communication helps closer the relationship between coaches and players. Coaches are like 'supportive brothers' who stand by the side of the players, no matter in competitions or training halls.
Comments on his Players
Zhang Jike is the key player of the team but he has faced many challenges, both physically and mentally, especially after the announcement of the line-up for the Rio Olympics. He has encountered criticisms, doubts and contempt from the opponents. Xiao Zhan as the coach of Zhang Jike, has gone through all of these with Zhang. Fortunately Zhang's achievements have answered to those distrusts. He won gold for the team and silver in the singles. Despite of coming up short in making the 'double grand-slam', Zhang Jike is the winner of the Games as he has gained popularity and awareness from the public. He is now playing table tennis, not for winning more gold medals but for Chinese table tennis. We will wait and see what Zhang Jike can contribute to the development of the sport.
Fang Bo has changed a lot after winning second in 2015 Suzhou Worlds and has entered the semi-finals in Qatar Open recently. Xiao Zhan finds Fang Bo getting more mature. The trip to Brazil as a supporting player has make an impact on Fang Bo. Although he did not play well in the Marvellous 12 (Chinese Trials), Xiao believes Fang Bo will strive to win a spot in the Worlds or even the Olympics.
Yan An is a smart and thoughtful player. He entered the top 8 in 2013 Worlds and won the title in 2017 Hungarian Open. He struggles in adapting to the new plastic ball in the Marvellous 12 (Chinese Trials). Xiao Zhan will help build Yan An's confidence, overcoming the setbacks and work towards success.
Xu Chenhao‘s biggest advantage is being young. He needs to show his fearlessness and determination in competitions while be humble and patient in training. Xiao Zhan hopes Xu Chenhao can grab every opportunity, improve his overall qualities and work on making to the top of the team.
Liu Jikang is a dedicated team player. He is also the role model of the team in life management. Xiao Zhan hopes Liu maintains his competitive form and make improvements.
Source: 乒乓世界 Table Tennis World
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Great Blog! I'll stay tuned!
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