Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 368 Pre-match Training: Tactical Showdown!
"The group of death."

Lin Shidong leaned forward, his gaze bypassing Chen Jin and looking at Xie Mingyang beside him. "Zhang Benzhihe and Wu Juncheng, neither of these two are easy to deal with."

Tomokazu Harimoto needs no introduction; he is undoubtedly the leading figure in Japanese men's table tennis, a world-class player, with an aggressive playing style and a unique backhand flick.

More importantly, his almost manic roars and fighting spirit on the field often disrupted the opponent's rhythm.

Oh Jun-sung, a rising superstar in the South Korean team.

Despite his young age, he is technically proficient and incredibly resilient. Within the Korean team, he holds a position second only to a handful of players like Jang Woo-jin and Ahn Jae-hyun, making him a core member of the team's future strategy.

As for Nima Al-Alamian, although his name is not particularly famous, he has managed to secure a place in the Asian table tennis scene and represent Iran. His unique playing style and fighting spirit are not to be underestimated.

The pressure to qualify is immense.

However, to Lin Shidong's surprise, Xie Mingyang's face remained expressionless, his eyes like a cold pool, when suddenly two dark flames ignited.

Xie Mingyang raised his chin slightly and looked in the direction of Zhang Benzhihe.

The corners of his mouth twitched, but it wasn't a smile.

It's not so much the excitement of locking onto prey.

"Finally, I have the opportunity to face Tomokazu Harimoto."

Xie Mingyang's voice was low and deep.

If you want to become a member of the national table tennis team, you must overcome the hurdle of foreign associations.

As one of the "F4" of the Paris cycle, Tomokazu Harimoto once posed a significant threat to the Chinese national table tennis team.

They are a formidable opponent that the main players of the Chinese national table tennis team must conquer.

Now, facing each other in the group stage of the Asian Cup, Xie Mingyang sees it as both a challenge and a long-awaited test.

The lottery ceremony has ended.

The crowd dispersed.

The air was thick with the tension of an impending storm.

However, compared to the knockout stage, the group stage offers more room for error.

Even those in the same group as Chen Jin, such as Shinotsuka Daito and Huang Zhenting, remained relatively calm.

Nine p.m.

A room at Yabang Langyue International Hotel.

The heavy curtains blocked out the dazzling night view, and only a few cool-toned wall lamps illuminated the room.

A beam of light was focused onto the screen hanging in the center of the wall.

On the screen, Xie Mingyang's recent matches are playing on a loop.

Fluid forehand and backhand transitions, swift side-spin smashes, precise shot placement control, and astonishing rally endurance when facing power-type players like Liang Jingkun.

It's hard to believe that this is just a sixteen-year-old boy.

The screen was cut into multiple angles, with various complex data jumping around in real time.

Shot speed, spin intensity, landing point distribution, range of movement, reaction time...

The "Da Yu Shen" AI analysis system is like a cold and ruthless national champion, turning every swing of the opponent's racket, and even every breath, into quantifiable and intuitive data.

Look for even the slightest flaw in it.

"Please take a look, gentlemen."

Seiya Kishikawa, the newly appointed head coach of the Japanese men's table tennis team, spoke in a calm voice, holding a laser pointer in his hand and continuously sliding it across the screen: "Xie Mingyang is a player with a balanced forehand and backhand, smooth transitions, and extremely fast speed."

"Although he is young, his strength is among the best of the young athletes."

"The fact that he, a new Grand Slam champion, could fight Liang Jingkun to the final game and almost upset him is enough to prove that this guy's strength should not be underestimated."

Speaking of which.

Kishikawa Seiya paused for a moment.

His gaze shifted, sweeping over teammates such as Tomokazu Harimoto, Hiroto Shinozuka, and Teruaki Matsushima.

"However, even the most perfect warrior has his Achilles' heel."

Seiya Kishikawa abruptly changed the subject.

As soon as he finished speaking, the screen flickered.

The Great God System used striking red lines to mark the distribution of Xie Mingyang's lost points in the game.

A certain area is repeatedly highlighted.

—Middle to forehand position!
Kishikawa Seiya continued, "Based on the data analysis of Xie Mingyang's matches over the past six months, his error rate is relatively high when dealing with balls in the middle to forehand position."

"Especially during backhand rallies, when the opponent suddenly sends the ball to his position, his power stroke will be blocked."

"Whether it's the forehand or the backhand, it's not smooth enough. Either the quality of the return drops, or there are direct errors."

At this moment.

A close-up slow-motion shot appears on the screen.

When Xie Mingyang was in a backhand rally, facing a ball heading straight for his middle, he couldn't turn to the side and was forced to twist his waist and pull the ball up with a slightly awkward motion.

Although the ball barely cleared the net, its trajectory was too high, allowing the opponent to score with a powerful smash.

"Therefore, the core of Xie Mingyang's tactics can be summed up in just eight words: 'Attack his backhand and change his center.'"

Kishikawa Seiya turned to look at Harimoto Tomokazu, "Harimoto-kun, your backhand is your forte."

"Use your backhand speed and pressure to firmly pin Xie Mingyang to the backhand position."

"Wait until Xie Mingyang's position and center of gravity completely shift to the backhand position, then suddenly change the line of fire."

"At the fastest speed and the most tricky angle, attack his middle position, catch him off guard, and force him to make a mistake before he can adjust his pace and weight."

"Zhang Benjun, your backhand quick rip and forehand aggressive attack are the sharpest weapons for executing this tactic."

"Remember, variation in rhythm is key!"

"The backhand pressure must be continuous and fierce, making him feel immense pressure, making him think you're going to fight him to the bitter end with your backhand, and then at the most unexpected moment, suddenly change the line of fire!"

Kishikawa Seiya's expression and tone were more serious than ever before.

After all, it's a new broom sweeps clean.

Singapore failed to win any Grand Slam titles, but could still use the excuse that "the team is still in the process of gelling together."

However, the Asian Cup is completely different.

It concerns raising the national flag and qualifying for the World Cup.

Kishikawa Seiya naturally dared not slack off in the slightest.

He also knew that he had only been the head coach for a short time, and winning a gold medal was not very realistic.

However, at least some achievements and changes should be visible.

In particular, the Great God System, which he highly praised.

"Zhang Benjun".

Kishikawa Seiya reached out and gently patted Harimoto Tomokazu's shoulder, saying earnestly, "Xie Mingyang is no ordinary person. His speed, explosiveness, and will to survive are enough to turn the tide of battle in an instant, so never underestimate him."

"The Great God System can only provide data and direction. The situation on the field is constantly changing, and you need to use your physical body to perceive and respond."

Treat him as the strongest and most dangerous opponent you have ever faced in your career!

"Every point must be fought for with a do-or-die attitude!"

Every word Kishikawa Seiya said reached Harimoto Tomokazu's ears.

With Xie Mingyang's sharp gaze fixed on the screen, Zhang Benzhihe quietly clenched his hands, which were resting on his knees, into fists.

The blood in my body surged rapidly.

"Coach Kishikawa, please rest assured."

Zhang Benzhihe nodded emphatically, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "I will definitely achieve good results for our Japanese team in this Asian Cup!"

……

at the same time.

Universiade Center Gymnasium.

training hall.

Bright lights.

Although it was night, the temperature here remained unchanged.

In fact, the intense physical training made it even hotter.

Wang Hao personally oversaw the operation, arms crossed, focused intently, standing beside a pool table.

On either side of the table were Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang.

Chen Jin, using a penhold grip, imitated Zhang Benzhihe's backhand quick flick to simulate Xie Mingyang's sparring.

Xie Mingyang is full of fighting spirit for tomorrow's match against Tomokazu Harimoto, but he knows very well that Harimoto is no ordinary opponent.

To defeat him, one must put in tremendous effort.

"stop!"

Wang Hao suddenly shouted.

The crisp sound of the ball hitting the shuttlecock abruptly stopped. Xie Mingyang, still in the position he had just taken to prepare for a powerful forehand smash, was slightly out of breath and looked at Wang Hao with some confusion.

"Xie Mingyang".

Wang Hao quickly walked to Xie Mingyang's side, pointed to Xie Mingyang's position, and said, "Take a look for yourself, what's wrong with this ball?"

"Ok?"

Xie Mingyang was stunned. "Is...there a problem?"

Chen Jingang's return shot was aimed directly at his center position.

Without a second thought, almost instinctively, he slid to the side and prepared to pull back with a forehand.

However, Wang Hao stopped him.

Wang Hao didn't answer directly, but looked at Chen Jin: "Chen Jin, what do you think?"

It was obvious that he wanted to test Chen Jin.

"Tomokazu Harimoto's backhand smash today was incredibly fast, with a low, flat trajectory..."

Chen Jin pondered for a moment, then explained in detail, "The prediction for that ball was correct, and using a forehand while turning to the side was not a problem."

"However, your sidestep was too 'full'."

The words are not finished yet.

But then Wang Hao slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That's right! Your steps are too heavy, and your center of gravity is too low!"

"Xie Mingyang, you're only thinking about using this side-step attack to kill your opponent, but you've overlooked the fact that Zhang Ben's greatest strengths are using the opponent's force against them and sudden changes in rhythm."

"Once he anticipates your intention to turn to the side, or if your footwork is even slightly slower, he won't engage you in a direct confrontation; he will choose—"

At this point, Wang Hao made a quick inward movement of his forearm and wrist, "Quickly, make a straight line."

"Or even more ruthless, directly create an opening in your forehand position."

"Your entire right half of the table is open. No matter how fiercely you attack, what if Zhang Ben defends it and turns around?"

"Don't forget, Zhang Ben's defensive counter-attack and lane-changing abilities are among the best in foreign players."

Xie Mingyang's eyes sharpened.

Chen Jin and Wang Hao's words were like a precise scalpel, instantly dissecting the impatience and rashness that might exist in his subconscious.

"That……"

Xie Mingyang hesitated for a moment, "If I encounter a ball like this, how should I handle it?"

"Chen Jin".

Wang Hao posed this question to the audience.

"A series of fast backhand rallies close to the table is Zhang Ben's comfort zone, so I guess Zhang Ben will try to keep you on the backhand side and engage in a stand-up rally with you."

Chen Jin thought for a moment and said, "To deal with Zhang Ben's backhand pressure, the first thing is positioning."

"Don't favor the backhand too much; instead, give him the feeling that you can always cover his forehand, so that he won't dare to change the line of fire easily."

"Secondly, you need to maintain a stable center of gravity and be agile with your feet. Don't just try to forcefully push with your backhand; use more spin and variation in your landing point."

"Disrupt Zhang Ben's rhythm, prevent him from gaining momentum and exerting his full strength, force him to make mistakes first, and bring the game back to your own comfort zone."

Listening quietly to Chen Jin's analysis, Wang Hao didn't interrupt, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips.

It must be said that Chen Jin's rise to the top of the world rankings in just six months was by no means accidental.

"Correct."

Wang Hao said to Xie Mingyang, "Rhythm!"

"Zhang Ben's strength lies in rhythm. To defeat him, you must work hard on rhythm."

"clear."

Xie Mingyang nodded.

"Chen Jin".

Wang Hao looked at Chen Jin again, "Imitate Zhang Ben's backhand, be even more aggressive, and attack Xie Mingyang's middle forehand side fiercely."

"Make him uncomfortable, make him awkward, make him make a mistake, hit him hard on this spot."

Chen Jin nodded.

he knows,
Not only should we imitate Zhang Ben's technical characteristics, but we should also simulate Zhang Ben's aggressive and competitive spirit on the field.

He took a deep breath, his eyes sharpening.

Even his serving posture had a touch of Zhang Ben's tenseness.

Training continues.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

The two exchanged a quick, backhand tug, as fast as lightning.

The ball strikes the paddle with a crisp sound, like firecrackers during the Lunar New Year, ringing out continuously and deafening the eardrums.

Sudden.

With a slight flick of his wrist, Chen Jin swiftly tore the thread, changing its direction rapidly.

The landing point was aimed directly at Xie Mingyang's forehand side in the middle.

"!"

Xie Mingyang's pupils contracted sharply.

Instinctively, I slid to the side.

They completely forgot Chen Jin and Wang Hao's warnings.

Forehand reverse cross-court shot.

Before he could regain his balance, there was a loud "crack".

Chen Jin ripped open the corner with a backhand.

The ball flew like lightning, instantly piercing Xie Mingyang's left half of the baseline.

Xie Mingyang had no time to save the ball.

"What are you doing?"

Wang Hao shouted, "Did you just ignore what I said?"

"Don't rush."

Chen Jin said in a low voice, "Take it slow."

"Whoo~"

Xie Mingyang let out a long breath, showing no sign of discouragement, but instead becoming more determined after each setback, "Let's try again!"

……

"nice shot!"

"That's it!"

"Withstand the pressure from the backhand and don't easily expose your forehand openings."

"In the middle position, don't easily turn to the side. Use footwork and hand techniques to compensate, either by changing the landing point or adding a spin."

"If the other person makes you feel awkward and uncomfortable, you should also make them feel awkward and uncomfortable."

"Center of gravity!"

"You must stay steady!"

Next.

Under Wang Hao's guidance and Chen Jin's sparring partner, they relentlessly hammered Xie Mingyang with this ball, as if forging steel with a heavy hammer.

The tactical approach and detailed requirements for countering Tomokazu Harimoto were gradually imprinted into Xie Mingyang's muscle memory and on-the-spot reactions.

Two hours of training passed by unnoticed.

When the digital clock on the wall showed "23:30", Wang Hao immediately stopped him, saying, "That's enough, that's enough."

"Pack your things, go home early, and get some rest."

Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang then stopped.

The training hall was in complete disarray.

Ping-pong balls were scattered everywhere.

Xie Mingyang felt his arms were as heavy as if they were filled with lead, and his calf muscles were trembling slightly.

But the heart yearning for victory within him beat even more powerfully and clearly.

At this moment, he had already tempered himself into a sword that craved blood.

As dawn breaks, he will face his opponent on this small table tennis table, to decide their fate and determine who is superior!
(End of this chapter)