Chinese Footwork

Hi,

This is an old match from 2011, between Ma Long and Zhang Jike. If we leave everything else and just focus on Zhang Jike's feet I am mesmerized as to what level he has taken his footwork to. Other prominent people with tremendous footwork are Xu Xin and recently retired Wang Hao. My first thought was they have practiced it a lot of time with dedication and hard work. But so have the other European and Asian players from countries other than China. But China just excel in it on a whole other level. Are we missing some technical information as to how to train our players or is it just ingrained in their genes? Its like their feet have a mind of their own and they don't have to worry about reaching the right length for the ball. How can we train and achieve such a level? Do we have to go to China for that and if we do, do they allow it?

Regards
Arnab Ghosh

Hi Arnab,

It is amazing the level of footwork by some of the Chinese players.  I love Xu Xin’s footwork in particular.

I think it is just the amount of training that they do.  I don’t think it is technical.  To succeed in China you have to train at a higher level.  If you don’t, you don’t reach the top there.  If you break down due to the amount of training, there is always someone else to take your place.