Can Kids Start Match Play Early?
This is a brand-new, technique-focused column in a question-and-answer format. The mystery figures answering are two former national team members. So the “Reaching the Summit” column was born.
When kids learn, at what point can they start practising fixed-point quick-exchange and adding quality?
No strict rule. But generally, once continuity and stability are good, the body can withstand the ball, forehand two points, backhand three points, push, side, lunge, and forehand-backhand linking and switching all have no problem, then you can start practising fixed-point quick-exchange. Depending on your kid’s direction: if just the amateur path, becoming an amateur expert, adding quality is fine. If aiming for the professional path, firing is way too early. After professional training begins, do not think of firing within four years. That is, if your kid starts at five, do not think of firing before nine.
Why can kids not fire too early? Because if a kid fires early, the loop later will not be very spinny. First, get the forearm-recovery speed up; only when you can recover the forearm fast do you consider power training. If you have the kid fire before he can play, it is usually to produce results immediately, without considering the kid’s future.
At what age is it good for kids to start learning, and can they start match play early?
At four or five, mainly cultivate interest. At six, they can take formal training. Once push, attack and loop are learned, they can do match play. Without match play, interest wanes. Matches are also a motivation.
Xiaozao’s ability is so strong, anticipation so good, reading so accurate — she should be able to fire more, right?
Different styles — she pursues fast speed, not backing off. An ordinary person swinging the arm, generally three-quarters is relaxed, only a quarter firing. Liu Shiwen can reach about one-sixth firing, pursuing the sense of speed and angle, plus continuity.