Psychology of young champions

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Jaydev Ashra Asked 10 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

I was thinking about how could it be possible for Mima Ito or Fan Zhendong to achieve the maximum at the very small age?

In our sport, it requires years of hard work and practice to reach the elite level. Where, these two have made histories, by reaching the elite level at the age of 11 and 16, respectively. I wonder, where is the rule of '10 years for Excellence' stands for them?!

My age is 30, and I have been playing for around 3 years. I can judge myself as a quick improver. Now, there will be the Tournament Season after three months. And, I am trying to find out the clues to beat Higher level players. Although, I feel that they are more experienced, but when I think about these two, Mima and Fan, it strucks me deep into my mind.

That's why, I felt to have some experts' views! Thank You very much...

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Jaydev,

It is not normal for players to be able to reach such a high level at that age. They have a lot of things going for them. They would have had a very good practice environment where they were able to train a lot of hours but also train effectively in that time.

Even with those things in their favour it is still a remarkable feat.

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Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago

> I wonder, where is the rule of '10 years for Excellence' stands for them?!

Well, don't forget that they started at the age of six or seven, so they are not exception. What makes me wonder is how 12 year old Tomokazu Harimoto can play with adult top players and beat them... Especially considering how men's table tennis is very physical and athletic now...

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago Latest

Yes Haricot is another story. He has very good breeding and parents that both played at a high level so would have been around the game from a very early age. Even so a remarkable story as well.

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