The art of winning (speed, accuracy and power.)

Time sure pass quickly. Olympics 2008 had just gone by. Many new world records were set and China has proved herself to the world that she is one big major sport powerhouse to reckon with.

Chinese martial arts in particular Shaolin emphasize on speed, accuracy and power to overcome adversary. Bruce Lee, the kungfu legend of the 60s and early 70s once mentioned that one must have complete total situation awareness to win decisive battle against your opponents in particular those hidden from your direct view, for instance those opponents that are positioned at the back of you.

One could easily relates speed, accuracy and power by watching the performance of the China’s world class gymnasts, badminton and table tennis players. For instance, China’s world ranking number 1 table tennis player Zhang Yining makes every smash counts and rarely make any unforced errors. Furthermore, I noticed that she is quick to respond to any return smashes by her opponents, simply because she has complete situation awareness and able to anticipate the next likely trajectory of the of ball return by her opponent. Each smash is follow by graceful response to counter attack by her opponents.

Singapore table tennis players on the other hand lack accuracy and situation awarenss skills. As a matter of fact I am inclined to believe that Singapore players such as Li Jiawei pulls in more smashes compare to her China opponents. The sad thing though is that even though the smashes are powerful and high speed but alas most of these smashes lacks accuracy resulting in loss of points unnecessary due to unforced errors. Furthemore, there is serious lack of situation awareness, of not being able to predict nor anticipate the opponent's next moves.
I wonder what the Singapore table tennis coach is doing?