The world of elite badminton is filled with players who have extensive support systems, including personal coaches, physios, masseurs, and nutritionists. However, Beiwen Zhang stands out as one of the few independent players who travel and compete without such a network of professionals.
Zhang’s current top 15 ranking is a clear testament to her ability and determination in the face of various challenges. Despite not having the resources to afford an entourage, she has made the best of the situation. In fact, her recent performance at the DANISA Denmark Open in October, where she reached the quarterfinals before losing to Carolina Marin, showcased her remarkable skills and resilience.
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One might wonder how Zhang manages to remain competitive at the highest level without a travelling coach. She acknowledges the benefits of having a coach, particularly in terms of shuttle feeding, motivation, and skill development. However, she also emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit in a coach-athlete relationship.
Zhang shares, “Sometimes when a coach is behind you, they don’t really know how you feel. It’s hard for me to tell him, because I’m also thinking. If the coach and I think the same thing, that’s good, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. Then do you listen to the coach, or do you listen to yourself? So sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes it’s not.”
It is interesting to note that while Zhang herself is comfortable without a travelling coach, she has been actively coaching young players. This experience has taught her valuable lessons, particularly in terms of mental aspects. As she reflects, “Coaching teaches me a lot; mentally, it’s helping.” However, she also points out that coaching does not necessarily enhance her own skill set. Young players require constant reminders and guidance, whereas adult players are more aware of their own problems and do not require daily reminders.
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During the pandemic, Zhang had to adapt her training routine due to restrictions. Gyms were closed, so she trained for only one hour a day, and she had to find alternatives for certain exercises. While some gyms have reopened with safety measures in place, training with a mask is not ideal for her. Nevertheless, Zhang is no stranger to adapting to challenging circumstances. In the past, when she had limited sponsors and no access to training facilities, she had to take breaks from badminton for months at a time. She has developed resilience and a flexible approach to her training.
Zhang’s aspiration is to consistently train and compete with higher-level players to further improve her game. She explains, “I’m just wishing I can play with higher-level players, so I can get used to that speed and focus while training at that speed. If I get used to playing with slower players, mentally it’s not pushing my limit.”
In summary, Beiwen Zhang’s journey in the world of elite badminton as an independent player is remarkable. Despite not having the same level of support as many of her competitors, she has managed to achieve a top 15 ranking through her talent, determination, and adaptability. While she recognizes the benefits of having a coach, she has learned to navigate the badminton world without one. Zhang’s experience coaching young players has further enriched her understanding of the mental aspects of the game. She continues to strive for consistent training and opportunities to compete against higher-level opponents, pushing her own limits and further honing her skills.
FAQs
Q: How does Beiwen Zhang manage to stay competitive in badminton without a travelling coach?
A: While Beiwen Zhang acknowledges the usefulness of having a coach, she has learned to navigate the world of badminton without one. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit in a coach-athlete relationship and highlights the challenges of effective communication between coach and player during intense competition.
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Q: What has coaching young players taught Beiwen Zhang?
A: Coaching young players has been a valuable experience for Beiwen Zhang, particularly in terms of mental aspects. It has helped her gain insights into the mindset and challenges of developing athletes. However, she also notes that coaching has not necessarily enhanced her own skill set, as adult players are more aware of their problems and do not require daily reminders like their younger counterparts.
Q: How did Beiwen Zhang adapt her training during the pandemic?
A: During the pandemic, Beiwen Zhang had to modify her training routine due to restrictions. With gyms closed, she trained for only one hour a day and had to find alternatives for certain exercises. While some gyms have since reopened, training with a mask is not ideal for her, but she has adapted to challenging circumstances in the past and remains resilient.
Summary
Beiwen Zhang, an independent badminton player who competes without a travelling coach, has defied the odds to achieve a top 15 ranking in the sport. While she acknowledges the benefits of having a coach, she has learned to navigate the badminton world without one, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit in a coach-athlete relationship. Coaching young players has provided Zhang with valuable insights into the mental aspects of the game. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she has adapted her training routine to continue improving. Zhang’s aspiration is to consistently train and compete with higher-level players to push her own limits and further enhance her skills.
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