Saturday, 9 Nov 2024

News | BWF World Championships

In recent years, the Chinese national team has seen an interesting development with the addition of international expertise. One prominent example of this is Kang Kyung Jin, who was formerly the head coach of Korea and now handles China’s women’s doubles. Another valuable addition to the team is Spain’s Cristian Luque Manjon, who serves as the strength and conditioning coach for China’s top mixed doubles pair, Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong. Manjon’s journey from working with tennis players to becoming an integral part of the world’s best badminton team is a fascinating one.

How Did Manjon Join the Chinese Badminton Team?

Manjon’s association with the Chinese badminton team began while he was working in a tennis academy in China. A colleague of his who was working with the badminton team recognized the need for a strength and conditioning coach for the mixed doubles players and reached out to Manjon. This opportunity led to Manjon working with Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong, Wang Yi Lyu and Huang Dong Ping, and later Chen Yu Fei in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

Adapting from Tennis to Badminton

Moving from tennis to badminton presented its own set of challenges for Manjon. The smaller court size and higher intensity of badminton required him to adjust his training approaches. Despite these differences, Manjon was able to apply many of the methodologies he had used with tennis players to his work with badminton athletes. He conducted extensive research on the physiological demands and specific characteristics of badminton to tailor his training programs accordingly.

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In badminton, acceleration plays a crucial role as the shorter distance on the court necessitates quick bursts of power. Meanwhile, tennis players prioritize developing maximum speed due to the longer distances they have to cover. Manjon’s extensive knowledge allowed him to design training programs that targeted the unique demands of badminton.

Player-Specific Approach

Manjon’s approach to training is highly individualized, taking into account various factors such as players’ playing style, injury history, and personal training preferences. He is responsible for strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, warm-up routines, and overall player support. By involving the players in decision-making and explaining the reasoning behind his training methods, Manjon ensures that they are fully invested in the process.

Collaborating with the Chinese Team

When Manjon joined the Chinese team, he recognized the importance of understanding the team’s existing system and culture. Rather than attempting to overhaul everything immediately, he made small changes to warm-up routines and match preparations while respecting the team’s established practices. Manjon had the freedom to develop his training methodology, which was crucial for him to optimize the athletes’ performance and progress.

Working with Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong

As the world’s number one mixed doubles pair, Zheng and Huang required consistent performance throughout the season. Manjon focused on maintaining their physical condition and adjusting training loads to ensure they were at their best for important tournaments. He tailored their training programs to their specific needs; for example, improving lateral movements, hand-eye coordination for Huang, and injury reduction and proper recovery for Si Wei.

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The Special Qualities of Zheng and Huang

Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong’s sustained success as the world’s top-ranked pair can be attributed to their strong mentality and ability to remain calm under pressure. They have encountered challenging situations in competitions and managed to come out on top through their mental fortitude and unwavering focus. This mental stability is, in part, a result of their intense daily training, where they give their utmost effort and maintain high levels of concentration.

As their journey continues, Zheng and Huang will undoubtedly face new challenges, but with their determination and the guidance of professionals like Cristian Luque Manjon, their remarkable achievements are bound to continue.

FAQs

Q: How did Cristian Luque Manjon join the Chinese badminton team?

A: Manjon joined the Chinese badminton team after being approached by a colleague who recognized the need for a strength and conditioning coach for the mixed doubles players. Manjon’s experience and expertise made him the ideal candidate for the role.

Q: What were the main differences between tennis and badminton that Cristian Luque Manjon had to adjust to?

A: There are differences in terms of court size and movement distance between tennis and badminton. Badminton has a smaller court and higher intensity, requiring quick bursts of power. Manjon had to conduct thorough research to understand the physiological demands and unique characteristics of badminton to tailor his training programs accordingly.

Q: How does Cristian Luque Manjon approach training individual players?

A: Manjon’s approach to training is highly individualized, taking into account players’ playing style, injury history, and personal preferences. He focuses on creating tailored training programs that address each player’s specific needs and goals. This personalized approach ensures that players are fully engaged in their training and can make informed decisions about their development.

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Q: What special qualities do Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong possess that have helped them maintain their number one ranking?

A: Zheng and Huang possess a strong mentality and the ability to remain calm under pressure. They have demonstrated their mental fortitude in challenging situations, allowing them to come out on top in crucial moments. Their daily training focuses on intense concentration and maximum effort, which translates into their competition performance.

Summary

In recent years, the Chinese national badminton team has embraced international expertise, with professionals like Cristian Luque Manjon joining their coaching staff. Manjon’s background in tennis and his extensive knowledge of sports science have made him a valuable asset to the team. He has successfully adapted his training methods to suit the demands of badminton, working closely with top mixed doubles pair Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong. Manjon’s individualized approach to training, combined with Zheng and Huang’s strong mentality, has contributed to their sustained success as the world’s number one mixed doubles pair. With their collective dedication and support from professionals like Manjon, Zheng and Huang’s impressive achievements are set to continue. For more information, visit the Carnegiecentre website.