ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 2021.07.30
(English Version Powered by ChatGPT, Edited by Serena H.)
Since the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, Taiwan’s delegation has achieved an unprecedented result of 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals, with the number of medals still increasing. Among these, the Taiwanese table tennis team just secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles, and although the men’s singles player finished fourth, he tied the team’s best-ever result in the event. This honor showcases not only the fruit of athletes’ and coaches’ years of training but also heroes behind the scenes – the sports science team.
Professor Hsiang Tzu-Yuan from the Department of Physical Education at NTNU served as the chief of the sports science team for the Tokyo Olympics, while Professor Hong Cong-Min from the Department of Sports Science at NTNU served as the cheif of table tennis sports science support. They integrated the sports science resources from the National Training Center and collaborated with Professors Zhu Hong-Guo and Hu Min-Jun from the Department of Computer Science at Tsinghua University, and Professors Qiu Wen-Xin and Wu De-Cheng from the Department of Sports Science to form the Tokyo 2020 table tennis sports science support team in 2020.
Professor Hong Cong-Min, an eight-time national table tennis player, not only does he have rich practical experience in the sport but also he was elected as an international fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, with his long-term research on how to maintain excellent performance under pressure through neuroscience.
Professor Hong stated that table tennis is an open-skill sport, where it is necessary to understand the opponent’s habits, favored techniques, tactics, and scoring strengths / weaknesses before the match. Based on this, corresponding strategies should be formulated and practiced in training. During the competition, as the match evolves, players must have the ability to make real-time adjustments. Between each point, players quickly review the previous rallies, calculate using big data in their minds at the fastest speed, and then decide on the strategy for the next shot.
This entire complex process must be completed within the few seconds between each point (such as picking up the ball or wiping sweat). After deciding on the strategy, players also need to execute it decisively. These demands place a tremendous load and challenge on the players’ psychological resilience and cognitive processing abilities.
Professor Hong further explained that in order to maintain peak performance under pressure, the best psychological traits are “concentration, 0 distraction, and a sense of control.” Achieving this state requires a method: through thorough preparation before the match (including physical training, tactical rehearsals, and gathering information on opponents), athletes increase their sense of control over the competition. A solid and steady feeling enhances confidence, allowing the athlete to execute their strategies decisively and improve their chances of winning.
Thus, under Professor Hong’s leadership, the sports science team analyzed recent competition data for table tennis prodigy Lin Yun-Ju (men’s singles) and Cheng I-Ching (mixed doubles) using video analysis technology and sports coaching expertise. They also thoroughly analyzed the techniques and tactics of key opponents, identifying their main scoring advantages. During the Tokyo Olympics, real-time match information, including analysis of opponents’ techniques and tactics, was provided to Taiwanese players, ensuring they had the most timely and comprehensive intelligence before their matches, achieving the effect of knowing both themselves and their opponents.
The table tennis team at this year’s Tokyo Olympics received the most scientifically advanced training compared to prior years. In addition to hiring highly qualified domestic and international coaches, the players’ parents also provided significant support. For example, Lin Yun-Ju’s father, who is also a doctor in sports science, has consistently used scientific methods to assist with training, enabling his son to surpass previous results.
In the past, athletes relied on their natural talent and hard work, investing vast amounts of time and energy. In the future, sports science is believed to provide more efficient methods to help athletes become more elite and outstanding, enabling them to reach greater heights in the Olympic arena with the motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together.”
(Source: Department of Sports Science / Editor: Hu Shi-Ze / Proofreader: Hu Shi-Ze)