PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s doubles coaches are revisiting what worked for their players at their best as they look to bring out the same level of performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which begin on Saturday.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said part of the preparation has involved showing players footage of their previous matches, particularly when they were playing with confidence and performing at their peak.
But Rexy is not merely looking at tactics or technique.
He wants the players to rediscover the mindset, body language and on-court chemistry that helped them deliver their best performances.
The approach could be timely, with Malaysia heading into the Games with several combinations still looking to find their rhythm.
Chen Tang Jie will partner Cheng Su Yin following Toh Ee Wei’s absence, while women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are still searching for their best form after Pearly’s recent return from injury.
It also remains to be seen how Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun will fare, as they were barely tested when they played together at the Thomas Cup Finals in April.
“So I’m getting them to look back at their previous performances and understand why they were able to play well then,” said Rexy.
“We are not only looking at how they played, but also their behaviour on court, the way they thought during each point and how they responded to their partners.
“From the videos, we can look at different aspects — how they won points, how they reacted with their partners and the kind of expressions and energy that kept them motivated for every point.
“These are the things we want them to see again.”
Rexy also wants those making their Asian Games debuts to approach the occasion with confidence rather than be overwhelmed by it.
“I don’t want them to think too much about this being their first time. We have to minimise that kind of thinking.
“The Asian Games is like a mini Olympics, and for players competing for the first time, that should give them even more motivation.
“They should think, ‘I was selected because I have the ability to be here.’
“That is the kind of belief the first-timers need to have,” he added.
