Quang Duong’s Unusual On-Court Ritual: At just 19 years old, Quang Duong has already become a rising star in professional pickleball. Known for his fast and fearless playing style, he trains hard and plays even harder. Behind this success is his father and coach, Duc Duong, whose intense tennis-style training methods keep Quang focused and ready to perform.
Quang’s habit of looking at his father between points isn’t about advice. It’s a mental reset. “It’s more of a reset for his mind so he can focus and play the next point,” said Duc Duong. The deep connection between the two shapes everything from training to match performance.
A Tennis Background with Pickleball Goals
Duc Duong used to be a tennis coach and brings that same focus to pickleball. He warmed up Quang many times a day and pushed him through tough mental drills. “I would literally warm him up ten times per day,” said Duc Duong. “That’s the tennis way.”
Their training includes long warmups that copy the pace of high-level tennis. Unlike other pickleball pros who casually warm up, Quang Duong goes full speed. “He’s got to get into a rhythm. Winning or losing is based on his warmup,” explained Duc Duong.
More Than Physical: Mental Drills Matter
Practice is not only about hitting the ball. It’s about staying mentally strong. Every session ends with a mental challenge. Quang Duong explained how his father pushes him: “Q, you’re up 10-9 or 10-8, match point, third set against Ben or Fed in a Grand Slam. If I make the shot, I pass. If I don’t, we keep drilling until I make the shot.”
Even when Quang Duong and his brother Bao Duong play well in practice, it’s not good enough for Duc. He wants them to feel pressure. “I want them to break down,” said Duc Duong. “When they’re broken down, they have to recover mentally. That’s where they can perform in real matches.”
Training by Choice, Not Force
Some may think Duc is a strict sports parent. But it’s Quang Duong who wants the extra training. He’s the one asking for more time on the court. Quang pushes himself to be better every day.
During matches, people notice how often Quang looks at his father. It’s not to get tips. It’s to calm his mind and stay focused. “It’s a culture thing. Q trains under stress. You go into a match and you’re a warrior,” said Duc Duong. “For Q, the more stress that comes, the better he performs.”
A Unique Style That’s Working
The Duong family’s way of training is not for everyone. But it’s working for Quang Duong. His strong mindset and powerful game are helping him move up fast in the sport. With more fans and sponsors taking notice, he continues to prove that preparation and mental strength can go a long way in pickleball.
News in Brief: Quang Duong’s Unusual On-Court Ritual
Quang Duong, 19, is turning heads in pro pickleball thanks to his powerful play and intense training with his father and coach, Duc Duong. Their tennis-style method focuses on mental toughness. Quang’s habit of looking at his dad between points helps him reset and stay focused during high-pressure matches.
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