Original subtitles

Hello, everyone.

This is the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Women's volleyball match between China and USA.

The holders are

one of the favorite teams among the locals

with a home advantage today.

This match is predicted to have 300 million viewers.

This match is in the spotlight

for another reason.

That's correct.

That is Team USA's head coach,

Lang Ping.

Nicknamed The Iron Hammer.

Achieving a legendary feat

of securing five world championships in a row with her team.

Lang Ping, in her navy blue uniform,

directs the players from the USA bench in English.

Lang Ping's opponent today

is her friend of many years.

You know this.

When China plays against the USA,

it's never simple.

Year 1979

Fujian

Welcome, new comrade.

Hello, I'm the team manager.

Let me show you around.

This is the assistant coach. He's leading the spiking practice.

- Watch the ball! - This girl

is Number 5, our outside hitter.

1.8 m tall, from Bayi Volleyball team.

From a civil servant family, works extremely hard.

Great basic techniques.

Can both attack and defense well.

The girl in blue

is also an outside hitter.

She's probably the shortest hitter in the world.

She might not be tall.

But she's got her own techniques.

She can spike anything set to her.

This is our backup setter, Number 8.

Number 12, Number 9, and Number 2

are our middle blockers.

Here.

Our setter.

The captain.

Excellent rhythm and touch on sets.

But she's temperamental

and at times unwilling to take orders.

This is Number 4.

She sets and blocks extremely well.

Most people can do around

20 squats before collapsing.

But she does 200 squats every day.

That middle blocker

is from Fujian, like you.

Her spikes and blocks are beautiful.

But she's jittery and softly spoken.

That's Number 1, our previous captain.

Famous for risking her life to save a ball.

Injuries all over her body.

Her knee caps are all worn down.

The one doing squats with weights is Lang Ping.

From Beijing.

Called into the national team at 18.

Before coming here,

she couldn't even lift 30 kg.

Coach told her,

unless she can lift 100 kg,

she's not to practice with a ball.

This is how Coach trains her.

Her teammates are also helping her.

Let me help you.

Get up!

Sitting there makes you feel more tired.

People are naturally lazy.

Get up!

That's our coach.

Come on, up!

When you girls were rolling on the floor,

you stayed two extra seconds.

Remember!

Two seconds is long enough for a victory on the court.

Everyone, ten more spikes!

You! Don't cry!

China women's volleyball players shed blood but not tears.

I can't do it! I quit!

You!

You think you can start and stop whenever you like?

No!

If you stop training now,

we'll continue with you tomorrow morning.

Come on!

Again!

If this China team is to win the World Cup,

they must be as strong as western teams

and become a well-rounded team.

Coach.

I've never worked in women's volleyball.

I don't know anything about it.

I don't get why you asked me to be...

We want a man as their hitting partner.

Coach.

The party didn't tell me...

We need a hitting partner

who can copy the playing techniques

of our main competitors.

Coach.

The order I have is to stay here for 45 days.

No one mentioned being a hitting partner.

Plus,

I don't think I'm qualified enough.

Comrade.

This is a very important position.

Welcome to China women's national volleyball team training.

Come this way, Officer Wang.

You must be very tired

after a two-day train ride.

Don't mention it.

Coach.

Let me introduce him to you.

He's Officer Wang from the Administration of Sport.

He came straight from Beijing.

Nice to meet you, Coach.

One, two.

One, two.

One, two.

What is computer technology exactly?

It's an electronic brain

that is equal to a thousand human brains.

It can perform complex operations.

A player's strengths, usual way of playing, and tactics

can all be analyzed.

According to the latest report,

US head coach, Selinger has begun using computer technology

to enhance the training and match the performance of his team.

Which means

all our athletes

are being calculated.

Including you.

Can we get this computer thing?

The Academy of Sciences has one.

But I've heard it couldn't even fit into a truck.

Very few people know how to use it.

I don't think they'd let us use it for volleyball.

One more thing.

Selinger has also mentioned

technology will be the future of sports, not humans.

Whoever has the technologies wins.

Thank you.

Raise the net by 15 cm.

Carry on!

Jump!

Higher!

You call those spikes?

If you let them off easy now,

they'll lose points during tomorrow's match.

Harder!

Don't dodge! Harder!

Go towards the ball!

That's not enough power and curvature!

- Catch the ball! - Nice catch!

The Americans will show you no mercy!

The Japanese will show you no mercy!

Come on!

Come on!

Do you think my method of training

can be calculated using a computer?

Keep going!

Come on!

Everyone's gone.

Rome was not built in a day.

Leave it.

I'm leaving.

You can't lift 100 kg, anyway.

I'll tell the Coach tomorrow that you've done it.

I'm going for dinner.

Get Ready for the 3rd Women's Volleyball World Cup

Hey, what are you doing?

Okay! I've seen it. Put it down!

You want to kill yourself?

I was called up to the national team at 18.

Everyone tells me I'm lucky

without knowing how hard I've worked.

I didn't know

I couldn't even touch a ball here.

The experienced players are better, technically.

So all I can do is work harder.

But the thing is

everyone here works hard,

so I can't even win with that.

There are no other choices for me.

I can't go to a university.

I can only keep my head down and practice.

10,000 years is too long.

Seize the day, seize the hour.

Fight if you can win. Run if you will lose.

Some people live in a dream world.

Some people live in reality.

And some make one into the other.

What is that? I don't get it.

Do you know

from the bottom of the flag

to the floor is 3.32 m?

That's the jumping height of Flo Hyman.

I will jump higher one day.

You're just a backup.

Talk when you're a starter!

I've already lifted 100 kg.

I'll be practicing with them tomorrow.

Hurry up, Lang Ping.

Count faster!

Hurry up!

This is the national team.

We're not on the streets.

Don't whistle like that.

Coach.

Why am I still not training with the team?

Spike ten thousand balls with her.

Okay.

You promised that

when I lift 100 kg,

I can join the team.

You have lifted 100 kg.

But they have lifted more.

When you've spiked 10,000 times,

they already did it 50,000 times.

Receive the ball for me!

Overhead floater.

It needs to go higher.

Another one!

Relax your arm, straighten your back,

and hit in the middle.

Only when your judgment becomes your instincts,

during a match

can you be in the right position.

How does it become your instinct?

Through training.

Not just any training.

It needs to be repeated millions, even billions of times.

Endless repetition.

Only those who persevere will succeed.

This match.

You're on the bench.

Lang Ping will start.

Don't worry, Coach.

I'll help Lang Ping reach her potential.

You!

You play opposite for the Jiangsu men's team.

What's the point of this?

Are we supposed to take this seriously?

Learn from Jiangsu men's team!

Thank you for the opportunity.

We can do it!

One, two, come on!

Well played!

Let's kick their butts!

Look at my hand.

Look at my hand. Focus on the receive.

Let's have more movement.

Jump slower.

One, two, come on!

Let's do it again!

Look at my hand.

- Stay low. - Spread out.

Spread out.

Protect!

Defense!

Never mind, focus on the next point.

Set the ball higher.

Don't rush. Don't let your opponent know you're rushing.

Give me!

Protect!

Give me!

Good job!

Protect this area. I'll protect that side.

Do you now get

why I've been training you girls so hard?

It's all those training sessions

that pushed the best men's volleyball team in China to play against you seriously.

This is a rare opportunity.

Seize it.

Kiddo.

The women here put their lives on the line every day

to show what they can do during matches.

Get your head straight.

They need you.

You are a hitting partner.

But you're an important member of this team.

What's the women's national volleyball team?

It's not about you.

Not about me.

It's all of us.

Come on.

Take every opportunity we get.

Come on.

Fight for this.

China women's national volleyball team!

Go!

Let me tell you.

Young people just want

to do right by themselves.

Eventually, they find

they've only wronged other people.

- Let's do this again. - All right.

It's coming.

Get ready to move.

- Good one! - Go!

Great shot!

Lang Ping.

If you can beat us today,

I'll train with you for life.

Learn from the women's national volleyball team!

You'll play at the World Cup in Japan soon.

They'll have strong lights

for TV on both sides.

You must get used to them!

Look at the court.

Number 3 is 1.9 m tall.

He's the same height as Soviet's Pavlova.

Number 7 is 1.96 m tall.

Same height as US's Flo Hyman.

Number 10's spiking height

is the same as Cuba's Perez.

Our hitting partner's power and build

are similar to Yumi Egami's.

Lang Ping is 1.84 m.

She's our best match to a western outside hitter.

This is a test match.

If we can match a men's team today,

tomorrow...

we can win the World Cup.

You ladies ignored teamwork today.

We'll keep training.

We'll start with the captain.

Make 30 good saves.

You can do it!

You can do it!

Come on! You can do it!

You can do it!

It's already Chinese New Year!

Let them take a break.

Twelve more saves.

Who wants to take her place?

Me!

Come on! You can do it!

Lang Ping, you can do it!

You can do it!

Lang Ping, you can do it!

That's 30.

Let's eat.

Baby.

Mom!

How are you? I really missed you.

Let me hug you.

The coach got me here.

Don't cry.

I do have selfish intentions.

In 1966,

the men's national team

came in ninth place.

Everyone was confident

we could reach the top.

Who would have thought

we'd stop playing for the next ten years?

There's been a dagger in my heart ever since.

The first time I went abroad,

I was in awe of the hotel room.

Refrigerator.

Color TV.

Air conditioner.

I'd have never seen them before.

I couldn't sleep that night.

Looking at the skyscrapers outside,

I cried.

China is so far behind.

What can we do?

Do we just sit here and sigh

or fight and catch up with the lost time?

The country is reforming to open up.

Sports in China is a priority.

We don't have the facilities other countries have.

So we have to work harder to have any chance of winning.

The Chinese people need us to be world champions.

We need to prove to everyone that

us Chinese

are great.

Come on!

I'll do whatever it takes

to make you women the world champions.

China women's national volleyball team!

One, two, come on!

- Higher! - You can do it!

- You can do it! - Watch your movements!

We can't beat them by heavy attacks.

We need a combination of soft touches.

Watch out for Egami's quick change of pace.

No one can win the World Cup with a smile on their face.

Go on!

Come on!

You start with what's special about the Japanese team.

Do you still remember that English sentence?

I love my motherland.

"I love my motherland."

I love the morning at my motherland.

The Japanese are quite short.

Great defense.

Hard to break their defense.

When we face them,

we need to time our jumps with quick and strong hands

to make good blocks.

And prepare ourselves for long rallies.

Have to fight till the bitter end.

We can fight back by playing their style.

But we have to cover our tracks.

Let's continue.

Go on!

- Catch the ball! Lay down! - You can do it!

Be careful

Hair Salon

Jump!

This is our last chance.

That's all for the 1981 squad to Japan.

Our hitting partner

will not be traveling with us.

Sometimes when it comes to DNA,

we really can't fight with nature.

Have you reached 3.32 m yet?

But volleyball

is not about personal heroics.

Look to your teammates.

What you should do now

is accept reality.

Accept reality?

So you're willing to be a hitting partner for life?

And what's wrong with that?

I'll be next to you when you win the world championships.

We can't play for life.

What happens when we can't move anymore?

Have you not thought

about being the head coach?

You haven't slept in a while.

Try to get some sleep on the plane.

Hello.

Hello.

Nice to meet you.

Two coffee, please.

Hope you all come back as champions!

Thanks.

I think we should take a group photo.

It's so bitter.

Tastes like Chinese medicine.

Lang Ping.

One of us did the front part.

Another did the back.

Someone did the sleeves.

Then there's the collar.

It's a group effort.

Everyone did at least a few stitches.

Even though it's not very neat

and the sleeves are of different sizes.

I want to...

One day when you're the head coach,

you'll get your chance to travel.

Lang Ping! Time to board.

Let's go.

Hello everyone.

We're at Osaka Gymnasium.

Live at the 3rd FIVB Women's Volleyball World Cup.

China and Japan

are fighting for the championship now.

During the match so far,

the Chinese team has been looking tense, rushing their plays.

Come on!

Japan serves.

This is the fourth set.

The atmosphere is highly intense.

Japan's defense is nearly perfect.

They are doing all they can to save the ball.

Lang Ping!

China spikes!

It goes out.

It's 8 to 4.

Japan is in the lead.

The nickname "Toyo Witch" sure suits the Japanese.

Their defense is impossible to penetrate.

The Japanese's defense is flawless.

They are on a high.

China's offense is shut down.

It's a stalemate.

Number 3's spike hits the net.

China loses another point.

Her attack was rushed.

What a terrible spike.

Japan leads, 9 to 4.

Don't rush.

Japan aces on serve.

For the last few points,

China has been making erroneous first passes.

What's going on now?

China's losing.

Again.

A two-man block from China. The ball goes out.

China makes another mistake.

Japan serves.

Another point.

Japan is controlling the play now.

But China has prepared

for the worst.

It's not over yet.

Let's turn it around!

Yes!

One, two, come on!

Japan spikes again.

China's Number 7 falls on her hips.

She supports herself up.

Japan gets ready for another attack.

Japan spikes again.

The ball flies out.

Japan wins the fourth set.

Can you stand up?

China has no other opposite hitter.

How will their coach handle this?

Coach!

This is my last match.

Please let me have a go at it!

Get ready.

Yes!

Those four sets are in the past.

Don't think about them.

I need you to think about one thing only.

Think about where you're playing now.

We are Chinese.

And you're representing the people of China.

If you don't win this match,

all of you will regret this for life.

Come on.

Let's fight.

Come on!

One, two, come on!

Can she still play?

I didn't know they're this desperate.

The crowd's applause is thunderous.

While commentating,

our lips are pressed against the mics.

Doing our best to cover all the action on the court.

Move it!

Protect her!

Number 1 spikes!

Great spike!

That was one powerful spike.

With that, China gets the next serve.

This is likely to be her last World Cup.

The ball lands inbound.

A point!

Zeng Chunlei!

Okay.

Two o'clock.

Japan wasn't ready

for China's Number 1 to play.

She is turning the game around!

We're winning.

China wins a point!

The coach's tactic pays off!

China's coach said

their team's goal this year

is to fight until the last minute

and take the World Cup home.

Number 1 is the type to shine on the court.

Her energy is contagious.

She gives the team an extra bounce.

Japan thought our outside hitter only spikes.

Instead of her usual high and fierce attack,

she used an unexpected tip against them.

China leads at 4 - nil.

It's rare to watch

a match like this.

The players are all very active on the court

as if they have endless power.

Japan's coach calls for a timeout.

Let's see how he is going

to cope with the deficit.

Listen to the sounds around you. Please lift your spirits.

They shouldn't be able to play this well for long.

Must keep up the pace!

- Call out the play! - Yes.

Like monsters!

- Got it! - Listen!

We can't lose to China.

We must win.

We are the best!

My bad.

- No, it's my fault. - Protect.

The Japanese girls on the court

are rallied again by their coach.

They are running actively

and getting ready for a counterattack.

It is said that Japan is hard to kill.

As long as the game is on,

they can win it back.

13 to 13.

Japan battles back to a tie.

China is forced to stay passive again.

Their stamina is going down as well.

Let's do this again.

At this critical moment, China's coach is staying very calm.

He is buying time for Number 3 to rest and adjust.

Is Number 7 able to push on with her hip injury?

Look at the court.

You are the youngest.

And you have the strongest attack.

I called you up to the national team when you were 18.

Everything I've put you through

all leads up to today.

Get back in.

Set every ball to me.

I will hit it over.

Come on!

Fight! This is our chance!

Come on, come on! We can do it!

Japan takes the lead, 15 to 14.

What a crucial moment!

China's spiking from the top.

The ball's in!

Good job, girls!

Great teamwork!

China gets to serve next.

A diagonal spike from Area 4!

A hard-earned point.

It's a tie at 15!

China blocks and wins a point, 16 to 15!

They successfully

predicted Japan's tactics

and blocked against their attack!

Everyone out there.

Our fellow Chinese home and abroad.

This is the last set

for the last match of this World Cup.

It's the final challenge for China women's national volleyball team.

China serves.

Number 10 is serving.

Japan receives.

The ball is set to Area 4.

Japan spikes.

It's 17 to 15!

Victory for China!

This is the moment

that generations of Chinese people have dreamed of!

The players are hugging each other.

November 16th, 1981, Osaka. 145th International Match.

China takes home the World Cup

with seven straight wins!

Comrade.

Are you an athlete?

I'm a volleyball player.

You play volleyball too?

Congratulations.

China has got a great team.

I've been trying to reach

your jumping height for so long.

I haven't made it.

You may not have reached my height.

But you're playing better.

Plus, your team plays as one.

Let me give you a piggyback.

I can do it on my own!

Stay in line. Don't fall behind.

Don't cry.

Unite And Bring Glory To The Country

One.

Two.

Three.

In person?

It's a lot of pressure.

But we will give it our best.

Rhythm, don't forget rhythm.

Change it up!

Got it. Don't think too much.

Focus on fighting the opponent.

- Good shot. - What good shot?

You spike too early. One more!

Come on, push yourself!

What did you eat today?

Marshmallow?

If you spike so low against the Americans,

it'd be no different than hitting a wall.

Spike at the highest point.

Understand?

Thank you for checking in.

Pressure is also a great motivator.

What can I do for you, Coach Lang?

Your old habit hasn't changed?

How is it?

There's a slight breeze.

But it won't affect the serves.

Yeah?

To be honest,

I feel weird meeting like this before a match.

Three years ago, before I took over the US team,

I asked for your opinion.

You told me that I had your support.

Back then,

you should have known

that we'd meet like this sooner or later.

We can't run from this.

How could you leave that lying around?

You don't know English.

My listening is okay.

Just need to work on my oral and reading.

So, why did you ask me out?

You remember what Coach used to tell us?

Why can a glass hold water?

Because it's empty.

Which team do you think will win tomorrow?

You've beaten the US team so many times.

Abilities wise, Team USA is no match for Team China.

Lang Ping.

But what you really think is not that the US will lose

but they'll win, right?

I get it.

You want us to relax

and bring out our best.

Of course, I hope China will win.

But as a coach,

Team USA is my responsibility.

We've been friends for 30 years.

Of course, I know

of your love for the Chinese team.

Relax.

Just give us your best shot.

That's the only way to honor our fighting spirit.

You might have lost hope, wandering around

Like a scarecrow without a soul

Life is like the waves of the sea

There are highs and lows

No matter good luck or bad luck

Life needs to go on

Three parts fate

Seven parts hard work

Love the fight to win

I'm a bad singer.

But I love this song.

"Love the Fight to Win."

Over the years,

I've been busy with your training.

I never realize

how beautiful you all are.

How all of you came to be here.

Every training.

Every injury and fall.

I've witnessed them all.

Looking at you,

I remember when I first entered the volleyball team,

the women I work with back then.

You are just like them.

You should be proud of yourselves.

I'm deeply grateful to all of you.

Okay, stop staring at me.

I'm going to cry.

Today's practice is over.

Eat three blocks of chocolate

for each set you'll win tomorrow! Okay?

Okay? Come!

Fight!

The last part was great.

Girls, listen.

Next, they'll try

to disrupt our first pass.

They're getting nervous, stay on top of them.

Move early.

Make it difficult for them on the receive.

Block faster!

Pay attention to Area 5.

Area 5!

Don't give them time to think.

First pass!

Watch the outside. Go for the middle.

Protect when making strong attacks.

High point!

Again.

Hit it short, short!

No rush.

I'm not in a hurry. Why are you?

- It's the weaker rotation. - You can do it!

Time your blocks.

Think.

Put pressure on them.

Tip more.

Hey Logan, watch out for their tips.

Defend!

She's going for the tip!

- Go! - Go!

- You can do it! - You can do it!

Our red flag flies

As the song of victory echoes in the sky

All right, listen to me.

Their Number 1 is tired.

Focus on

Area 2 and 3.

Concentrate!

- Make strong blocks. - Mark them.

Let's sing for our dear motherland

Hold on for me.

You can do this, you definitely can.

Kim.

Change it up. Hit it straight and short.

Yes, sir.

What did you eat today?

Steak.

Very good, show me what you've got.

Number 1, block her.

Come on. You can do it.

- You can do it! - You can do it!

- You can do it! - You can do it!

- You can do it! - You can do it!

What's with the looks on your faces?

Don't think too much about it.

What we should do now is

to fight back point by point!

We can lose to our opponent,

but not to ourselves.

I've got nothing to say.

This is your game.

Fight, this is our last chance!

USA! One, two, three.

One, two, come on!

USA!

The match has come to the fifth set.

Match point for Team USA.

Their first pass is bad.

Team USA adjusts their attack. This is Number 3.

China still has a chance.

The US blocks to win the point.

15 to 11.

Team USA wins the fifth set.

With that,

they win the match, 3 to 2.

Team China and USA are well-matched teams.

Today, China was just short of luck.

Home pressure may have affected their performance.

Despite the loss,

they made it to the end.

They are all heroes.

Let's hope they can adjust

and do better in coming matches.

Playing Coach Jenny's home team,

we wanted to show that we are the best.

Today, we did that!

We did it!

At least, my son is happy.

I can finally go home.

China lost.

And all they do is blame you.

Mom!

Congratulations, you were so great.

I only knew you coached volleyball.

Mom, I'm so happy!

Are you happy?

Yeah.

I'm really proud of you.

Lydia.

It's been a long time since you've been to China.

It's changed so much.

I no longer recognize some of the places.

Mom, are you crying?

I saw a friend

I hadn't seen for a long time.

We talked for a while.

I probably

disappointed him today.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me, lady?

You know I can have you towed

for parking in a handicapped spot.

Oh, sorry.

You look too young to need this.

20 years of being an athlete.

Oh? What sport?

Volleyball.

How the hell do you injure yourself playing volleyball?

Sometimes, it puzzles me too.

- I can help out. - Taste this.

- Did you make this? - They did.

Now, they can't even beat Japan.

Each generation is worse than the last.

What is this? They should just dismiss this team.

It's not the 80s. Don't get so involved.

Volleyball is just a game.

In 1981's Volleyball World Cup,

she finished the match despite a hip injury.

Her fighting spirit inspired a whole generation.

After Chinese New Year,

her conditions deteriorated.

Defeated by cancer,

she passed away on April 1st, 2013 in Beijing.

Stay in line. Don't fall behind.

Don't cry.

My match is nearly over.

I'm going to take a break.

Let's be teammates again in our next life.

The service begins.

Please all rise.

You can bring something new to the women's national volleyball team.

You have our support.

Come back.

Come back.

How have you been?

Fine.

Mom, you'll be home soon?

Lydia.

I might not come back next week.

Is Lang Ping the new head coach?

Please say something.

Can you stay for some photos?

Coach Lang!

Do you have anything to say?

It's Lang Ping.

As we had hoped,

she's the new head coach of the women's volleyball team.

I'm sticking to what I said.

We shouldn't put high expectations on the current team.

Our women's team is just second-rate.

That's the reality.

The players we have

are much worse compared to the ones in the 80s.

I suggest we manage them on a daily basis.

Be firm.

Take away their phones if needed.

Coach Lang.

I watched you play since I was a kid.

I understand you're looking towards the future.

But I suggest

we should stabilize the team as a stopgap.

I'm sorry.

I'm here in this meeting,

not to listen to what you have to say,

but for you all to hear me out.

Changing the team

is not a one-person job.

Me included.

Our sporting system was set 30 years ago.

It's outdated.

There's only one way to go.

Reform.

I will now announce my three-step reform plans.

I will start by doing what other international teams do.

Choose from a bigger squad.

Where we used to have 12 players

with 6 or 7 good enough to start.

Now I'm going to choose 30 players.

Who's that girl with the long hair?

She shouldn't be playing beach volleyball.

She should be playing indoors.

Her name is Zhang Changning.

She just got permission to transfer to indoor volleyball.

This is her last beach volleyball match.

Number 4, Hui Ruoqi.

You're her idol since childhood.

Then she should be good.

Who's the setter for Liaoning?

Ding Xia.

As a setter, her best attribute

is spiking.

Darn!

Good one.

If 30 is not enough,

we select 50.

Old lady!

This is a dorm, not your home.

- You're crazy! - If 50 is not enough,

then 100.

Coach Lang.

I beg to differ.

Back during your championship days,

it was about training six or seven players

together for a long time, like a family.

That's how we become world-beaters.

The winning days

were in 1986.

27 years ago.

Hang on.

Look at Number 5.

Her name is Zhu Ting.

Born in 1994.

1.94 m tall.

I've seen this Number 5 from Henan before.

Zhu Ting is quite tall.

But she's thin, so her spikes are weak.

And she only spikes diagonals.

We're thinking of putting her on the backup team.

Coach, that Number 3 is quite good.

She can spike without a run-up.

That's truly something.

I'm here.

Chen Lu.

30 minutes late.

10 laps, 50 pushups.

I'll tell you when to stop.

Jump later. Slow down!

Protection!

Nice one!

Up!

When you back set,

watch the rhythm

and your hand.

Don't be scared of a back set.

Fine.

You're the captain,

not the coach.

With a large number of new recruits in the team,

there will be conflicts between players of different ages.

How would you deal with it?

Fine!

I'm putting it out here right now.

You older players

like to stay among yourselves,

nitpicking at everything us newcomers do.

Even when you're wrong?

Do you know what it means to be on this team?

I agree.

You all are too self-centered

and disrespectful.

Who'd just slap someone on the butt?

We wouldn't dare to do that.

I didn't know being here is about taking lessons from you.

This is too much for me.

I might as well just leave.

Ding Xia, do you think before you speak?

The whole team is waiting for you.

Zhang Changning!

What are you waiting for?

It's not beach volleyball. There's no sand.

My second reform plan.

Hire coaches around the world

and build a coaching team.

This won't work.

We've never had foreigners in the coaching team.

From this day forward,

we will.

Stop, put it down.

Zhu Ting.

You're underweight.

You'll get injured.

This is for you. Protein powder.

To increase your muscle mass.

Eat more and take a good rest.

Coach, how much is this?

That sounds expensive.

My third change.

In a bigger squad system,

I'll scrape starters and backups.

There'll only be the first team and the second team.

In the China women's volleyball team,

it seems like everyone is equal in this new set-up.

Lang Ping has made 26 substitutions since the match began.

The center of the national team nowadays

are not the players,

but Lang Ping.

With the first and second-team system,

we can use different lineups and tactics,

according to our opponents in competitions.

Also, I'll tell my players

that volleyball is our job.

Not our whole life.

That's it.

No more sessions today.

Take a break.

Go on a date.

Coach, we don't have anyone to date.

We're all dedicated athletes.

We're not going to date before becoming world champions.

Drop the act, guys.

Because I can always change my mind.

Run!

I hope our players

aren't only the best athletes,

but also the best human beings.

That's all I've got to say.

Sounds complicated.

Made my blood pressure rise.

What do you think?

I agree with the proposal.

We've heard everything.

Coach Lang.

We will make these reforms.

Hand in the questionnaire when you're finished.

Thanks, Coach Lang.

- "What's your personality?" - "Family background?"

"What's your playing style?"

"Why do you play volleyball?"

"Your interests?"

"Future goals?"

Coach Lang, there's a mistake!

Mine says Yunli.

Aren't you guys roommates?

You can only fill in another person's form.

You all got one?

Make sure you have it.

Yunli.

Why don't we swap and answer?

No.

Yunli, you have a thing against us post-90s?

Well.

Let's play a game.

You take a guess at who I'm thinking of.

I can only answer yes or no.

- Volleyball player? - Yes.

- Is it a she? - Yes.

- Coach Lang? - Yes.

I've got someone too.

You.

How did you know?

That's the difference between us.

I want to stay on the court and play volleyball!

Try it.

We are a team

and you need to shout.

You need to let it out.

Zhu Ting.

You need to know why you play volleyball.

I was on a basketball team before

and they told me, "You're too skinny".

Then the rowing team told me.

"Kid.

Where are you going to put your long legs?"

That's why

I chose volleyball.

Today, Team China is playing Team Turkey.

Coach Lang has sent in Number 9, Zhang Changning.

She still can't quit the habit of spinning the ball.

The referee whistles for a serve time violation.

At the Volleyball World Grand Prix,

Turkey has an upset victory over China.

They miss out on the next round.

After losing to Thailand,

Lang Ping's team

had the worst results

for the national team in 38 years.

Well played.

What do you think of your team's performance?

Today, they're good.

Our team is good at attacking.

I'm very happy with them.

Coach Lang.

We've tried 14 lineups and lost 13 matches.

Should we keep trying?

We can lose some more.

Today's match proved that

Italy plays on another level,

in comparison to China.

The time will soon be up for Lang Ping.

Coach Lang.

It was quite an embarrassing match.

Have you thought about changing the tactics?

How did you make it onto the national team?

Oh yeah, I chose you.

I've read your questionnaires.

There's one question.

"Do you love volleyball?"

A lot of you left the answer blank.

So I'm asking all of you one more time.

You all have to answer it.

Do you love volleyball?

Chen Lu?

Coach Lang.

I don't.

I don't want to play it anymore.

No one has ever asked me

if I really love volleyball.

You're the first.

I think

life is not just about being a volleyball champion.

I want to find my own way.

Thank you, Coach Lang.

I'm going to apply for colleges.

We've heard an athlete

has quit the volleyball team.

Lang Ping has also fired two starting players from the squad.

Everyone is shocked.

Some fans think Lang Ping has lost her mind.

Facing questions from all sides...

I'm going to announce the squad

for the Rio Olympics.

Hui Ruoqi.

Zhang Changning.

Liu Xiaotong.

Zhu Ting.

Xu Yunli.

Yuan Xinyue.

Yan Ni.

Ding Xia.

Wei Qiuyue.

Lin Li.

Gong Xiangyu.

That's all for today.

I've trained ten hours per day for the last six months.

Just to jump a little higher on the court.

I'm in good form.

I don't understand why I'm not going.

Because you've been playing too well.

Our opponents have sussed you out.

Chunlei.

I'm sorry.

I'm an experienced player. I get it.

I accept your decision.

But how many four years does an athlete have?

The first person in history to walk out on the team.

We understand how you feel.

But you can't just let go

two of the starting players.

That's self-destruction.

It was a strategic decision.

I could talk about it for hours if you'd like to listen.

No matter what,

we give you our full support,

including a renowned coach.

Back then,

he withdrew from the head coach selection to support you.

I think Lang Ping

is the best fit for the role.

I withdraw.

We think that with your current players,

attending the International Volleyball League

will harm our morale and image

and have a negative effect on the team.

So we will recommend the national youth team

to go instead.

It's okay if they lose.

This way, your team can have more time to adjust.

Yes, Coach Lang?

Yawen.

Transfer everyone in the youth team to the national team.

Copy that.

Well.

The youth team can't go anymore.

Lang Ping.

If this is how you want to do this,

just be very clear

about what the consequences could be!

Working out late?

Didn't you say

that volleyball is supposed to be a joy?

Do you feel joy making everyone go against you?

Why can a glass hold water?

Because it's empty.

If you are here to change my mind,

you go tell the experts.

I'm going to do this my way.

You're not alone.

Despite what the experts say,

you have the Administration's support.

Why did you withdraw from the head coach selection?

So that I could win?

I don't need that.

You think I wanted to withdraw?

Yes, I'm old-fashioned.

I don't speak English,

I've never lived abroad,

and I don't have an international horizon.

Do you think I don't want

to lead them to victory as the head coach?

But no one believes it's possible.

They say that they'll never be taller than the Russians,

never jump higher than the Brazilians,

or be stronger than the Serbians and Italians.

Some even said to me,

time has changed.

Chinese people today don't need women's volleyball.

The 80s team at least had the fighting spirit.

This new team has nothing!

Some even say,

even if we were world champions again,

would people still celebrate

on the streets like what happened back then?

Not any more.

Because you are Lang Ping,

only you can bring hope

for the moment.

For the moment?

If they think I'm here,

only to give them hope for the moment,

then they are wrong.

I don't put on acts.

I am how I act.

Some would tell you

it's better to go back to Beijing.

Better than staying here

and sneaking in to practice at night.

Can I win the world championship there?

Eagles have to land every so often.

But chickens will never fly as high as the eagles.

Who are you calling a chicken?

Gymnasium No. 2

Go Beyond Asia

Changning.

I need you to shake off all the sand in five seconds.

Hurry up!

Qiuyue, do you need a balloon?

Your hands are too soft.

Ruoqi,

you need to block, not be a leaking hole.

Ding Xia, less talking.

Stay focus!

Let's go again.

Why did you answer on the questionnaire that

you're playing volleyball for your family?

My parents are farmers.

I have elder and younger sisters.

My parents are under a lot of pressure.

My dad also takes side jobs, like fixing cars.

Every time I see him too exhausted to continue working,

I wanted to quit volleyball.

Then get a job in Guangdong.

But my father said

the quickest way

to success for us villagers is sports.

Sports are hard.

But the real difficulty is life.

Even if he needed to pawn our valuables,

he'd support me.

You know.

The first time I saw you,

you reminded me of my younger self.

Come on.

Come on, Zhu Ting.

One more!

Come on, Zhu Ting.

Zhu Ting.

Give me some noise.

There's no power without your voice.

Again!

Where is it?

Your voice!

Stop and sit down.

Enough for today.

You play like this.

Can you look into your parents' eyes?

Go and find a regular job.

You don't need to be here.

Zhu Ting.

Whether you're from the city or from a village,

I treat all of you the same.

A village is where you're from,

not a story you tell people.

If you can't play well,

try to find a normal job

and they'll think you're a freak.

Stop it!

You've found your voice.

Let's continue!

Zhu Ting!

Tell me!

Why do you play volleyball?

- Answer me! - For my parents!

Then you'll never hit the top!

Think about it again!

Why do you play?

For myself!

And what do you want?

To be like you!

Are you happy now?

I think you've misunderstood me.

You'll never be me.

When I said you were like me,

I meant you were like me when I was a backup

and played really bad.

Same as you are now.

You ladies don't know why you play volleyball, right?

Spend a night here.

Think about it.

Group camping?

What's wrong?

Coach Lang made the right decision to bring you here.

In the past, whenever I was in low spirits,

I came here.

I spiked hard against this old wall.

And my heart would be filled with hope again.

You don't believe it?

Have a go.

You're not sleeping, anyway.

Try it.

Look.

All the dents on the wall

were left by those girls,

hitting balls onto the wall over and over again.

Look.

This is Lang Ping's.

Back then, we had none

of the resources you have.

But we had this in here.

Now you have everything.

But sometimes,

you lose this.

Come, all of you together.

You're not sleeping anyway.

Coach Lang and I used to come here.

I trained with her.

Day in, day out.

You know, she's not in good physical condition.

Volleyball has hurt every bone of hers below her neck.

But why is she still here, fighting alongside you guys?

Because she has this inside.

What is this?

It's the team's fighting spirit.

It's our country.

Go on.

Harder!

Harder! Give me some noise!

Where's your voice?

Girls! Voices!

Your voice!

Remember?

Thirty years ago,

you and I had coffee here

and the team came back as winners.

Drink it up for good luck.

I know it's bitter, but you have to finish it.

I'll blame it on you if we lose.

Fine.

I know how Brazil feels, fighting on home turf.

It's more terrifying than the scale-12 typhoon in Fujian.

When I was still a player,

we played with so much baggage.

We focused too much on winning.

Even second place was not good enough.

I won't be thinking like that anymore.

I will treat this, like any other match.

Don't worry.

Of course.

I won't worry about you.

If I did, I wouldn't have withdrawn from the selection.

I truly believe that

you are the one who can bring something new to the team.

While I die quietly at home,

you will die gallantly

on a volleyball court.

Say something lucky! I'm about to take off.

Oh yes, you're right.

Good luck.

I don't care if the others don't the women's national volleyball team.

But I do.

Got it.

It's the 2016 Rio Olympics.

China women's volleyball has lost to the Netherlands,

Serbia, and the USA.

They came in fourth and squeezed into the quarter-finals,

where they'll meet the host

and reigning Olympic champion, Brazil.

The win-lost record of the two teams is 18 to 1 since 2008,

with Brazil holding an absolute advantage.

Many think that Brazil is on another level,

compared to China.

Team China, led by Lang Ping,

is likely to go home after the match.

No training today.

Take a good rest.

Tomorrow is the elimination match.

We go home if we lose.

I saw Coach Lang looking at flights just now.

We've been playing badly.

Coach Lang shouldn't have brought us here.

We only have two options for tomorrow.

We leave everything behind and fight on the court

or be a nervous wreck and lose before the fight.

I've figured it out.

Tomorrow,

we'll win 3 to 1 for sure!

We only lost the last match

because there were only five sets.

If there were two more sets, we would surely win.

Hello?

We are closing.

Can you lock the door on your way out?

All right, thank you.

I got too nervous.

I thought I had enough experience

to call myself a sports professional.

Turns out I don't.

A foreign reporter once asked me.

Why does the Chinese

take winning a match so seriously?

I said,

because we're not strong enough inside.

When we have true inner strength,

winning will no longer be

a match's only value.

My generation went through a lot of hardship.

Everything we did,

made us carry a heavy burden with us.

My doctor told me,

I have the heart of a 60-year-old

and the body of an 80-year-old.

My older sister asked me

if I could

stay alive for the family.

The truth is

I can't let go.

I can't let go of you.

I can't let go of volleyball.

I feel I have the responsibility to help you

to enjoy the sport itself.

To play volleyball happily.

Ladies.

Tomorrow is the big match.

The burden of the past should be carried by my generation.

Fight it your own way.

You should keep your heads up

without worries.

Relax and give it all you've got.

I'm always by your side.

You can do it!

The first set today will be very difficult.

But it's okay.

Look at how fired up they are.

They're only ready for three sets.

But I've prepared

all of you for this day.

Drag the game.

And if we can make it to the fifth set,

we have a chance to win.

Come on!

One, two, fight!

This is not ping-pong!

Go home, China!

It's the 2016 Rio Olympics women's volleyball match

between China and Brazil.

Brazil, the current World No. 1, is playing on home ground.

You can imagine how loud

the cheering is in the stadium.

In terms of the win-lost record since 2008,

Brazil has got an absolute upper hand, with a record of 18 to 1.

Many predict this to be

China's farewell match at Rio.

It's okay!

Concentrate on the receives!

I think, as long as China

plays up to par,

the fans will accept and understand

whatever the result is.

Brazil blocks to win one point.

More protection!

Brazil spikes a point from Area 2.

A world-beating team indeed.

Not a good start for China.

Brazil is definitely a stronger team

with well-rounded players.

If we put pressure on them...

Their serves are very powerful,

misplacing our first passes and controlling our game.

With the world's two best blockers,

Brazil has full control over the net.

They are peaking too early.

It might not be a good thing.

Don't let them control the pace.

Let's find our own pace.

Let's win the set!

One, two, come on!

It's a crucial set for both teams,

but more so for China.

Turn defense into attack, Lang Ping!

Ask Xiaoyuan for the stats.

Coach, their Number 12 is leading the attack.

Her diagonal stats are really good.

Yunli!

Track her, block her diagonals!

Serve to Area 6.

Coach Lang is signaling tactics to Changning.

Maybe she's looking for a weak spot.

She's targeting Natalia at Area 6.

- Brilliant! - Don't rush.

Brazil makes a mistake.

Changning serves to Area 6 again.

Brazil's first pass is disrupted.

China wins another point with a tip!

Lang Ping has finally found the weakness of her opponent.

Change it up!

China opens the second set with a great game.

Coach Lang changes their tactics timely.

China's serves deter Brazil's attack.

Comparing with its performance in the previous set,

China looks like a different team now.

Amazing! Zhu Ting soars high.

Her powerful spike wins China another point!

The two teams are at the same starting line again.

Have Qiuyue, Yan Ni, and Changning to start.

Jumping too early!

Qiuyue, try quick sets!

Good one! A decisive spike from Yan Ni.

Play more tips.

China is playing without fear.

Zhu Ting, good one!

That's right.

The third rotation, three frontal attacks.

Tell Xiaotong to warm up.

Their hitter is tired. Carry on like this.

Ruoqi is tired.

Coach Lang is making a substitution.

- Who is this? - The player coming on is

Liu Xiaotong, who hasn't played much so far.

We don't have much information on her.

Qiuyue, faster.

Liu Xiaotong spikes!

Liu Xiaotong is a relentless surprise.

She is destroying Brazil's approach.

Lang Ping works her magic again!

If I told you one hour ago

that China would be leading 2 to 1 now,

no one would have believed me.

Good one!

Good!

It's the last set.

They are under great pressure on home turf.

I want to fill your blood

with gallons of water.

Let go of your other thoughts. Be patient with attacks.

Block faster when they counter.

We're definitely stronger.

The Gods will give back what you used today.

Don't leave them any chances.

Give it your all.

Leave no regrets!

Let's beat their asses!

Got it?

One, two, fight!

Dear audience, the match has come to the fifth set.

The court is at a fever pitch.

The crowd's roar is blowing the roof off.

I've never been this nervous as a commentator.

The final game is only 15 points,

so anyone can win this.

Everyone should come clean with their thoughts.

Leave no regrets.

Okay?

Spike! Great one!

You guys still have another chance.

But this will be my last Olympics.

Let me start with myself.

I haven't been playing well.

I'm anxious about being a starter tomorrow.

I don't want to let you down.

I promise to fight as hard as I can.

Ding Xia attacks from the first pass. Score!

I've been jumping too early

and my spikes are weak.

Brazil attacks with a heavy spike. It's saved!

I will avoid such mistakes tomorrow.

You set it and I'll spike it.

A decisive spike from Changning. Score!

In previous matches,

my rhythm has been off.

And my blocks are all over the place.

Yue'er.

You are good with your emotions.

You should scream your head off.

Great set from Qiuyue.

Xinyue spikes!

Zhu Ting spikes again! China scores!

I was the last name in the squad

and I haven't been playing well.

Don't overthink it since you're already here.

Just go for it. I'll be behind you.

I've had two heart surgeries.

I don't know how my body will hold up.

The ball is back-and-forth.

But as long as I'm on the court,

I'll give it my all.

Ruoqi, it's all right.

We four outside hitters are in this together.

China attacks from multiple positions. They take full control of the court.

Yes.

I'll even head the ball.

Lin Li's defense is stout.

She digs for the ball!

China is on top of its game now!

Brazil throws the ball high over the net.

China gathers for an attack.

Zhu Ting spikes from Area 4.

It's in!

The referee rules the ball is out of bounds.

Coach Lang requests a challenge.

Let's wait for the result.

Inbounds!

China's challenge is successful.

Their Number 2 is in the back row.

Receiving is her weakness. Target her.

They've been targeting Zhu Ting.

And is using her weak receives to break China's rhythm.

Zhu Ting.

Out of all the players I've trained,

you're the best.

I'm proud of you.

You don't need to be me.

You just have to be yourself.

Brazil serves.

Xiaotong manages to receive it.

Zhu Ting spikes over a block!

She's unstoppable!

Brazil's receive flies off.

It's a chance to counterattack.

Zhu Ting spikes a point!

Coach Lang is making a substitution.

She's sending Ruoqi, with the big games experience.

Allowing Zhu Ting to rest.

Ruoqi helps stabilize the team.

Brazil keeps the game tight, 12 to 13.

Serves into the net. Match point for China.

China is on the verge

of eliminating the world No. 1, Brazil.

The Brazil team hopes to use their roaring crowd

to overwhelm the China team.

A heavy spike from Area 3.

Brazil gets a point.

14 to 13.

Coach Lang asks for a timeout.

How are you going to play?

Zhu Ting is in the back row, not a good position.

I'll set it to Yunli, to be safe.

Be bold. This is the moment.

Don't play it safe.

Get ready and show them what you've got!

Dear audience in front of the TV,

this is the deciding point of the match.

Yunli and Qiuyue are old teammates.

They should be a veteran duo.

Zhu Ting is exceptional today.

But she's in the back row.

Setting the ball to her is risky.

Brazil serves.

Changning receives it well.

Yunli is off running.

Qiuyue and Yunli's backset attack

has worked many times before.

In front of Yunli is the best middle blocker.

To everyone's surprise, Qiuyue sets the ball to Area 3.

A back row attack from Zhu Ting!

Lang Ping

Hello?