According to the report, Zhang entered the institution's social sports guidance and management program following years of daily training.
An Accidental Injury in Childhood Precedes a Uniquely Built Routine
The report states that Zhang lost his right forearm at age five in an accident. Seven years later, at age 12, he began playing basketball on rural concrete courts in Yunfu. Without a second hand to protect the ball or maintain two-handed control during contact, he focused his training entirely on his left side. China Youth Daily noted that daily sessions on outdoor courts resulted in chronic blistering and calluses as he practiced stationary dribbling, crossovers, and shooting repetitions without professional coaching or specialized facilities.
To develop his crossover and scoring ability, Zhang studied online clips of professional players and replicated their mechanics during long practice hours. “There is no shortcut, just more practice,” Zhang told the publication when describing his routine. “If others practice once, I practice ten times, a hundred times.”
Viral Attention and the Response from Professional Athletes
In 2020, China Youth Daily reported, a short video of Zhang playing against a two-handed opponent circulated widely across Chinese social platforms. The footage showed him executing quick changes of direction and perimeter shots against a defender. The video drew public recognition from professional players including Stephen Curry and Yi Jianlian.
Following the online exposure, media requests and commercial invitations followed. However, China Youth Daily stated that Zhang maintained his training schedule and returned to regular workouts after the initial wave of attention subsided, viewing the platform as a form of encouragement rather than an alternative to daily practice.
Balancing Physical Drills with Academic Preparation
Alongside his basketball training, Zhang prepared for university admission tests while managing the physical demands of his routine. Because of his injury, he practiced writing with his left hand, balancing daytime academic study with evening workouts and shooting drills on local courts, China Youth Daily reported.
Teachers noted his steady demeanor when facing physical and academic obstacles. Rather than discussing difficulties, Zhang concentrated on finding practical methods to complete his schoolwork and physical conditioning.
Entering the University Basketball Program and Looking Ahead
Zhang stated his immediate goals are to secure a spot on the university basketball roster and complete his coursework in the social sports guidance and management program. “I don’t believe in fate, I only believe in myself,” he told the publication regarding his long-term plans to work in sports education and coach younger athletes.
