Here is a fun look behind the scenes at the World Champion training camp in Muju. As you can see, a key part of their focus is on step work and fundamentals; even at the Olympic level, without the proper basics, there is no foundation to build on. Competitive players know how critical muscle memory is, that point when your mind shuts off, and your body instinctively reacts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVsgiPx_kxo