How do I adjust to "higher quality" bats?

Cory Bryan Asked 12 years ago

I've always played table tennis recreationally, such as in high school and now in college, and I've always played with the type of bats you can buy cheaply at a supermarket. These are basically just wood with no or little sponge, and a thin layer of (what I'm assuming is) short pimples. Whenever I play with someone who has a more expensive bat (usually with inverted or smooth rubber), I try to play with it but everything I hit goes over the table. I'm sort of an intermediate level player, pretty fast and offensive with lots of topspin, and I feel like I can't hit the ball anywhere near as hard with those bats. I know that just buying a more expensive bat doesn't make it a better one, but I want to be able to play with those without being frustrated. Should I just stick with the cheap bats that I enjoy, or should I transition over to a nicer one by just practicing with it consistently and learning how it works?

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Cory,

You should definitely go for a better bat.  The cheap bats will not allow you to develop your game.

Get the better bat and work at your strokes.  If you do the strokes correctly you will be able to use the bat.  Start off with your strokes slowly.