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Changing to a faster blade

Equipment

Wilson Cheah
Wilson Cheah Asked 9 years ago

Hello,

Recently I have been told by my coach that for my playing style, I might benefit better from using a carbon blade (I have been using all wood up until now). I play mostly close-mid range from table, and he was saying that all wood might be too "slow" for me to make more aggressive shots from mid-range. 

One concern I have is that, I am using hurricane 3 Neo provincial for forehand, and from what I have read, most people have a harder time using Chinese rubbers on carbon blades, perhaps due to too little control or too much vibration. My backhand rubber is Xiom so that's less of a concern. 

So long story short, I came to the conclusion: softer carbon or harder wood (walnut, etc), which one do you think might be a more viable option? 

Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Wilson,

I am not sure at all.  I like a slower blade and faster rubbers to allow good control of the ball for short play and also enough speed from the rubbers to attack aggressively.

Others may have some thoughts for you.

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Wilson Cheah

Wilson Cheah Posted 9 years ago

I can somewhat understand why my coach might recommend such thing.

When I watch the recordings of my own matches, I see that I tend to be playing a bit passive in the first five balls and then get pushed back far table by opponent's attacks. From there I usually continue on with lobbing or attempt counter looping when I have the chance. 

Perhaps, the alternative option might just be training more to keep myself close up to the table without going too far back. Do you perhaps have any suggestions on practice or drills for that? I have tried one method by putting a barrier maybe 1-2m behind the table and make sure that I don't touch the barrier, which has worked during practice but I somehow revert back to the passive play style in a normal match.

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago Latest

Hi Wilson,

Putting the barrier behind is a good start.  Leave it there for a minute or two and then remove it.  If you find yourself still moving backwards then put the barrier in place again.  Keep changing till you feel comfortable staying closer to the table without the barrier behind you.

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