Playing Against Dead Rubber
Strategy
Romeo Chua Asked 10 years ago
Well... actually I'm not so sure about the dead part. It might have some grip to it.
Whenever I serve a backspin ball, it seems like he's pushing the ball really hard. But when I topspined it, it flew out of the table! Next I tried another backspin ball, and this time I topspined it like I would topspin a no-spin ball. Should have been happy with the results, except it sank to the net. After the match I asked him if I could borrow his bat, and he said that his rubber is dead.
What are the effects of dead rubbers and how do we play against it?
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Romeo,
It sounds like he is getting some strange reactions off the rubber.
I think it is best to try to play against it as much as possible. There will be reasons for the reaction each time. Sometimes it could also be changes in what you are doing with your strokes but when there is this other factor there, it is difficult to tell what the real cause for each stroke is.
Therefore you need a bigger database of what is actually happening than just a few shots.
Recommended Video
Best Doubles Tips in Table Tennis
In this video, we share 2 essential tips that can instantly improve your doubles play whether you're just starting out or already competing in matches.
🏓 Tip 1: Learn why playing more shots down the line helps your partner stay in position and how a well-timed cross-court attack can still surprise your opponents.
🏓 Tip 2: Discover the power of serving short and close to the centre line to reduce your opponents’ attacking options and give your team the advantage.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in your coordination, positioning, and success as a doubles pair.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Romeo Chua Posted 10 years ago
I will try to play against him more
D K Posted 10 years ago
Dead rubbers have much less spin than a normal grippy rubber,but they also do not have any useful momentum
In this case,it is something like an antispin-shortpips combination
They have no momentum like antispin,and have nearly no rotation like shortpips.
The stroke you had a problem with-treat it as a weak backspin