rubber

Hello my name is nicholas. I go to an acdemy and i play a lot. I think i am quite good player but i want to know when is the right time to change my rubbers. My bat is a tsp carbon and my rubbers are shildkrot. So can you tell me how to i know when is the right time to change my rubbers? Also i am a friend of george. The guy that asked you about waldner 800 racket. He told me that the way to clean a rubber is to breath heavily on it and then clean it with your hand. My coach though tells me that is not good to touch the rubbers with your hands. What should i do?

Thank You

Hi Nicholas,

The main thing to keep your rubber clean is to keep it free of dirt and oils.  If you have dirt or grease of any sort on your hands it is best to keep them away.  You can just use a damp cloth if you are worried about wiping it with your hands. 

As far as changing your rubbers, you need to see if you are able the same amount of spin.  You can also look at the surface rubber to see if it is worn. Hold it on n angle to the light and if you can see the pimples coming through they are starting to wear.  Also feel the surface for grip.  If it is smooth when you rub your finger over it it is getting worn and it is time to change.