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Why Were Rallies Longer Back in the Earlier Years?

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Aaron Lin
Aaron Lin Asked 9 years ago

So I was watching this match in 1960 and i noticed the rallies were much longer back then (i've also seen older tourneys in the 40's, 50's and the rallies were generally longer than the present day ones you see in pro play).

 

What material were bat surfaces made of before and i'm guessing that material produced less speed and lesser amounts/no spin?

 

And if so, what is the theory/reason behind why spin makes rallies shorter?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDscvA2_IE

 

Also, this got me thinking... At what point in history did table tennis had the biggest change/evolution to it?

 

Thanks

Jeff Plumb
Member Badge Jeff Plumb Answered 9 years ago

Great question Aaron. I think you have pretty much answered your own question. The rallies seem to be shorter because players now hit the ball so much harder and this is possible because of the amount of topspin they can now put on the ball. And I think that the introduction of sponge rubber which allowed for the increased spin is the biggest change that hit table tennis.

I'd love to hear other people's thoughts!

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Jean Balthazar

Jean Balthazar Posted 9 years ago

Not to undermine the athleticism of the players in the old days, but when you compare that video to a recent hardbat/pingpong match (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJmRAE83dPI), you'll see that nowadays they play much faster / stronger even with the same equipment (spongeless bats). In the video from the 60's, they barely bend their knees ! All sports have become much more extreme, and I'm pretty sure not even the table tennis world champion was a professional in those days.

Jeff Plumb

Member Badge Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago Latest

Good point Jean. It is amazing to watch the difference. I think this applies to nearly any sport you can think of.

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