Will buying a faster bat/rubbers help to develop control
Table Tennis Equipment
Last updated 9 years ago
Gary McAdams Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I understand the emphasis should be on developing your stroke and not the equipment that you're using. "The tone is in your fingers" as Jeff explained in another video. My question is this: If I want to be an offensive player with high speed/high spin would it make sense to get a custom bat with those attributes knowing that control will be sacrificed at first and understanding that it will take some time to develop the control necessary to keep the ball on the table and the touch required for an effective short game? Wouldn't I be able to develop that control faster than I would otherwise, provided I'm able to work through the frustration that comes with an initial lack of control?
It's kind of like playing in "hard mode". You lose a lot of matches at first but once you develop your control you become a very tough competitor. Make sense? I was hoping to get your thoughts on this.
And thanks to you and Jeff for all the work you've done. The premium membership fees are well worth the investment if the goal is to improve your table tennis skills. My game has improved tremendously thanks to reading your articles and watching your videos.
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Gary,
Interesting twist… I see your other comment on Choosing a Table Tennis Bat.
I think it is better to go gently. Work your way up the bats and speed. With the faster bat, a player who is starting out, tends to compromise their stroke to get the ball on the table and develop bad habits.
I am glad that you are enjoying the videos.
Thoughts on this question
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Henrik Holm Posted 9 years ago
Well I could try to contribute a little with what I've experienced these last couple of months.
I started playing about 3 years ago with a 3 star bat from Stiga. In the beginning it was good. I loved it. Lots of spin with almost no speed but the control was amazing. I managed to live with it thinking I just had to learn to hit harder and that it was skill I was missing. One nite at my club my opponent noticed my bat and wanted to try it out. Right when I got his bat in my hand it felt very heavy. I tried to play a little with it and suddenly I could feel the bat taking over and helping me with speed. It was like the weight and the rubbers helped me place my hand the right way and without even thinking about it my speed had increased. My bat had a weight of only 140 grams. I don't know how much his weighed.
Not long after that I ordered the custom PingSkills bat with the middle configuration. At that time it came with the Pryde rubbers which by the way are awesome. Upon receiving the new bat I weighed it and it measured 175 grams. At first I was worried that it was too heavy and that I would be getting very tired in my arm but that turned out to not be the case. It took about 2-3 weeks to get settled in with the new weight and speed and there is a world of difference in the way I play now and how I played with the old bat. Its speed in really incredible. My topspin loops are amazing. I now beat players I've never been able to beat.
Remembering back I felt I was playing aggressive with the old bat when really I wasn't. Maybe it just was perfect timing on my part to upgrade my arsenal but one thing is for sure: I will not be able to play with my old bat. It just wouldn't fit my style anymore. Too much work and no speed.
I'm going to stick with the Pryde rubber for a while because there is still allot of areas I still need to develop but for me upgrading was the right answer. If you will feel the same shift in skill I cannot say but it may be worth a try.
Good luck.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Thanks for sharing your story Henrik. I hope it helps other PingSkillers with their equipment decisions.
It's great to hear you've progressed and are enjoying the new bat.
ujjval verma Posted 9 years ago
Dear Jeff,
I am using Donic Ultracarbon Sense bat with Yasaka Rakza 9/7 (soft) rubbers for FH/BH. Now you see its sucha fast bat.
1 year back (when rubbers were new) I was like devastating everyone on my way.
... but in last one month I am really struggling. I tried to develop aggresive backhand smashes and topspin. It worked well but I lost my magic forehand truly. Please help me to know what to do... I am loosing more often from my own teammates that is something never happened before. May be my rubbers have become old and not suiting my stykle of aggresive play (as I am hitting ball in the net and not able to lift it against backspin).
Should I buy new rubbers ?
Regards
Ujjval
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Hi Ujjval,
It may be the rubbers. Rub your finger across the ribber and see if it still has grip.
ujjval verma Posted 9 years ago
Thanks a tonne Alois ...rakza 7 soft seems alright.. I feel its time to change my rakza 9 which I use for forehand. In one of the other post you appreciated that I can use Chinese tacky rubbers... Now, forehand with hurricane 2 and my existing rakza 7 soft for back hand... Do you think this would be a good combination or should I replace backhand rubber as well with a tacky top sheet ? Pls respond. Regards ujjval
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
If your backhand stroke is similar to your forehand then go for a tacky rubber otherwise, use the Rakza.