black rubber as FH

Joel Unknown Asked 14 years ago

Hey Alois!

I have noticed a lot of professionals including yourself and Jeff use the black rubber side of your paddle as your forehand. I was just wondering why this is and if it serves any practical purpose other than preference.

Thanks!

Joel

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Joel,

There is no difference at all between the black and the red. It is purely a matter of your own preference.

← suggest a bc rubber for chop and spin Defence →

Mudit Kapoor Posted 14 years ago

Hi,

I have a different opinion on this. Please have a look the below link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen_Qi_(table_tennis) section style and equipment. After reading this, I have swapped my backhand and forehand and I can feel the difference.

- Mudit

Leslie Yin Posted 14 years ago

This is more true for many of the Chinese rubbers as the spin comes off the sticky topsheet. But if you're using typical Euro/Jap rubbers then it really won't make a difference because the topsheets aren't sticky. With these rubbers, the ball gets its spin when it sinks into the sponge.

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 14 years ago

It is great to hear people's thoughts on the matter. I myself don't believe there is a noticeable difference between black and red rubbers although I have mainly used Japanese style rubbers. Here are some more readers thoughts from an earlier question regarding the difference between red and black table tennis rubbers.

Again, try not to get to hung up on equipment. As long as you have a good quality bat, the main thing to concentrate on is improving your technique.

Ji-Soo Woo Posted 14 years ago

I heard someone say that red rubbers are faster...which makes perfect sense to me since it is an established fact that red cars also go faster...

Andrew T Posted 14 years ago

Great point, Ji-Soo,

That the black side is sticky also makes sense as tar is sticky.

Ironically my black side is stickier, but they are different rubbers.