Chopping Rubber

Yes, I agree. I think it will be just fine. It is a bit hard, because my friend's blade is ALL, and the grass is slow, so , I've had to put a lot of strength to reach the table. What I want to know, for start, is, how to train push with LP. I tried, but, the rubber is slow, and it seems that I don't have enough power. How to push vs backhand, vs forehand, or side spin? Thank you and sorry if I am a little bit annoying, but I really want to learn, somehow, I am more and more attracted to defensive play

Hi Sasha,

Try to just do a lot of pushing at first.  It will take a while to get used to the different effects of the rubber.  You will notice that the ball goes up more off the pimple so you will need to push forward on the stroke.  It is just a small adjustment that you will get used to quickly. The key is to get out and hit as many balls with the new rubber so that you adjust to it.

OK. Thank you, it is helpful. One more thing about the chopping rubber. If I take a rubber with 1,8 mm sponge, according to you, it will be a good choice for chopping if I have good skills. But, maybe I am boring with it, I have to ask, will I be able to serve with good spin, with a lot of rotation, and what about attacking? Could I make topspin, from distance, or topspin to topspin, what is your opinion?

Hi Sasha,

You will be able to generate good spin.  It will be more difficult the further away from the table you get with the topspin as it won' be as fast.  You need to decide what you want out of the rubber.

Well, maybe you could tell me what's the story with Joo Se Huyk? How does he achieve topspin to topspin on his forehand, he has even slower blade. Of course, I know he is a professional, but, if you can clarify that for me, maybe I could make a decision about that. Of course, I know that I probably could generate topspin close to the table, for attacking, I just want to see what about playing from the distance, especially because I have OFF- blade. Thanks

I would say he uses a faster rubber but remember he is so good at chopping he can do it with a faster rubber as well.

So, your suggestion is what you told me before, to basically choose between defensive and offensive style. If I want more chop, then I would lose speed, if I want to attack even from distance, then I would probably lose control on chop. Am I right?

Yes that is right.  Of course you can keep developing your control so that eventually you will be able to use a faster rubber on the forehand.  Work towards this.

OK, I understand. And finally, I just want to see one more option: if I put this rubber with 2.0 mm sponge, would I be able to play top spins from distance. I don't know have you seen specifications of this rubber, Friendship Transcend Higher, I just want to know can I play top spins and counter loops with 2.0 mm thickness. I will leave chopping for later, I will try to practice with this thickness, but I want your answer first

Hi Sasha,

I haven't used or seen this rubber  so can't really say.