Playing Against Long Pimple Bats in Table Tennis

Keith Thompson Asked 3 days ago

Have you got a video explaining how to play someone with a long pimple bat?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 2 days ago

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your question! Playing against someone with a long pimple bat can be tricky if you're not used to it. We have a Tutorial on Tactics Against Long Pimples that will be useful for you.

Long pimples affect the ball differently compared to normal rubbers. They can reverse the spin that comes from your shots, which can be quite confusing if you're expecting a normal reaction. Here are a few strategies to help you out:

• Keep it simple: Avoid using too much spin. Flat, hard hitting can reduce the effect of the pimples and make the ball easier for you to predict on the return.
• Use placement: Try to place the ball in difficult positions for your opponent. Long pimple players often struggle with fast changes in placement, especially if they rely heavily on their pimples.
• Watch the ball: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial against long pimples. Watch how the ball is struck and adjust your response based on whether the spin is being reversed or not.
• Practice makes perfect: As with any unusual style, getting practice against long pimple players is invaluable. The more you play against them, the better you'll become at reading their game and reacting appropriately.

Consider asking a coach or a more experienced player at your club to simulate playing with long pimples during practice sessions. This can be a great way to get used to the style in a controlled environment.

Hope these tips help, Keith. Best of luck in your next matches against those tricky long pimple players.