Playing with bad rubbers

Tevia Sapire Asked 15 years ago

First I'd like to state that my game is mainly spinny fast forehand looping and loops and blocks with my backhand. This style obvously requires a bat that can at least put some topspin on the ball with the correct technique, which I do use (this type of bat).

My problem is when I go some where like to a friend's house and we play table tennis I don't have my bat with me and they often have non spinny rubbers, you know the really cheap premade bats. I end up making so many errors because I can't get any topspin or very little topspin on the ball, which is my whole game.

What would you recommend in this situation?

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Tevia,

Yes this is an awkward one, because no matter how much you tewll them that you could be better it never sounds right.

What about saving up and getting them a couple of slightly better bats for their house so that you don't have the problme any more. Or take your bat along with you next time.

Lastly, when you play with a bad bat, try altering your style.  Don't try to play topspin strokes, but try to beat them by using control and just flat or push strokes.  It is a good skill to develop.