Rubber feels stiff - possibly shrinking?

Micka TT Asked 11 years ago

Hi coach

So I stopped playing for a day or 2 and when I picked up the paddle again, it felt very strange.

The rubber seems to have lost its grip so the ball always go into the net when I drive or loop...

but its not only that, it seems to have lost power when I make a flat contact too...

the rubber feels less spongy than before and maybe shrinked a little?

After every session I apply a type of cleaning foam to wipe the rubbers. Is called Clean Awah by Nittaku

image of cleaner: http://www.skybizsports.com/webshaper/pcm/pictures/Nittaku-Clean-Awah_l.jpg

appearance on the surface is still the same.  What is the safest move I can make so that this doesn't become permanent? maybe solutions?

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Micka,

You may have left the bat in some heat over the last couple of days.  Heat will make the rubber smooth and lose its grip.

Once the rubber is dead there is no way to get it back.  Give it a good clean with some water and then see what happens.