slow/fast bat combination vs technique

Jon Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois

I practice and play with a fast combo -carbon/tenergy05 max- and I normally make the right shot selection but I'm very inconsistent in execution. I'd like to know if in pursuit of perfecting technique:

1. Is it ok to use a slow combo for practice and fast (current) for games? Why?

2. Is a fast combo detrimental to optimum advancement?

3. Going from Intermediate to Advanced player, what would be most appropriate speed equipment. let's say on a scale from 1 to 11, where 11 is what world champions use (out of reach for us), 10 being readily available commercial equipment such as Tenergy, Pryde, BoostTC, etc (high tensors) on fast carbon blades.

Cheers

Jon

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Jon,

You should always use the same bat for practice and for matches.  your body gets used to the slight differences and in important siuations it will forget to adjust to the different bat.

I always think, err on the side of control because you can develop your power.  When you are totally comfortable with your strokes and feel that your bat is not helping you with those strokes, move up to something faster.

As far as a rating for a bat to move from Intermediate to advanced I would say a rating of about 7 to 8.  The rubber quality is important but perhaps not such a fast balde.  You still need feel and touch.

Good luck with all of that.