The next step

Hi guys, I've had sort of a renaissance in my game this year, and since November have jumped about 500 USA rating points. I'm quite well rounded as well, thanks to my programmable butterfly blade and auto response rubber (I don't believe in practicing or training, only watching PIng Skills and doing.)

One thing my exorbitantly (low priced for Butterfly) state of the art auto spin rubber/ auto racquet angle adjustment capabilities don't compensate for, however, is about the 2nd to 5th rally especially once my opponent loops or flips against backspin and a topspin loop rally ensues. I am usually fine when I initiate the loop, which I do often, but I suppose this scenario applies to that too!  

Thanks solely to my equipment, I am good at blocking against top spin loop rallies, even punching, yet against the elite, 2000+Players over here I feel outclassed, almost like a helpless rebound board/ robopong drill, only able to block and at best, step back and lightly spin through my return! How can I hit less passive shots? Thanks to my very unaffordable butterfly products I can also play a lobbing style from distance and I am a hobbyist chopper, but what is my best close to the table option to take the initiative against deep, blindingly fast topspin loops with terrifically spinny horizontal trajectories? Should I continue blocking, step back and then counter loop after the balls trajectory is falling? Should I just upgrade to Butterfly's new autonomous Autopong3000 blade, and let it hash out the subtleties? If so, can I ever recover from Butterfly incited financial ruin?!

Hi Chad,

I place very little importance on the rubber and blade.  I think that the more important thing is the amount you train with it (and of course watching PingSkills!!).  This is much more cost effective and hopefully won’t lead you to financial ruin.