Twiddling and equipment progression

Jason Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Alois,

I'm a novice table tennis player (<8 months) and want to eventually gear my style for a heavy offense/Chinese style of play. My current equipment is Primorac blade with 1.9mm Srivers.

In order to move towards a faster, more aggressive style of play should I make a sudden jump to a much faster /low control rubber like Butterfly Tenergy 2.1mm or is it better to make a much slower transition (like going to 2.1mm srivers then maybe a Sriver G3 FX 1.9mm, then 2.1mm?)

Also I've been thinking about putting a long pips out on my backhand for fun. What is your opinion of twiddling your paddle during play? Do we ever see this at higher levels of play?

I'm finding that I'm unable to land any really great drop shots with Srivers and hoping that a thin pips-out rubber on my backhand will add another dimension to my game.

Thanks!

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Jason,

The question of which rubber depends on your ability.  Tenergy is an excellent rubber but you do need the control and touch to be able to use it.

Perhaps try going for a thicker rubber first before moving onto the Tenergy.

Regarding the Long Pimples.  If you play defensively on the backhand then this may be suitable.  It is not an easy rubber to play with though.  There are some bery good players that play with this combination but most of them are defenders.