Using Yasaka Phantom 009 to learn

Hello Alois,

I am a novice in the game of Table Tennis and have been under coaching for last 15 months or so. I had started with MarkV Rubbers on both the sides and now have replaced Phantom009 for my back hand as I found better control over the ball during receiving serves and returning some of the tricky balls and i am using the same for almost 6-7 months. However I do get to hear some common feedbacks on 009 as it’s Not a good rubber for beginners and secondly it’s not good rubber for advance game. Some of the people have gone to lengths stating that none of the International Top Players use this type of rubber.

I thought to write to you instead for better guidance. Can you please help in understanding if using this rubber is advisable?

Thanks

Rohan

Hi Rohan,

I think at the start it is important to develop your strokes and techniques. The Phantom will limit you with this because it is a long pimple rubber and you won't be able to generate your own spin and therefore your strokes.  It also doesn't force you to learn the effects of spin because it absorbs a lot of the spin and doesn't give the feeling of the reaction of your bat.

I would advise you to go for an inverted rubber on the backhand for a while, perhaps another 2 years and then see if you want to develop your game with the long pimples.