Friday, January 18, 2008

Changing to thicker sponge long pimple rubber

After having played with TSP P-1r 0.6mm for at least a year, I thought I might give a thicker (1.2mm) sponge a go. One thing I'm hoping for is to be able to generate more backspin on retrun of serves, as this can mean the difference between yuor opponent powerlooping one past you, or a slower spinny loop which is what you want...

I only had one session so far, of more of a social hit, but here some of my impressions:

1. Returning serves: I don't think the control has changed a lot, perhaps a little less, but I did feel I could put more spin on the ball. My returns against deeper and faster balls seemed to generate more floaters, which my opponents had more trouble with than with 0.6mm. Although this is a bonus, i need to work more on variation with this, so that I feel in control of what I'm doing...

2. Chopping: It's a little more sensitive to incoming spin, so as this rubber is already quite sensitive compared to others, it's something to be weary off. A softer touch is the answer. The positive was that I seemed to be ably to keep the ball shorter more easily, with more spin... I consider the 1.2mm quite an improvement, and it's an exceptional for chopping from mid- long distance... Control wise I think it's a little less with 1.2mm...

3. Short game: It's more lively but also feels softer with more grip... I didn't feel I had any less control, and attacking some short balls with a quick flick was a lot easier. passive shots: You simply cannot affort to simply put your bat there and hope for it to go over with this rubber. Since it's uite sensitive to incoming spin, it will grip, and can easily product high nospin balls, whhc good players will put away.

4. Attacking: A great improvement in this area! Attacking backspin became easier, which surprised me a little...the softer feel of the ruber (coz of the thicker sponge) just seemed to give me more feel and control. Counter hitting against topspin is still not that easier, but can produce deadly balls when you get the timing right...and fast too!

5. Generating spin: I could certainly generate more spin with this rubber, and had my opponent put a few into the net off a serve with it, since they still expect no-spin from a LP rubber. This abilty also shines when chopping, as you can really change and manipulate the spin easily, and produce very dangerou an awkward balls.

6. Conclusion: This rubber is not the easiest to control, mainly due to it's sensitivity to spin. , but this same property gives you control over spin, and allows you to manipulate it better. With the right strokes this rubber offers great control, and is one of hte most dangeorus long pimples out there. Going from 0.6mm to 1.2mm just enhances these properties... incorrent or passive strokes will be punished, correct strokes rewarded... I think the thicker sponge enhanced both the short game AND the away from the table chopping game, but you must use active strokes, can't just stick you bat there...