Intermediate Player Dilemma!

Should an intermediate player use a racket that fits strengths or one that helps improve weaknesses? 

Edited by tommyzai - 03/08/2014 at 10:09pm

Yup. Been thru the same thought process. I'm sure it sounds odd to some that looping doesn't come naturally to me. I've worked at it...I'm getting better. 

I've used SP. I currently use inverted FH along with LP OX on the BH. I may return to SP. I use the inverted to block and introduce spin (if necessary) during a rally.

Short pips is another kettle of fish. Yes, you can play without looping.  And if you play at the table and you're prepared (and quick enough) to take most balls close to off the bounce then it could work for you.

That said.... assuming your goal isn't playing in any world champion type setting...I'd say go with your predispositions. 

I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't think of your inability to loop as a weakness. What can you do to maximize your strengths?

Generally speaking....looping isn't an equipment issue...it's a technique issue.


Edited by sticharo - 03/08/2014 at 10:44pm

Simple, use your current setup that you're comfortable with AND get some coaching.

zeio wrote: . . . Looping is an advanced skill that takes a whole lot of learning and training.

Edited by tommyzai - 03/08/2014 at 10:49pm

tommyzai wrote: zeio wrote: . . . Looping is an advanced skill that takes a whole lot of learning and training. I know a beginner (<6 months) who can do advanced brush looping. I know an experience player (10+years) with coaching galore who cannot brush loop with any consistency (me).

Yeah I actually don't think looping is an advanced technique. Just takes a little practice and some athleticism doesn't hurt either ;)

At intermediate level performing all strokes well is a big advantage over just one strong stroke.

Learning to loop is a technique issue not so much equipment but do find that a flexy blade and spinny rubbers help a little.

John MacEnroe from Tennis said - if he had to do it all again - he would focus on improving his strengths. I say go with the short pips and maximize your strengths....if that doesn't work, do the other thing!

Stiff medium speed blade, spinny inverted on backhand, punch with it in front of your body like a girl. Then hit with 802/spectol/ on the forehand. It'll suit you just fine and cause major problems for everyone else. This might be hard to explain but the punching shot you hit from the backhand wants to have some variations of curve on it. You should be able to curve the ball either way quite easily with that stroke

Edited by bluebucket - 03/09/2014 at 1:18am

If you want to get used to loop brushing and turn it into dynamic stereotype, use a returnboard.

bluebucket wrote: Stiff medium speed blade, spinny inverted on backhand, punch with it in front of your body like a girl. Then hit with 802/spectol/ on the forehand. It'll suit you just fine and cause major problems for everyone else. This might be hard to explain but the punching shot you hit from the backhand wants to have some variations of curve on it. You should be able to curve the ball either way quite easily with that stroke

Edited by JacekGM - 03/09/2014 at 9:41am

tommyzai wrote: I know an experience player (10+years) with coaching galore who cannot brush loop with any consistency (me).

change coach

tommyzai wrote: piligrim wrote: tommyzai wrote: I know an experience player (10+years) with coaching galore who cannot brush loop with any consistency (me).  change coach You probably don't realize that I have a physical disability . . . It is very difficult for me to do the proper stroke with any consistency. I know how to do it and can teach it, but not physically able without using the "wrong" muscles to hoist my arm. I've had some really good coaches. They taught me how . . . just can't do it well. That's where my dilemma is . . . should I try to compensate by using gear that helps me create more spin or try to take spin out of the equation?

ok so you want to loop but have some kind of pain holding you back. you dont know what to focus on, ie flat hitting or topspin.

in my opinion why dont you do both flat hit on the backhand with pips and loop on the forehand with inverted, this will give a little more varieties to your game. you can punch through a serve with pips then proceed to smash it if the return is high which it most likely will if your opponent cant handle pips, also you can counter brush loop far away from the table with FH to save the point if you ever get caught off guard ie. a defensive saving loop.

if you happen to not like it then you can try the other way around pips on FH and inverted on BH and do BH loop instead which is easier, but less powerful. i think this setup will suit you better because it doesn't required you to move as much since your a blocker.

imo equipment makes up for what you lack technique wise, if you have a disabilities that prevent you from twist and turning use equipment to give yourself an edge. nothing shameful in that. just have fun. but if you dont have any pain try to practice the right way to do it, repetitive loop drill is the way either against machine or multiball doesn't matter

as for what equipment to use that's up to you

puppy412 wrote: being an old member who stood the test of time in this forum you probably have been advised time and time again to use slow blade and slow rubber. if I were you for a change I would try: off+ blade from butterfly (primorac carbon/amultart/photino come to mind) paired with tenergy 05 rubbers. I have been using tenergy25/amultart/tenergy05 for some months and really love it.

^^^
this
every time i ask for some advice to change my set up there will be at least one person who would tell me to stick with my slower setup haha

the thing is you never know if it fits you or not if you dont try it out yourself, other people opinion and experience will only help so much

Are there any pros or high level amateurs who primarily punch block?

I'm intrigued by the idea of using a fast, spinny inverted rubber on my BH to help me develop a loop there and using pips of some kind on my FH for flat kills and hitting through spin. Hmmmmm. It's kind of the opposite of what most combo players do, but whatever works, right? 

Edited by tommyzai - 03/10/2014 at 1:28am