Aren’t we all concerned about our table tennis rating? Yes, I’m talking about USATT rating. I’m concerned when I loss USATT tournament rating points. In tournaments I go to I meet long pips or pimples players who approach me to tell their story. They have a sad story to tell. After ITTF banned the frictionless pips in 2007 September, a good percentage of the long pimples players are in trouble. Their rating has dropped, and some 200 to 300 points in rating - from USATT rating of 1950 to 1700.
It is an acceptable fact that the frictionless long pips players have gained some advantage with their equipments. To be honest, I have gained that advantage. I have introduced myself in our neighborhood playing with the frictionless long pips some years ago, and the people had no idea what I was using. It took a while for some smart players to figure out how to play against me.
The transition from frictionless long pips or pimples to long pips with friction was a painful journey for me as many of you have experienced. From this blade to that blade and a with numerous long pips I had a journey to mars. The question that pondered in my mind was “Do I have the best control with this long pips?” This is the same struggle many long pips players face when I have dig myself into this issue. How to retain the control back for our long pips or pimples players who have used frictionless pips or pimples players before?
Don’t curse me when I reveal some of these facts. If you agree, keep reading:
1. The long pips or pimples rubbers manufactured by many brands like TSP, Butterfly, XIOM, Palio, TT Master, Dr.Neubauer, Hallmark all have some friction. These long pips rubbers approved by ITTF are not going to reverse your opponents spin like the frictionless pips or pimples do.
2. Don’t depend on friction long pips to do the magic for you. Be active, be responsive to your opponents spin. You can do the same that frictionless long pips have done with your friction pips. It’s all in your wrist and strokes.
3. I hear this complaint from long pips or pimples players regularly. It is about getting the slowest long pips or pimples rubbers. It is a bad idea to get the slowest long pips rubber. The slowest long pips or pimples rubber can’t reverse the spin. A fast approaching top spin loops can’t be blocked and dropped over the net, not within the reach of your opponent is highly impossible with a friction pips.
4. Looking for the slowest blade is not a good idea. A slow blade with a friction long pips or pimples can’t do the magic a frictionless pips or pimples could do.
I have told these facts not to discourage you. There is hope for the ex-frictionless long pips or pimples players. Keep reading as I will cover some of the techniques to overcome your pain in coming weeks.
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