Thanks for the tip regarding service return.
Here’s another question for you:
Why did you choose to play defence with a combination paddle instead of playing defensively with your old paddle? (Which had normal rubbers) Does the variety provided by the pips-out rubber out-weigh counter-looping on both sides against attackers?
I’m getting a coach and I’m not sure which style to focus on. I’ve experimented with both styles over 3 years of moderate club play and I found that many players play an "allround" defence with a smooth-smooth set-up. However pips-out slices are way cooler to watch.
Thanks again,
Alan
In general, at the higher levels it's very difficult to play a defensive game with normal rubbers on both sides - the amount of power and spin that good attackers can generate make it virtually a necessity to have one side of your bat that can be used to safely control their powerloops, and return the ball with heavy backspin. That's why you see almost all top defenders using long pips, except for some Chinese players who use short pips, which give more attacking opportunities but are harder to control - another trade-off.
Personally, I don't have the talent or technique to safely chop the ball with normal rubbers on both sides - I need the long pips for the greater margin of error they give me. And unless you are very young and fit, counter-looping is overrated for most defenders - it's very hard work and requires fast footwork and lots of stamina - neither of which I have!
At lower levels, you can get away with smooth rubber both sides, since you can usually chop or push the ball hard enough to draw mistakes from your opponents. At higher levels, they don't make enough mistakes for that to be a viable strategy. So keep that in mind when deciding whether to use long pips or not - if you eventually plan to play at around national level, you'll probably need long pips.
Regards,
Greg
