To start with, I'll mention some general tips for using
long pimples that will apply to almost any style to some degree. After that, specific tips that apply to each of the 4 basic long pimpled styles will be given. Try them out and see which works better for you and which don't - part of the art of playing with long pimples is knowing what is the best way of using them for your own individual style.
Tip 1 - Know Yourself
Use your practice sessions to find out just what you are capable of doing with your long pimples. Although you will improve over time, it is important to know what you can do at present, and not to try to exceed your limitations when you are playing matches.
Tip 2 - Know Your Opponent
Every player handles long pimples differently. Against players you play frequently, take note of which strokes give them trouble, and which they can handle easily. Against new players, test them out with the full range of shots early in the match, so that when the pressure is on you have some point-winning strokes to use.
Tip 3 - Know Your Rubber
You need to know exactly what your rubber can do, and what it can't. Don't try to push it further than it can go. A very long pimpled rubber like Feint II is never going to be as easy to counter-attack with as a medium pips like Curl P-2, and the Curl is never going to give as heavy a
backspin from a
loop as the Feint. A glassy type long pimpled rubber will do
spin reversal easily, but will always be harder to hit with than a grippy long pimples.
Tip 4 - Know Your Level
The way in which long pimples is effective at winning points changes tremendously as you progress in level from beginner to intermediate to advanced. At beginner level, the long pimples will win many points outright due to the inability of your opponent to cope with the way it behaves. At intermediate level, your opponent will still make a few mistakes in judging the behavior of the long pimples, but smart
twiddling of the
bat can give you the edge.
In advanced play and beyond, only the occasional point will be won through your opponent's mistakes against the long pimples or twiddling. Instead, spin deception becomes the name of the game, with the long pimples used with deceptive contact to force mistakes and weak returns from the opponent.
Tip 5 - Don't Overdo it
Up to the advanced level, twiddle often enough to keep on top in the game against your opponent. Don't give him any more opportunity then necessary to get used to your twiddling.
Tip 6 - Copy the Best
Watch live matches and videos of the top players who play closest to your style, and analyze the strategies they are using. Most of these strategies will work for you as well.
Tip 7 - Backhand Makes it Better
Although most people can hit harder with the
forehand, the
backhand can be a more effective weapon for the intermediate player. This is because the bat can be twiddled and the backhand loop or hit completed with very little time for the opponent to react, whereas the length of the forehand attack gives the opponent more time to prepare. At the advanced level, the forehand is used more often due to the extra power that can be generated. Also, the professionals' reactions are so fast that the extra speed gained in generating the backhand attack is often nullified.
Tip 8 - Pop Up and Shut Them Up
When you want to generate an attack from an easy
topspin ball, or have your opponent hit his attack off the end of the table, take advantage of his heavy
backspin ball and use a near vertical
push stroke with the long pimples. The ball will have topspin rather than chop, and your opponent will often either push it up high for your attack, or topspin it off the end of the table.
Tip 9 - C'mon, Hear the Noise
If possible, play your matches when the surrounds are noisy - it makes it harder for your opponent to hear the different sound that the pimples make.
Tip 10 - Keep it Clean
Don't play on a dirty table - the dust and grease lessen the effect of your spin variation. Make sure both sides of the table are dust and grease free to make sure you get the maximum effect from your changes in spin.
Tip 11 - New Balls Please!
Playing with brand new balls can be a plus - as the newer balls tend to bite on the table, making your spin variation more effective. However, dirty balls can be good too, since the trademark on the ball is harder for the opponent to see, so he will find it harder to tell if the ball is spinning or floating. Don't use old clean balls if you can help it!
