Back in the game, but need advice

[JohnP]

Hi after a 40 year absence I started playing league table tennis last year.As you can imagine the equipment has changed a lot and after advice from TTD and based on my playing style I retained my original Stiga 2000 blade and started with vega x 1.5 on my forehand which I'm ok with but I'm using Nitaku Factive 1.5 on my backhand as I tend to be more defensive on that side and wanted more control. My problem is I'm now starting to play better players having jumped a couple of leagues but I seem to struggle with my backhand returns particularly fast top spins and during counter hitting rallies. I find I'm overhitting the ball and my blocks could be better. I know it's only been a year and I need more time to adapt to the tensor rubbers but wondered if anyone has a suggestion for an alternative backhand rubber in time for the new season, many thanks

 

[Tembel]

As I understand it Factive, even though it is a tensor, it is not considered very fast. You do not use a thick sponge either so this should be a quite controllable rubber. I would advice against moving to a classic non tensor like MarkV or Sriver, since they will quickly feel super-slow. So my main advice would just be to practice more until you get used to the new equipment and ball.

I am not familiar with the Stiga 2000 blade, but if you used it 40 years ago, there is a chance that the blade is quite thin and very flexible. This could be one of the reasons why you feel you lack stability when you block or counter-hit, You could have a look at something like the Stiga Clipper for added stability.

Then there is always the possibility to take a totally different route and try something like a short pips out rubber.

 

[JohnP]

As I understand it Factive, even though it is a tensor, it is not considered very fast. You do not use a thick sponge either so this should be a quite controllable rubber. I would advice against moving to a classic non tensor like MarkV or Sriver, since they will quickly feel super-slow. So my main advice would just be to practice more until you get used to the new equipment and ball.

I am not familiar with the Stiga 2000 blade, but if you used it 40 years ago, there is a chance that the blade is quite thin and very flexible. This could be one of the reasons why you feel you lack stability when you block or counter-hit, You could have a look at something like the Stiga Clipper for added stability.

Then there is always the possibility to take a totally different route and try something like a short pips out rubber.

Thank you for the advice, your right I chose the factive rubber to give me more control, I've been playing with it for over a year but have noticed my back hand returns being more inconsistent lately as I'm playing much better players, I will look at the blade you mentioned.

 

[JohnP]

Thank you for the advice, your right I chose the factive rubber to give me more control, I've been playing with it for over a year but have noticed my back hand returns being more inconsistent lately as I'm playing much better players, I will consider the Clipper but the reviews are mixed and im not sure it will be an upgrade given mines a hand made 5 ply wood and is also aimed at all round players I think more practice against better players could be the best option with the new season rapidly approaching. Also I forgot to mention my reserve blade is a Stiga infinity VPS V which I found faster all round hence its still in my bag

 

[_ak]

Clipper may be a bit too thick if you loop more than smash. A thinner 7ply could be an option Or thicker more modern 5ply. There are options with oversized and regular size heads.

 

[Aizen]

Your setup seems perfectly fine. Only hybrid type rubbers may help to keep ball on table because they are slow. But it may bring different issues.

I suggest don’t seek for more and train until these feel slower.

 

[John_]

There's nothing that will magically get you better blocking or control. Your setup is already control focused.

What you need is experience. Training is the only answer here.

 

[mocker88]

Check out some more linear rubbers like 729 - Presto Max Spin, 729 - Focus III Snipe, Yinhe - Mercury III Euro or 729 - Aurora Max. These are soft to medium soft and will help you in keeping the ball on the table.

 

[NetProphet]

Hi after a 40 year absence I started playing league table tennis last year.As you can imagine the equipment has changed a lot and after advice from TTD and based on my playing style I retained my original Stiga 2000 blade and started with vega x 1.5 on my forehand which I'm ok with but I'm using Nitaku Factive 1.5 on my backhand as I tend to be more defensive on that side and wanted more control. My problem is I'm now starting to play better players having jumped a couple of leagues but I seem to struggle with my backhand returns particularly fast top spins and during counter hitting rallies. I find I'm overhitting the ball and my blocks could be better. I know it's only been a year and I need more time to adapt to the tensor rubbers but wondered if anyone has a suggestion for an alternative backhand rubber in time for the new season, many thanks

I would advise that you put some time into finding a new blade. It's the most important part of the equipment. Maybe try blades from players at your club or research around in here and ask questions but a 40 yr old blade might not really be working for you.
Id also suggest that your BH rubber is bottoming out too easily as you are returning/blocking harder and faster shots from better players so I would try a 1.8mm or 2.0mm rubber.

 

[Haraold]

i would also go up in thickness,and think about that the Factive may be worn out,if you played a year with it.
I switched from Factive to faster Tensors,and it is a bigger step than you might think,the obvious answer would be the Vega intro with 47.50 or try a Fastarc G1,or even C1 if you like the Factive,
For me it was also bottoming out in mid distance butI had another Blade,(waldner 2016 old Banda Waldner clone)so this is quite the problem,as i know the 2000 model was only the gripform or am i wrong?

 

[Haraold]

does there stand a Allround wood on the wings above the handle,than it is a classic Allround Stiga with 2000 Anatomic handle.
Which by modern standards is more in the slower allround standard.

 

[JohnP]

I would advise that you put some time into finding a new blade. It's the most important part of the equipment. Maybe try blades from players at your club or research around in here and ask questions but a 40 yr old blade might not really be working for you.
Id also suggest that your BH rubber is bottoming out too easily as you are returning/blocking harder and faster shots from better players so I would try a 1.8mm or 2.0mm rubber.

Sorry typo I am using 1.8m rubbers both sides

 

[JohnP]

Update after 18 months of competative play, I'm now playing a good standard in 2 leagues which is remarkable after a 40 year layoff. Next year I could end up playing in the Premier league so I wanted some more advice on rubbers and blades. After avice from this site I stuck with my 45 year old Stiga 2000 offensive blade which I find comfortable, I have ended up using vegan X 1.8mm on my forehand where I mainly loop and flat hit and on my weaker backhand side I use nitaku active 1.8mm. I have 2 requests as a backup blade I moved to the Infinity VPS V with the same rubbers but found I couldn't control fast top spins to my backhand which I think was down to the catapult effect and my reactions lol. Is there a better choice of blade which is not so fast (or choice of backhand rubber). I'm asking as I'd like to be prepared for the step up and need to be able to cope with fast top spins to my backhand, thank you in advance and I'm so glad I started playing again.