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This is my first post so be gentle. I feel like I have been in a time capsule that has just been opened up. In 1980 I worked in Dallas, Texas at a new recreation center that had two table tennis tables and fortunately for me, I was exposed to table tennis players vs. ping pongers. I got into it. Played in a couple tournaments and had in 1980 a 1,204 rating. I played very little afterwards. Then six weeks ago, after at least 38 years of being away, I ventured to a club in central Florida to observe play. Wearing sandals, I did not expect to play, but the owner of the club encouraged me, sandals and all, using a chipped, battered and rubber torn club racket. I was surprised how well I did now at 66. My hand eye coordination was only a fraction of my 1980 level. Misses, and I mean missing the ball completely was about 50% of my play. But I was enthused that I was able to at least play. All the beginner players at the club beat me, as expected.
I returned the next week, I arrived early to talk with the club owner about a racket. His recommendation of me spending "about $150" for a good setup was more than I wanted to invest at that time in my development. So I ventured to a local Academy Sports, bought a $30 off the shelf Stiga Torch. It was a marked improvement from the chipped and battered club paddles. In the next few weeks I progressed rapidly. And I noticed the Torch had a mushy rubber and that I had to strike the ball harder to have it react. I needed a real racket.
So the past three weeks I have been attempting to educate my self about how to make a wise racket and rubber purchase. Compared to 1980 when Shriver was king, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of choices and combinations. I've driven my wife crazy watching YouTube videos of paddle and rubber reviews. I've even watch Japanese videos not understanding the language but watching the players forms.
Yesterday, the used racket that I purchased on eBay arrived. With fees and shipping it cost $59. A Sanwei Fextra 7 racket with Tibhar Exposition MX-P rubber on both sides. Before the howls begin, let me explain my thought process. First, I read, researched and watched videos on the two products. I know the MX-P is fast and a challenge to control. I know the dilemma one can experience if their equipment excels their skill level. I know going from the mushy Torch to the MX-P is like taking off training wheels to driving the new C8 Corvette. But it was only a $59 investment and I believe the Fextra 7 is an appropriate paddle for me.
So today, I play my first time with the Sanwei Fextra 7 and the Exposition MX-P at the club. I know it is going to be a major difference. As a comparison, last night I bounced balls on the Torch. Then I bounced on the MX-P. The ball popped off the MX-P and slugged off the Torch.
Of all the improvements since my return six weeks ago, my backhand has developed the best. I watched enough videos and practiced developing better serves. My hand eye coordination has improved significantly. I have improved. I'm guessing I am about 1000 at present and, if I was a wagering man, I would say the new set up, after 3-4 times playing I'll win 1-2 points more game, which will mean I will more of the deuce games I am now losing. The good news I am not having to ice my knees several times after I play and no more Advil for the muscle discomfort. Stretches really do work.
Every time I came to the site I was encouraged "to make a first post", so here it is. And future posts will not be as lengthy. But those who have read to this point, I welcome any pointers and insights. About what should I watch for today beyond the obvious? And if anyone else can share their setup. If my improvement continues, which I am optimistic about, that $150 racket may be in my immediate future. Just not today. Comments welcome.
I returned the next week, I arrived early to talk with the club owner about a racket. His recommendation of me spending "about $150" for a good setup was more than I wanted to invest at that time in my development. So I ventured to a local Academy Sports, bought a $30 off the shelf Stiga Torch. It was a marked improvement from the chipped and battered club paddles. In the next few weeks I progressed rapidly. And I noticed the Torch had a mushy rubber and that I had to strike the ball harder to have it react. I needed a real racket.
So the past three weeks I have been attempting to educate my self about how to make a wise racket and rubber purchase. Compared to 1980 when Shriver was king, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of choices and combinations. I've driven my wife crazy watching YouTube videos of paddle and rubber reviews. I've even watch Japanese videos not understanding the language but watching the players forms.
Yesterday, the used racket that I purchased on eBay arrived. With fees and shipping it cost $59. A Sanwei Fextra 7 racket with Tibhar Exposition MX-P rubber on both sides. Before the howls begin, let me explain my thought process. First, I read, researched and watched videos on the two products. I know the MX-P is fast and a challenge to control. I know the dilemma one can experience if their equipment excels their skill level. I know going from the mushy Torch to the MX-P is like taking off training wheels to driving the new C8 Corvette. But it was only a $59 investment and I believe the Fextra 7 is an appropriate paddle for me.
So today, I play my first time with the Sanwei Fextra 7 and the Exposition MX-P at the club. I know it is going to be a major difference. As a comparison, last night I bounced balls on the Torch. Then I bounced on the MX-P. The ball popped off the MX-P and slugged off the Torch.
Of all the improvements since my return six weeks ago, my backhand has developed the best. I watched enough videos and practiced developing better serves. My hand eye coordination has improved significantly. I have improved. I'm guessing I am about 1000 at present and, if I was a wagering man, I would say the new set up, after 3-4 times playing I'll win 1-2 points more game, which will mean I will more of the deuce games I am now losing. The good news I am not having to ice my knees several times after I play and no more Advil for the muscle discomfort. Stretches really do work.
Every time I came to the site I was encouraged "to make a first post", so here it is. And future posts will not be as lengthy. But those who have read to this point, I welcome any pointers and insights. About what should I watch for today beyond the obvious? And if anyone else can share their setup. If my improvement continues, which I am optimistic about, that $150 racket may be in my immediate future. Just not today. Comments welcome.
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