Do Professional players apply their rubbers?

[NDH]

I understand 100% around the intricacies of how a rubber is applied, etc. However, with all due respect, there are legalities around many aspects of professional sport that athletes rely on and this is actually one of the reasons they employ professionals to ensure they meet these standards. There are illegal racket strings, frames and stringing techniques in tennis, this is one of the reasons pro tennis players have stringers, so they don't need to worry about this and can just play tennis.

But with strings, it’s black and white.

You’ve got preferred tension, string type etc - there is no chance that someone does something slightly different.

With glueing a bat, if I told 10 people to glue up my bat with 2 layers of glue, all 10 people would do it slightly differently.

China will be the anomaly here due to the secrecy behind their H3 and booster.

They also have the money to add the resource to that part of the team.

Most other teams just won’t have the money/resource for it.

And again, unlike tennis where you have specialist stringing businesses all across the world, you just don’t have specialist table tennis bat glueing companies.

 

[Barnsite]

There is every chance that someone strings your racket differently... that's like saying you got the same rubber, you got the same blade, got the same glue, no chance anyone can do it differently. I'm a reasonable level tennis player and had three rackets strung buy a good stringer, same racket, same strings, same tension, and I can tell the difference.

I can understand if it's down to money, resource, etc, no issue with that, that makes perfect sense.

 

[NDH]

There is every chance that someone strings your racket differently... that's like saying you got the same rubber, you got the same blade, got the same glue, no chance anyone can do it differently. I'm a reasonable level tennis player and had three rackets strung buy a good stringer, same racket, same strings, same tension, and I can tell the difference.

I can understand if it's down to money, resource, etc, no issue with that, that makes perfect sense.

But are you saying the method contributed to the strings feeling different, or it was just one of those things?

My understanding (feel free to correct me!) is that with re stringing a racket, it’s about the strings and tension.

In theory, any competent stringer should do it the same.

If it feels different, that’s more likely the materials?

But I think the money side of things is the main issue. I reckon if you told the pros they could have a personal bat maker….. they’d absolutely go for it! 😅

 

[Barnsite]

But are you saying the method contributed to the strings feeling different, or it was just one of those things?

My understanding (feel free to correct me!) is that with re stringing a racket, it’s about the strings and tension.

In theory, any competent stringer should do it the same.

If it feels different, that’s more likely the materials?

But I think the money side of things is the main issue. I reckon if you told the pros they could have a personal bat maker….. they’d absolutely go for it! 😅

Method 100% changes the racket feeling and behaving differently, it is about strings and tension, however, as the point you made, you can ask the same person to stick the same rubbers on, with the same glue, on to the same bade.

And, I guess were I was at was that, if I was a pro player with the money of Federer / Nadal (or to be fair top 100 tennis players... which I guess isn't a thing in TT) I'd have some guy preparing my bats, and the idea that they may be not doing it "legally", or constantly would not be an issue

 

[igorponger]

What about lending your dear beloved wife for a stranger? Are you ready? 🏓

 

[pingpongpaddy]

There is every chance that someone strings your racket differently... that's like saying you got the same rubber, you got the same blade, got the same glue, no chance anyone can do it differently. I'm a reasonable level tennis player and had three rackets strung buy a good stringer, same racket, same strings, same tension, and I can tell the difference.

I can understand if it's down to money, resource, etc, no issue with that, that makes perfect sense.

You need to learn some humility. Players with years of experience take the time to explain things to you, and rather than admit you are wrong, you just waffle on, wasting peoples time.

 

[lodro]

Sorry, but that was a looong time ago, these days you can sniff and dream all you want…. 😉

Have a beer instead…

Cheers
L-zr

Well, I love the sniff of Ammonia in the morning 😂

 

[lodro]

What about lending your dear beloved wife for a stranger? Are you ready? 🏓

I am ready - are you offering ????

 

[Barnsite]

You need to learn some humility. Players with years of experience take the time to explain things to you, and rather than admit you are wrong, you just waffle on, wasting peoples time.

I apologise if it seemed I was being disrespectful to anyone's opinion. I was just having a discussion. I have been playing table tennis for 45 years, but, don't know about a lot of aspects of the game.

 

[Barnsite]

You may not be sure, but any tournament player at any level would find it ridiculous to to leave this to someone else. Remember players grow up with their blades and rubbers, many of them preferring difference in layers of glue and how the rubber is cut (which effects the balance).
You would also benefit from reading about how the protocols for testing legality are carried out. Its a serious business for the pros

And, with all due respect, I have been a tournament player at a good standard, and I'm a qualified coach. I have also worked with professional players in other sports. I apologise that I didn't respect your opinion and accept this as the answer. Additionally, other contributors to the post have different opinions to yours. I won't make the same mistake again of having a discussion, I'll just ask a question, and assume the first response is correct.

 

[pingpongpaddy]

And, with all due respect, I have been a tournament player at a good standard, and I'm a qualified coach. I have also worked with professional players in other sports. I apologise that I didn't respect your opinion and accept this as the answer. Additionally, other contributors to the post have different opinions to yours. I won't make the same mistake again of having a discussion, I'll just ask a question, and assume the first response is correct.

Well, I am sorry I was on such a short fuse yesterday. Hopefully we can both improve from the experience. Btw I have been player (1968) and coach (1974) for quite some time.

Since in spite of your long career you have not had occasion to familiarise with this stuff from the ittf

Here is something from an ITTF Handbook which clarifies why there is an incentive for players to take responsibility.
I am not sure if it's the latest info but gives a good flavour. If you need more Google is your friend

regards
PPP


3.2.4 Racket Control


3.2.4.1 It is the responsibility of each player to ensure that racket coverings are


attached to their racket blade with adhesives that do not contain harmful


volatile solvents.


3.2.4.2 A racket control centre shall be established at all ITTF World Title, Olympic


and Paralympic competitions as well as at a select number of other ITTF


competitions and may be established at Continental and Regional


competitions.


3.2.4.2.1 The racket control centre shall test rackets, according to the policy and


procedure established by the Executive Board on recommendation of


the Equipment Committee and Umpires and Referees Committee, to


ensure that rackets abide by all ITTF regulations including, but not


limited to, flatness, racket covering thickness, even thickness and


continuity of layers, and presence of harmful or volatile substances.


3.2.4.2.2 Normally, the racket control test shall be carried out before the match.


After-match tests shall only be conducted, where the racket was not


submitted on time for a before-match test or for tests or inspections that


could not be performed before the match.


3.2.4.2.3 Rackets that do not pass the racket control test before the match cannot


be used but may be replaced by a second racket which may be tested


immediately if time permits, but if not, will be tested after the match; in


the case where rackets do not pass a random racket control test after


the match, the offending player will be liable to penalties.


3.2.4.2.4 All players are entitled to have their rackets tested voluntarily without any


penalties before the match.



3.2.4.3 Following 4 accumulated failures on any aspect of racket testing in a period


of four years, the player may complete the event, but subsequently the


Executive Board will suspend the offending player for 12 months.


3.2.4.3.1 The ITTF shall inform the suspended player in writing of such


suspension.

 

[Barnsite]

You need to learn some humility. Players with years of experience take the time to explain things to you, and rather than admit you are wrong, you just waffle on, wasting peoples time.

Well, I am sorry I was on such a short fuse yesterday. Hopefully we can both improve from the experience. Btw I have been player (1968) and coach (1974) for quite some time.

Since in spite of your long career you have not had occasion to familiarise with this stuff from the ittf

Here is something from an ITTF Handbook which clarifies why there is an incentive for players to take responsibility.
I am not sure if it's the latest info but gives a good flavour. If you need more Google is your friend

regards
PPP


3.2.4 Racket Control


3.2.4.1 It is the responsibility of each player to ensure that racket coverings are


attached to their racket blade with adhesives that do not contain harmful


volatile solvents.


3.2.4.2 A racket control centre shall be established at all ITTF World Title, Olympic


and Paralympic competitions as well as at a select number of other ITTF


competitions and may be established at Continental and Regional


competitions.


3.2.4.2.1 The racket control centre shall test rackets, according to the policy and


procedure established by the Executive Board on recommendation of


the Equipment Committee and Umpires and Referees Committee, to


ensure that rackets abide by all ITTF regulations including, but not


limited to, flatness, racket covering thickness, even thickness and


continuity of layers, and presence of harmful or volatile substances.


3.2.4.2.2 Normally, the racket control test shall be carried out before the match.


After-match tests shall only be conducted, where the racket was not


submitted on time for a before-match test or for tests or inspections that


could not be performed before the match.


3.2.4.2.3 Rackets that do not pass the racket control test before the match cannot


be used but may be replaced by a second racket which may be tested


immediately if time permits, but if not, will be tested after the match; in


the case where rackets do not pass a random racket control test after


the match, the offending player will be liable to penalties.


3.2.4.2.4 All players are entitled to have their rackets tested voluntarily without any


penalties before the match.



3.2.4.3 Following 4 accumulated failures on any aspect of racket testing in a period


of four years, the player may complete the event, but subsequently the


Executive Board will suspend the offending player for 12 months.


3.2.4.3.1 The ITTF shall inform the suspended player in writing of such


suspension.

No problem. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dominikk85]

I find that quite surprising (not saying you're wrong) as I know a number of international racket sports players (admittedly all stringed rackets) and all of them have stringers. What do you think is the difference?

1. Money
Tennis stars are multi millionaires and can afford to pay a stringer. Most table tennis players don't earn that well. Stars like boll or ma long earn good money but nowhere near what tennis players make. Many lower level tennis players up to the semi pro level will string themselves.

2.difficulty of the operation.
Stringing a tennis racket is a bit finicky and requires practice and special equipment. Gluing a table tennis bat is super easy

3. Frequency of the operation
Tennis players use several racket per game. Most will play one racket at max one set. Also they want a super freshly strung racket as strings lose tension fast. That means they need rackets to be strung during a match (which can take 3-4 hours).

Table tennis pros will glue a bat the evening before and then play a full match or more (when it is a two match day) with the same bat. That is a lot less effort and doesn't justify paying an extra person.

Maybe some players have their coach doing it for them but not a paid bat glue guy.

 

[Barnsite]

1. Money
Tennis stars are multi millionaires and can afford to pay a stringer. Most table tennis players don't earn that well. Stars like boll or ma long earn good money but nowhere near what tennis players make. Many lower level tennis players up to the semi pro level will string themselves.

2.difficulty of the operation.
Stringing a tennis racket is a bit finicky and requires practice and special equipment. Gluing a table tennis bat is super easy

3. Frequency of the operation
Tennis players use several racket per game. Most will play one racket at max one set. Also they want a super freshly strung racket as strings lose tension fast. That means they need rackets to be strung during a match (which can take 3-4 hours).

Table tennis pros will glue a bat the evening before and then play a full match or more (when it is a two match day) with the same bat. That is a lot less effort and doesn't justify paying an extra person.

Maybe some players have their coach doing it for them but not a paid bat glue guy.

Thanks, makes sense.