The match is over.
This post might be a little longer and is not only about the Rxton 9.
Took some time and we managed to win 8-5.
I played 1 doubles match, and 3 singles.
First match doubles:
We all take some time to get into the game but we find our rhythm.
In the first 2 sets I am only attacking/looping half of the balls that I could.
The other half I just push and the point usually goes to the opponents in the rally bc of mistake from
My partner doesnt attack much, but once I open he can follow up with smashes or blocks.
First 2 sets, we were up and lose many points in a streak.
From 6-4 to 6-11, from 9-5 to 9-11, my partner was really not in a good mental state, but I kept the morale up.
Once I realized that I needed to take more action I did.
I loop almost every ball that doesnt need to be pushed.
Either with FH or BH, and that is where my racket made the difference.
90% of FH loops were instant points.
So many times I was able to loop seemingly really difficult balls from almost any position
From wide FH almost around the net to pivot in BH corner.
And BH I also hit 90% of all open ups, blocks and smashes.
We win 3-2 in the end I impressed everyone including myself, my partner and the opponents.
That really made me feel confident.
Right after is first singles game:
I go into the game feeling good and in a mood where I can hit anything.
And it turns out I can.
FH and BH loops, follow ups, pivot Forehands, 3rd ball attacks from over the table.
I could confidently hit Backhands mid rally.
With the Inner Carbon blades I would have hit most Backhands in the net and
wouldnt have been able to use it without hesitation.
3-0.
Second singles:
I win first set 16-14. Back and forth between who makes an error, hits a BH and sometimes a rally.
Second set I try to use more of my FH but sometimes he would block the ball slowly back.
It often came unexpected and I rushed too which led to errors, I lose 11-13.
I somehow win the 3rd set 11-9 in a simple and not spectacular way.
Mainly 3rd ball attacks with FH and BH, forcing errors from the opponent with pushes.
I go into the 4th set with little to no focus.
I start to autopilot, just playing the ball back passively.
So I lose 5-11.
That carries over into the 5th set.
I go down like 2-5 or something and we switch sides.
Thats when I realized I needed to turn back up and that I would only win this match if I turned up.
I find my way back, start to do my cho(not cho, my version of shout) after every point and think myself in.
My confidence comes back, I hit openups and win the rallies in good fashion.
I fight my way through to a 11-8 in the fifth.
Feeling relieved and satisfied.
Last match:
I have almost no focus and just play the ball back.
When I try to play active I am missing the easiest shots.
Cant hit simple blocks or loops.
rubber or blade made no difference there.
I could and should have won that from a skill standpoint but the issue was somewhere else.
I lose 0-3.
Overall still very happy and proud of the first 3 matches.
Will work on the problem in the last match.
Now back to equipment.
The Rxton 9 helped me win today.
The slight edge it gave me on some of the Forehand loops made the difference.
Most of the FH loops probably would have landed with the LAC or most other chinese FH rubbers.
But some of the shots either wouldnt have landed or not gotten me the point in the end.
On the other side obviously the biggest difference was on the Backhand.
That direct feeling, from the boosted H8 80 on the outer ALC side was amazing.
No more worries about hitting the net.
It has speed, control, and obviously spin.
Less control in blocks but not by much.
I wouldnt say my EJ drive has stopped but it is down significantly.
A big misunderstanding about equipment is that often the technique of a player is disregarded.
One shouldnt hesitate or hold their way of playing back because of their equipment.
My technique suits this racket right now,
I dont have to adjust and I can focus on improving rather than changing my gameplay.
Wow this is a long post.
Enjoy the rest of your sunday!
