Hello. I was wondering about the difference between Short Pips and Long Pips. I would also like to know about the Pros and Cons of each of them. Can you please reccomend me some rubbers.
Thanks
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Disadvantages:
Topspin and mid distance play: The decreased grip of short pips rubbers renders it difficult to generate topspin and lift low balls. Short pip players are, therefore, often forced to make pushes or soft “rolling hits” against long and very flat backspin balls unless they time their flat shots perfectly (see below). For the same reason, banana flicks are difficult to execute with short pimpled rubbers. Also, it is difficult for short pip players to generate powerful shots from mid to long distance. Such shots require topspin to generate the necessary ball trajectory that brings the ball over the net with a kicking bounce. Short pip players typically must resort to well timed flat hits or chops.
Timing is critical: Given the above, it is essential to hit the ball near or at the top of the bounce to make a successful flat hit, flick, or block. This, in turn, places significant demands on correct footwork and positioning. The margin for error is smaller than with regular inverted rubbers, which can become more obvious in tense game situations, where the adrenaline is flowing and muscles are tightening up. A little bit too early and the ball goes into the net. A little bit too late or too high and the ball goes long.
Short game: Due to the decreased spin, short pushes tend to pop up a little bit higher than with inverted rubbers, which allows the opponent to have opportunities to attack
Advantages:
Low sensitivity towards incoming spin: The reduced surface area of short pimpled rubbers means that they are far ss affected by incoming spin than regular inverted rubbers. This is particularly true for short pips ement of pips. As a consequence, it is easier to “hit through" the opponent’s spin, something that is especially advantageous on service returns. Another area that benefits from the low spin sensitivity is blocking against strong topspin. Blocks can be played with a significantly more open bat angle with short pips than regular inverted rubbers and the low spin sensitivity allows for excellent control in ball placement.
Multiple strategies to confuse the opponent: While not having the disruptive effect of long or medium pips, flat hits and blocks played with short pips rubbers typically produce a sink effect, i.e., a ball with a very low trajectory that remains flat after the bounce and which gives the perception of a dip. This effect is reinforced on blocks against loops as these shots often result in slight spin reversal, i.e., backspin. The trajectory and bounce differ from regular inverted rubbers and forces the opponent to change their timing. This can result in unforced errors and easy points. Additional confusion can arise if the short pips player uses a spinny inverted rubber on the other side of the blade as the opponent constantly needs to adapt to different trajectories and timing. Moreover, short pips players can further confuse opponents by "twiddling" the blade mid rally. For example, changing from short pips on the backhand to short pips on the forehand. Finally, defenders using short pips on their backhand can greatly vary the spin on their chops,
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