Tips on twiddling

[Stuart Marquis]

Does anyone have any tips or insights into learning the art of twiddling? I'm an attacking player that has oscillated between inverted BH and FH, and SP's on FH and inverted on BH for the last couple of years. I've now decided to move my game forward with the combination set up, but to learn to effectively twiddle so that I can get the benefits of both rubbers on both sides. I'm 43 and local league standard so no chance of getting to the higher levels in the sport, but top 500-ish in England would be nice (currently in the 600's). Current set up is a Timo Boll ALC with Tenergy 25 and Firestorm Green Edition SP's. My game is primarily about close to the table play (powerful drives and blocks etc) so I think my set up suits that style of play pretty well.

Any thoughts on strategy around twiddling and also tips on how to get better at doing it (other than general practice, of course?)

 

[LittleSeki]

Just practice it in front of the tv on your couche.

Thats how i got faster in twiddeling.

Just practice it alot, not only in training.

 

[DukeGaGa]

If your blade has a flared handle (or master for Stiga), try one that has a straight handle, should help with the twiddle.

 

[yogi_bear]

Integrate it into the game with you hiding your racket before receiving the ball. Alternating between pips and inverted side.

 

[Stuart Marquis]

Thanks guys!

 

[BetterTT]

You have made a great choice in deciding to twiddle...if you play with two very different rubbers, that is ta really good way to take full advantage of the fact that the ball will behave quite differently when contacted by each of the rubbers in terms of speed, spin, pace, etc.

As one poster mentioned, it really helps to have a racket at home and just practice twiddling while watching TV or having a conversation with someone. Initially, you will be very slow while charging rubber sides, but over time it will get much faster. At the beginning, you might even "get caught" while twiddling and miss easy shots because you were not gripping the racket properly. It's OK....It's part of the price of learning a new skill. Additionally, you will have to get really comfortable hitting the ball with either rubber on both forehand and backhand. Spend extra time practicing that and getting very comfortable with it.

At the beginning, it can be difficult, so you have to be very selective WHEN to twiddle. It's best to do it when you can anticipate in advance what the opponent will be doing. For example, if you know that when you push a ball deep to a certain opponent's backhand, he will push it back diagonally almost all the time. Then you can elect to twiddle and not be surprised and end up being at a disadvantage because you were not prepared for the next shot.

Another great time to twiddle is immediately after your serve. You can often anticipate what the opponent will do in terms of placement, etc and then you are not surprised.

Another point to keep in mind is that certain players get really messed up and confused when their opponent twiddles. Twiddle a lot against those players. Other players are not bothered by it whatsoever. Dont bother twiddling against them as you are just causing extra work for yourself and with no benefit. Always know what works and what doesnt work against every opponent.

Most importantly, have fun with twiddling. It will take time to get really good at it. Its just adds one more dimension to your game.