Slippery/Plain Rubber on Table Tennis

By: Kasmono Monex, a fan of healthy living

Table tennis is a sport of dexterity that requires a blade/bet as a ball bat to play. Like a badminton racket, the bat is the most important tool besides the table, net and ping pong ball. But did you know that the bets used by table tennis players have various variants and combinations of characteristics?

The bet consists of a wooden and rubber set. To set up a suitable bet, players usually do several trials before deciding on the set up of their choice.

Smooth/Plain Rubber (Not Chinese Products):
For example, a smooth or inverted (non-spotted) rubber surface, this type is mostly used by players with an attacking style, although many defenders also use it. With its characteristic smooth surface (smooth) with the smooth surface facing outward and the pimple (spot) facing towards the inside of the blade, it allows the player to produce high spin and speed. Spin is generated not only by the performance of the topsheet (outer layer), but also by the pressure of the ball (sticking and sinking) into the sponge resulting in extensive ball contact on the surface of the rubber.

Smooth/Plain Rubber (Chinese Product):
Chinese rubber products generally have a more sticky or "tacky" topsheet. Spin is generated mostly by the topsheet, with the relatively denser and harder sponge.

The effect will result in high spin, and usually a short short game that is much better and has good attacking abilities than ordinary (non-Chinese) slippery rubber. But it has the disadvantage of being less consistent in playing defense and/or countering.

Set up tools only as a support in the game, the most important is the mastery of techniques, playing strategy and prime stamina which we must hone and train continuously.

To be continued....

Healthy spirit and greetings 🏓