epictetus wrote:
kees: I'll second your thoughts based on about 15 hours with the Nittaku seamed Chinese ball (it may change whenever they start selling the Premium Nittaku in the U.S.). The most successful tactics against power loopers has been in/out and, when possible, lp blocks cutting the diagonal. Diagonal cuts on the lp block have been devastating particularly when preceded by a sp attack long. When I need points, short serves-- to be returned to fh short pips-- are followed by a sp long attack and then the lp block at the angle. Suspect that, as usual, opponents will adapt to these tactics but have been surprised by the better-players-than-I having more problems adjusting. Am trying to journey to a 40+ tournament to confirm whether or not 2100+ players are making any adjustments (suspect not).
On the equipment side, my experience has been to stay with the 802-40, (2.2 and 2.0) discarding 802s, etc. Interestingly, was in contact with Cole Ely on the subject and he recommended trying an old Scirrocco inverted that was slower. In all cases with inverteds, however, the close to table tactics were more effective with the 802-40 than with any inverted combination. On the long pips side, have surprisingly found that my previous Cropcircles OX (the old preference of Richard McAfee) are better than my Pogo OX. Interestingly, McAfee had mentioned in some post that the CC OX required active hands, ie. passive blocks were not its strength, and, for some (at the moment) inexplicable reason am finding more control with CC than Pogo. Perhaps it's the "new" rubber placebo effect or perhaps my backhand stroke just suits this hard ball better with CC. Don't know.
Finally, as abovementioned, this may all be for naught as the Premium Nittaku or improved quality control poly balls may bring the 40+ to a closer imitation of the celluloid ball. We'll see. (Glad you're back)
why do you think 802 must be discarded for polyball? also stiff blades like clipper?
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
