Suitable for close-to-table speed play. Suggested reading: Drew Ogden's "How to dominate with short pips" ebook

See World Champion Wang Tao matches on youtube (eg against Persson and Waldner)

Wan-g Tao (CHN)
Avalox p700
FH: Globe 999
BH: TSP Spectol (spectol is intended for BH use, but Singapore's Li Jia Wei is an exception)

Why use SP21 rather than other short-pips:

I wonder if the reviews still are valid for the new ball because some pips that were good now they are not effective with polyball like clippa and 802-40

1) Deceptive due to the pips shape. You can attack & deceive. Doesn't react as much to spin so easier to return loops

2) You can hit "knuckle-balls"-, the ball dropping off the blocker's bat

3) Against opponents who back off, easy to dropshot & play passive blocks, making the ball land short of the opponent

4) To really confuse opponents, you can mix up both passive and active blocks

5) You can return a spinny serve with the opponent's spin and added spin of your own, given good touch

6) With a combination bat & fast game, spin changes quickly, messing up opponents. They also don't have time to watch which rubber you're using, putting them under pressure

Disadvantages:

1) Plays like long pips (deceptive), but has cons of long: difficult to play against no-spin balls and not good at generating your own spin

2) The OFF is not fast, even in max on an offensive blade. Hard to get pace against slow balls Anything less than max is not suitable for attack

3) More difficult to learn because of its unusual properties. Not recommended for those wanting to cover a weakness.

4) Ball trajectory is almost linear: by having less spin you don't have the safety of spin from inverted

5) If your coach doesn't know about pips you might be better off with inverted

6) All pips have pros and cons. You have to know how to use them

7) Takes time to get used to. You'll need a big break between comp seasons. No quick fix to your game but an option many don't consider. Could change your whole playing style for the better