OOAK Table Tennis Forum

So after my trip to Queensland, I think I'm back to committing to short pips again, as my latest video clearly shows that I still have a SP mentality. The only thing that truly annoys me during each transition is the blocking aspect. I enjoy blocking, and most of the time with only a slightly closed racket and use my inverted's low throw to block it back nicely.

The problem is that I have yet to experience a SP that blocks truly as fast as inverted (tensor) if you just stick your racket out and block, which is the basic block expected in training. I'm sick of having to make positive blocking strokes, partly because I'm lazy, partly because I play it like chess, and need those extra seconds to think about what to do next.

Could someone advise me of a really fast SP that blocks by just sticking it out and letting the ball's natural rebound take its course? IIRC I think Tango Ultra did that, but now it is discontinued by Joola.

Many thanks,
Geko

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(\__/)
(='.'=) But there's no sense crying over every mistake,
(")_(") You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.

Pluto without a doubt in my mind. (It is a MP but is plenty fast enough. Not much spin but you can just stick your racket there with a slight forward action and the ball just returns on the other side.)
Pistol is another good one. But I find Pluto to be better.

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FH: Joola Express Ultra Max, BH: Giant Dragon Talon OX , Blade: Nexy Hannibal
FH: Tibhar Sinus Alpha Max, BH: Tibhar Sinus Alpha Max , Blade: Nexy Hannibal

Get one of those pre-tensioned short pips, if you must. But I thought putting some positive stroke is good, it would mean easier control under pressure.

You can play similar to short pip block and hit play with inverted, but I haven't found any inverted as low-throw and insensitive to spin as common short pips (802 for example).

But I would really suggest keeping the inverted and working on the backhand instead of switching surfaces altogether, especially when you have a working backhand loop as you previously mentioned.

Then again, your mileage may vary...good luck if you intend to switch to short pips! There are excellent articles over the short pip section.

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Add: I would second bvautier's Pluto suggestion though, but I don't think you'll be able to find one in 2.0mm or more.

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Viscaria. H2 Neo 2.15. Tenergy 05 1.9.

I've used Pluto in the past, and that definitely needs a forward push on contact. Pistol is another one that is like that. I basically want to play like a beginner and block by sticking it in front of the ball with no additional force on contact, I've found this to be the safest block by far.

Yes, 802 is great when I punch block or finish off, but never great in passive blocking...perhaps when the opponent rips at you full speed.

My BH loop is consistent and mostly side-spin, and I hardly counter topspin with a BH loop, unless at mid distance, I mostly block or push block to get my FH in, which is why I figured it might me worth the switch for good. (Plus it makes for soooo may more EJing options!) ahaha.

I will have a look at the tensioned stuff, namely tensor SP's. Their super bouncy sponge might allow my lazy blocking. Any good ones other than Tango Ultra?

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(\__/)
(='.'=) But there's no sense crying over every mistake,
(")_(") You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.

Flarestorm ( SP ) from Butterfly is quite fast and will do the job.

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Defense Blade with pimples on one side ...

Also Raystorm 2.0...

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EJ with over 120 blades (30+ def) and 220 rubbers (30+ LP), all active or new

I'm disturbed by your news about discountinued Tango Ultra - doesn't sound right to me at all - it's still in all the catelogues I get. Maybe try their new SP called Express Ultra - which is supposed to be even faster (according to their marketing).

Royal is the fastest SP I know - but you still need to do some work - stop being so lazy mate!

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Tango Ultra 2mm black, DMS Storkraft 1.6mm red, DMS Invictus
Well done bat!

Sorry mate, I confirmed with Joola, the JTU is not discontinued. Sorry for the confusion, I heard it from Mytt and assumed it was true.

After a week of intense competition and training at the Aussie UniGames, I've decided to stick to inverted. It allows an unbelievably lazy blocking style at the same time giving me uncompromising attacks. I still have a lot of respect for sport pips players, but it seems, even after my 3rd attempt to use them, I am destined for the light side haha.

I tried the Royal btw (thanks Monkey ^_^), and it does block great, however you still need to spin with it a little on hard hits to ensure it lands.

_________________
(\__/)
(='.'=) But there's no sense crying over every mistake,
(")_(") You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.

@Geko

Youre not supposed to have a lazy block with SP's

Since your going to set up your FH attacks with the SP, you should be aiming to block consistently and if possible aggressively.

Lazy blocking and letting the rubber do the work, I don't think anything does that (even inverted)

I am looking for a blade and rubber combination that will create insane backspin when serving, unreal topsin when looping and chop on its own when I am away from the table. I am pretty lazy so I want the blade and rubber to do all the work for me... I don't even want to put the blade in the way of the ball, I want the blade to actually pull my arm and adjust itself automatically. Does anyone know of such an arrangement?
Also if it could make me coffee during time outs that would even be better

Cheers!

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FH: Joola Express Ultra Max, BH: Giant Dragon Talon OX , Blade: Nexy Hannibal
FH: Tibhar Sinus Alpha Max, BH: Tibhar Sinus Alpha Max , Blade: Nexy Hannibal

You forgot some things....

It should be ideal for the 40 mm ball, and since people may STILL be confused about 11 point games, it should keep score for you. Last thing, it should be able to trick the ENEZ and make you attractive to chicks.

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Butterfly Viscaria Black tag
2.2 mm Nexy Karis M on FH and BH

.....and even does the talking for you with said chicks!


Seriously, I hat a very wee hit with blowfish + and it maybe the ticket for you!

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Stiga OC CR
FH: Nittaku H2 NEO
BH: VEGA PRO MAX

Yasaka YEO
FH : Nittaku H3 Neo
BH : VEGA PRO MAX
Go Chicago White Sox!

This is it:

"BackspinControl 2007"

Weight ~ 60 g
Thickness ~ 9,5 mm

1st Speed ~ 9- / 6-
2nd Speed ~ 6 / 9


This all-purpose blade will be support all those strategies which aim to
pressurise the opponent by means of spin:
- the modern defender acting aggressively with both fore- and backhand
- the defenders acting mainly by their backhand armed with
(frictionless) long pimple out rubbers
- all spin-offensive attackers

forehand
- speed depending on sponge thickness all- / all+ up to all+/off-
- a gently inclined flight curve of the ball
- extremely strong spinning
- medium catapult

backhand
- all kinds of pimple out rubbers as well as anti-rubbers will be
perfectly supported
- topspin players are advised to use sponges >1,8mm
- regular ball flight curve
- extremely low catapult

The describe characteristics promote bewildering spin variations like
smooth respectively hard topspins, stop-blocks, ultra short backspin
balls. The backhand will furthermore enable the defender to build up a
nearly impenetrable wall against hard spin attacks. The disturbing
features of pimple-out rubbers will be optimally supported by this blade
- backhand as well as forehand !

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Defense Blade with pimples on one side ...