Hello, I would like to introduce myself, apologizing in advance for the extensiveness of this post
I live in Chile, I am 46 years old, and about 20 years ago, I stopped playing due to a motorcycle accident. I have several injuries, including osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. For now I live well, some regular pain, but nothing extraordinary, I can move and play relatively normal. The doctor suggested me to do some sport activity, and I remembered table tennis.
I never had any formal training, but I played quite a bit in college, even winning a couple of amateur tournaments. About 2 or 3 months ago, I found a club in the city where I live, and I am taking up my game again, as well as taking my children to learn.
The club has a very nice coach, he seems to know quite a bit, but I feel he has a pretty standardized system of teaching. For my kids it might be ok, if they get to like it enough, they can develop their full potential with good coaching. The thing is, he works the same way with me.
As I mentioned, I never had formal training, and now I have fun at it. But the thing is, because of my age and especially my physical issues, I won't be able to develop the same style of play as the younger guys, even if I wanted to.
So, now that I've been watching pro matches, training videos and so on, I've been very attracted to the defensive game, and therefore I'm forming some conviction that it might be the best option for me. I have always had a good backhand game, and an acceptable forehand. As I was telling you, because of my joint problems, I will lose mobility faster than other men of my age, so I think a game close to the table, with long pimps blocking on the backhand. As a goal, I believe that if I train conscientiously this style, in 3 or 4 years, I can start to fight in master 50+ tournaments (at least as a personal challenge)
And this is where I am looking for help from the Long Pimple rubbers forum. Maybe I'm asking too much, but would it be possible to ask you for a development guide for my defensive game?
I mean, if you can give me recommendations and advice. Not from scratch as a player, but from a defensive style point of view.
For example, I don't have my own paddle yet (I play with a beginners paddle that is in the club). So, which one should I start with? A cheap one (Yinhe 980, Palio Chopper, Sanwei Alpha, Tibhar Defense Plus, etc), to start with, and then upgrade as I improve? Or do I start with a more expensive one from the beginning (I can't buy one too expensive yet either). Moreover, should I use a defensive blade necessarily? I see some of you use Viscaria and other very offensive woods with ox pips, so I get quite confused... sorry :/
As in the blade, what type of rubber? With or without sponge? What thickness? Should I try a few options first?
Some last longer than others?
That's a lot of questions, I know. But it would help me a lot if you can give me a hand.
Thanks