does-hitting-style-help-determine-the-thickness-of-the-rubber
Resznotes asked 2 years ago
Hi, Dan and Tom,
In determining the thickness of the rubber one chooses, is the way one contacts the ball a factor? I honestly don’t know what factors one considers when choosing a backhand rubber vs forehand rubber, but players often choose different rubbers. What is it they are considering when doing so? Specifically, does the level of engagement a player has with a ball matter? For example, if it is common for a player to hit harder and engage the rubber more on the forehand, but have a less powerful backhand, should she/he have a max rubber on the forehand, but a 2.0 thickness rubber on the backhand? Is the added weight unnecessary on the backhand if the focus is more on spin than power? finally, Is the thicker rubber bouncier, making a thinner rubber on the backhand easier for controlled pushes as well?
Thanks. I’m trying to understand how to make an informed choice on rubber thickness.
Resznotes
Dan Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey! So really the thickness of the rubber mostly gives it more speed and bounciness. However it is also a bit easier spin the ball with a thicker rubber as the ball has more time to sink into the sponge. A lot of players have the same rubbers and thickness on both sides as well so I wouldn’t worry to much about that. If you do feel you want more control without changing the rubbers then going to a thinner sponge is a good option. I think mostly it’s best to have the maximum thickness because this gives you the best chance to create spin and power. But yes ify out are really struggling to control it then the thinner sponge can be helpful. Dan 🙂
