Soft rubbers

I have played Edward a few times since he changed from tenergy 05 and 64 to a soft version of Tibhar Genius.

I hadn't played him in months so I think he improved some elements in his game, especially being able to continually reloop, but I think this is due to the fact that I am not afraid of the incoming shots so can just keep blocking the ball back.

My perspective on playing the soft rubbers is that he now can do lots of "dippers" balls that don't bounce up much, or just spin down near the end line of the table.

All the energy in the loop goes into loop with very little forward speed. This of course can be mixed up with more punch drive and smashing to maintain speed and drop off spin.

Most of the shots I find I sidespin block back with since they are loaded with topspin I just prefer contacting one of the poles instead of the equators.

I experienced similar things when I used soft rubbers, that people could just block the spin. I think using soft rubbers requires a different game strategy, instead of just looping with harder rubbers which often much faster.

With soft rubbers a good player needs to develop a power backhand punch or forehand slap to have something like a winning point.

Having said all this I think I played very well and enjoyed winning. :)