The hardness of table tennis racket rubber has a significant impact on the feel of the ball.
1. Impact on elasticity and speed
Harder rubber usually has higher elasticity and faster ball speed. When hitting the ball, the hard rubber can quickly bounce the ball out, making the ball fly faster. This is an advantage for players who like to play aggressively, as they can use the high elasticity of the hard rubber and the quick release of the ball to launch powerful attacks. For example, in fast-break play, players can use hard rubber to hit the ball quickly near the table, putting a lot of pressure on their opponents. However, the high elasticity of hard rubber also requires players to have good technique and control, otherwise they are prone to hitting errors.
On the contrary, softer rubber has relatively lower elasticity and slower ball speed. Soft rubber can better absorb the force of the incoming ball when hitting the ball, allowing the ball to stay on the rubber slightly longer. This gives players more time to control the direction and spin of the ball, which is suitable for players who like a control style of play. For example, in chipping, players can take advantage of the good control properties of soft rubber to chip the ball more quickly and stably, creating difficulties for their opponents.
2. Affect rotation performance
The hardness of the rubber also affects the spin of the ball. Generally speaking, hard rubber is relatively difficult to create strong rotation because it has greater elasticity and the friction time of the ball on the rubber is shorter. However, hard rubber can use its fast ball speed to increase the spin effect of the ball when hitting the ball. For example, when looping the ball, players can use the fast friction of the hard rubber and the speed of the ball to give the ball a certain rotation and speed.
Soft rubber is easier to create strong rotation. Soft rubber can wrap the ball better, increasing the friction time and friction between the ball and the rubber, thereby causing the ball to generate stronger spin. For players who like to create spin, soft rubber is a good choice. For example, in the combination of loop ball and fast break, players can use the rotation performance of soft rubber to pull out a strong loop ball, posing a great threat to the opponent.
3. Affects feel and control
In addition to elasticity and spin properties, the hardness of the rubber also affects the feel and control of the ball. Hard rubber feels harder when hitting the ball, and the feedback is more direct. Players can clearly feel the impact force of the ball. However, hard rubber is relatively difficult to control and requires players to have a high technical level and precise control.
Soft rubber has a softer feel and relatively softer feedback. Players can better feel the ball's rotation and arc when hitting the ball, and it is easier to control the ball's landing point and direction. However, the feel of the soft rubber may make some players feel that it is not clear enough, and it will take some time to get used to it.
In short, the hardness of table tennis racket rubber has many effects on the batting feel. When players choose the rubber hardness, they should choose according to their own playing style characteristics, technical level and personal preferences to achieve the best hitting effect.
