1. Long Pips:
- Appearance: These have long, thin pimples that stick outwards. They are usually spaced further apart than short pips.
- Effect: They produce a significant amount of spin reversal. When you hit a topspin ball, it comes back with backspin, and vice-versa. They also tend to "deaden" the ball, reducing its speed and making it float more.
- Example: Imagine a brush with long, flexible bristles.
2. Short Pips:
- Appearance: These have shorter, wider pimples that also stick outwards. They are more densely packed than long pips.
- Effect: They produce less spin reversal than long pips but can still be deceptive. They are known for their speed and flat trajectory, making it difficult for opponents to judge the incoming ball.
- Example: Think of a shoe brush with short, stiff bristles.
There is also a medium variant - along with difference types, surface rubbers & setups that require different types of spone.
Playing With:
- Footwork: Pimple players often rely on deception and placement, so good footwork is essential to reach the ball and execute your shots effectively.
- Type of pimples: Know the characteristics of your pimples (long, medium, short, soft or hard) and how they affect spin and speed.
- Experimentation: Practice hitting different types of shots (pushes, blocks, chops, hits, punches) to understand how your pimples react to various incoming spins. Having a good practice partner here will help, as they will need to provide different types of spin, pace and placement for you to practice.
- Vary your strokes: Mix up your shots and spin to keep your opponent guessing. Use the deceptive nature of pimples to your advantage, understanding how the pimples bend and affect the ball.
- Disguise your contact: Learn to hide your contact point, making it difficult for your opponent to read the spin.
- Vary your pace: Change the speed of your shots to disrupt your opponent's timing.
- Serve with variation: Utilize different spins and placements on your serve to create opportunities for attack us the pimples and if you playing with a combination, vary with Pimples and Inverted rubber.
- Control the tempo: Dictate the pace of the game. Use your pimples to slow down the rallies or speed them up when advantageous.
- Target their weaknesses: Exploit your opponent's weaknesses by directing your shots to their less comfortable areas.
- Watch and learn: Observe other pimple players to gain insights into different techniques and strategies.
- Seek advice: Ask experienced players or coaches for tips on how to play against pimples.
- Our resident coach Rowden who plays with & understands fully both how to play with and against pimples, so reach out and ask questions.
- Locate other players who play with pimples and ask for their advices and don't be afraid to ask to try their set-up so you can appreciate different types
Playing Against:
- Vary your spin: Mix up your serves and returns with different spins (topspin, backspin, no spin) to keep them guessing
- Observe their strokes: Pay close attention to how your opponent contacts the ball to anticipate the type of spin they're generating.
- Use their spin: When returning, try to use their spin to your advantage. For example, if they push with long pips, loop the ball with heavy topspin.
- Stay patient: Don't get frustrated by their unusual returns. Focus on consistent placement and wait for opportunities to attack.
- Practice against pimples: The best way to improve is to play against pimple players regularly. This will help you develop the necessary timing and feel.
- Seek advice: Ask experienced players or coaches for tips on how to play against pimples.
Remember, playing against pimples requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to adjust your game. With practice and experience, you can develop the skills to overcome this unique challenge and emerge victorious.