Ask The Experts: Steven Wang, No. 155

Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer
Blade: Butterfly Viscaria & Timo Boll ZLC
Forehand: Tenergy 64
Backhand: Tenergy 80

Question: I have been using the Tenergy 64 for a few years now, mainly on my Timo Boll ZLC. The Tenergy 64 seemed great on that blade, but ever since I switched to the Viscaria, the Tenergy 64 seems almost too hard and my loops are going long. Could this be due to the difference in the blades and I just haven’t adjusted my swing? I’m thinking that maybe a little softer rubber would be better, like the Tenergy 80? I like to play mid distance and my FH loops were hitting the table with the Timo Boll ZLC and now I am missing those same ones. The question is: should I continue to adjust my stroke and keep the Tenergy 64 or should I try a little softer rubber like the Tenergy 80 to compensate for the difference in the blade? Thank you in advance for your time.

Hi Tyson,
First, practice with your paddle angling a little bit more downward.
After you practice, if you feel that this is not helpful, then you could change to a softer rubber. If you want another suggestion for softer rubber, you could try Tenergy 64-FX. It is almost the same as Tenergy 64, except softer. This way, there wouldn’t be as much of a change and you won’t have to adjust as much.

 I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,
Coach Wang
Silicon Valley Table Tennis Club