Greg's Table Tennis Pages

Hitting the Net since 2005...

What Table Tennis Styles Use Long Pimples?

Classic Defender Kim Kyung Ah of Korea
Photo by: Mariann Domonkos, courtesy www.ittf.com

Assuming that you are here after reading about whether you should be using long pimples, you’ve probably decided that using long pimples is a good idea. Now it’s time to talk about the different ways players use long pimples, and which particular style is the right one for you.

Although long pimples can be used in a variety of ways, to my mind there are 4 basic styles in which long pimples are used in Table Tennis today. These styles are:

  • The classic defender style, where the long pimples are used to aid the constant backspin retrieval of the ball;
  • The modern defender style, or aggressive backspin style, where long pimples are used to apply varying amount of backspin to force a weak return that can be counterattacked;
  • The push/blocker style, where long pimples are used to slow down the game and interfere with the timing and rhythm of the opponent;
  • The attacking style, where long pimples are actually used as an offensive weapon.

Each of these styles has different ways of using the long pimples, and each style also places different requirements on the player. We’ll take a look at each style in turn, and hopefully along the way you should be able to find one that suits you. Keep in mind that a blending of 2 or more styles is also possible, such as the classic defender who likes to counterattack every now and again; or a push/blocker who can also hit with the long pimples from time to time. The basics of each style will still apply to the parts of each style that are combined though.

Classic Defender Table Tennis Style

Style Summary:
In the classic defensive style, the emphasis is put on the safe backspin retrieval of the ball over and over again. The idea is to keep the ball in play until the opponent makes a mistake. As such, the classic defender tends to shy away from taking risks, and instead is looking to make as few errors as possible.
How Long Pimples Are Used:
The use of long pimples can help the classic defender by providing him with a ‘safe’ side to hit the ball with. The heaviest and fastest of loops can be countered by using the long pimples to chop the ball. Spin variation is also used to make the attacker misread the spin and hit into the net or off the table.

The classic defender won’t try to attack many balls with the long pimples, as the margin for error is too high. He will usually counterattack only easy setup balls, using his normal rubber to do so. His preferred position is at least 6-8 feet (2 metres) from the table, so that he has more time to hit the ball, and can do so as the speed and spin of the ball is decreasing.

Requirements:
The classic defender requires patience and self-control, and is usually the type of player who avoids taking risks. The higher the level he plays at, the fitter he will need to be, in order to cover an increased defensive area. The ability to turn or twiddle the bat as desired is also an asset, in order to be able to return any difficult balls with the safety of the long pimples.
Level of Play:
The classic defender is usually found at the beginning and intermediate levels of play. Once their opponents are capable of consistent looping, they find it very difficult to cope with the power of today’s speed glued loops. The best can compete at the advanced level, but need to be in peak physical condition and have the cunning of a fox. At professional level for men, the classic defender is almost non-existent, but some can be found in the women’s game, due the lesser power of women players.

Modern Defender Table Tennis Style

Style Summary:
Exponents of the aggressive backspin style, also known as the ‘modern defensive style’, are also capable of the ‘brick-wall’ defence of the classic defender, but prefer whenever possible to use their spin variation when chopping to obtain a poor return from their opponent, which can then be topspinned for a winner.

More risks are taken with this style, which is more in line with an ‘attack via backspin’ strategy than a pure defensive style. The modern defender is also always on the lookout for loose returns of service, which can be third ball attacked. His playing position will vary depending on whether he is defending or attacking at any particular time.

How Long Pimples are Used:
Modern defenders use the long pimples to provide a rubber that is capable of heavy spin variation with good control. By varying the spin, they are able to force the opponent to make mistakes just like the classic defender does, but they are also hoping to loop or smash any high or tentative returns. They are generally more likely to take a chance and hit with the long pimples when close to the table, in the hopes of forcing a weak return, although this will only be done occasionally.

They will also attempt to make their opponent hit his opening attack to the pimple side (usually the backhand), so that they can immediately start setting up for their counterattack. Twiddling is also used occasionally, but not as much as the classic defender, since the forehand is mainly used for looping, and is often speed glued.

Requirements:
The modern defender needs to be fit and mobile to allow him to counterattack, with the ability to change from defence to attack at the flick of a switch. He needs to be willing to take more chances than the classic defender. The ability to twiddle is still an asset, although not as important as for the classic defender. Good serves and service returns are also needed, in order to take advantage of third ball attacks, and also to force the opponent to attack to his long pimples.
Level of Play:
The modern defender can be found throughout all levels of play, although not in high numbers. They are probably most often found in intermediate levels, where they can use their long pimples quite well, but their opponents still struggle against these types of rubbers. As they move to the advanced level, the need for deception in their contact of the ball becomes more important, as does the need for high levels of fitness and a consistent loop of their own.

At the professional level, today’s few existing modern defenders are extremely fit and mobile, and quite often using speed glued smooth rubber on the forehand to give them maximum power on their counterattack.

Push/Blocker Table Tennis Style

Style Summary:
Push/blockers tend to keep themselves close to the table, and vary the speed and spin of the ball in order to upset their opponents timing and rhythm, and provide themselves with attacking opportunities. Aggressive push/blockers are looking for the chance to attack wherever possible, while the more defensive push/blockers are content with wearing down their opponent by taking no chances and allowing their opponent to miss.
How Long Pimples are Used:
An aggressive push/blocker will use long pimples to allow him to stay close to the table while absorbing the speed and spin of his opponent’s attack. Powerful attacks by the opponent are countered with the long pimples where possible, in the hopes of having the opponent struggle with the next shot, which can then be counter-attacked. The long pimples are also used when pushing to have the opponent misread the speed and spin of the ball, allowing the return to be attacked with the normal rubber.

A defensive push/blocker will also use the long pimples to handle the attacks of his opponent, but is generally hoping to use the spin and speed variation provided by long pimples to force mistakes from his opponent’s attacks, rather than taking the offence himself. The long pimples are also used to affect the opponents timing and rhythm, resulting in slower pace in the points.

Requirements:
Push/blockers find good reflexes an advantage, in order to handle the first strong attack of the opponent. Good serves and return of serve is also beneficial. A gritty character is also needed to maintain their position close to the table when the push/blocker knows a strong attack is coming. Mental sharpness is also a plus, for spotting opportunities to take the offence or tempt the opponent to attack.
Level of Play:
Push/blockers are usually found in the beginning and intermediate levels of play, where they can be very awkward opponents. At the advanced level the push/blocker starts to struggle, due to the power and spin of the modern attacker, combined with the increased consistency of attack at this level.
Push/blockers are no longer found at the professional level (as far as I know!), due to the overwhelming advantages of modern equipment and the two color bat rule which work in their opponent’s favour. I think the last real push/blocker of this type in the professional men’s ranks was a Hong Kong player who was ranked #4 in the world in 1985, and made the semis of the World Championships in that year.

Attacking Table Tennis Style

Style Summary:
Players of this type use the long pimples to attack with, giving their opponents a great deal of trouble with this unfamiliar type of attack.
How Long Pimples are Used:
In this attacking style, the long pimples are used to provide the player with a safe surface to roll the ball over the net with. The ball is not hit hard unless a smash is possible. The player is relying on the opponent’s unfamiliarity with this type of attack, hoping that the opponent’s timing and rhythm will be thrown off, resulting in mistakes.

The smooth side of the bat is used as occasional variation to keep the opponent off balance, and also to block back attacks to that side. Attacks to the long pimples are hit back in a flat stroke, which produces a ‘chop-block’ type of effect.

Requirements:
The attacking long pimple player needs to be willing to put up with negative comments from his opponents, who often cannot believe that they are being out-attacked by a long pimpled rubber! Good reflexes are also an advantage, as well as good serves to help set up the initial attack.
Level of Play:
You won’t find many players of this type at any level (thank goodness!) They can create havoc at the intermediate level due to their uniqueness, and even advanced players can find this strange style takes a while to get used to. At the professional level though, this style simply does not have the weapons to compete with the power, speed and consistency of the top players.

Conclusion

Having read through this article, you should have been able to find a style, or perhaps a blend of styles, that appeals to you and suits your ability and goals. Come back again soon when we’ll go on to Part 3 of this guide to long pimples, and discuss just which one of the many types of long pimples out there should suit your style of play best.

Next: Which Long Pimples Should You Use?

Related Pages:

  1. Which Long Pimples Should You Use?
  2. Who Should Use Long Pimples?
  3. Effect of Sponge Thickness on Long Pimples