HUTT VALLEYB ASSOCIATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 23

HUTT VALLEYB ASSOCIATION

THE NEW ; LIGHT BALL

The use o* the new light ball (which is not to weigh less than 2.250z nor more than 2.270z) in the Hiitt Valley table tennis competitions this seasen is at present giving the majority of clubs in the Hutt Valley cause for very considerable thought. As soon as certain negotiations are completed, the management of the association intends to suggest a particular ball to be used in all club competitions. It is understood that these negotiations will not be finalised for at least three weeks, by which time the first round of the association's matches should be completed. In the meantime clubs are left guessing as to which type of ball is to be used. Clubs are doubtlessly endeavouring to procure balls that will meet the requirements of the rules but should they fail to do so it appears unlikely that the management committee" will' be able to inflict a penalty upon any club failing to provide a ball .within the regulation weight. The fact that the association is suggesting the type of ball to be used is in itself a loophole for any club, but had the association informed clubs of the make of a ball to be used in the meantime, then any difficulty that may arise in the procuring of the balls might .easily be referred to the management of the association. In the interests of the game the association would be bound to assist any club which is having difficulty in purchasing the required balls. As it is almost certain that clubs will experience difficulty in obtaining the balls suggested by the association it would have been a far better policy for the association to have procured the balls and resold them to the clubs, thus avoiding any difficulty that may

occur regarding the use of different types of ball. At-the same time the association! would be' assured that all clubs would'then be' playing with a ball of the. same standard, instead of the different .types and makes. -^ , DOUBLES PLAY. The new rule regarding doubles play, that! the ball has to ;be served from the right-hand corner, diagonally to ; the receiver's right hand is easily : understood. v ; : The only point that ds at all objectionable in the'rule is the fact- that players will have to be much quicker on their feet in returning the ' receiver's stroke which should • now 1 quickly develop into a valuable scoring stroke. The receiver, if he has any ability to use his forehand, is going ! to cause his opponents very consider* able troubl?! [■ The server will now have to have a particularly^ tricky service if he is to ! prove as troublesome as under . the old' rules, i^nless, of course, a player \ with a weak forehand is opposing him. In this respect the new rule is going _. to.improve !suchr a player's game and | it may mean the elimination of weak | forehand players. .