Switching from Shakehand to Penhold
Strokes and Technique
Christian Young Asked 7 years ago
Hey! I've started really playing table tennis late summer of 2016. I finally went to a club at the beginning of February of this year. They taught me how to do strokes properly, footwork, etc. So I've been playing table tennis seriously for less than a year. My question is this: Is it early enough to switch from Shakehand to Penhold? I been testing out Penhold recently and I was landing my forehand shots better and they were stronger attacks. Should I stick with Shakehand since I've already gone down that and I'm used to it's backhand and forehand or...?
I'm a little conflicted with what I should go with. I've seen disadvantages of Penhold being it's backhand and stuff. So I don't know what to do.
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Christian,
I would try the penhold grip for a week at least. See how you perform and develop with it. The limitation is in the backhand but it is easier to play forehands.
Play some matches using the penhold grip as well. This will start to give you a better feel for what it is like as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Both grips are viable as there are players in the top ten using both grips. The shakehand grip is more popular with top players and I guess with players at all levels but it is up to you and how it feels for you.
Thoughts on this question
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Christian Young Posted 7 years ago
Thank you! I'm just a little scared of moving away from shakehand. I hear that shakehand is just a well-rounded grip that I wonder if I should stay with it. I'll just play around with the Penhold and see which one suits better. My other concern would be if I go to the club. If the coaches don't use penhold, can they still help me?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago
The coaches should still be able to help you but they will probably be more comfortable helping you with the shakehand grip if that is their experience.