No Training for Penholders

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 8 years ago

Diego Tesoro

Diego Tesoro Asked 8 years ago

Hi coach I am a penhold player in my club. Every one in my club plays shakehand. Even the coaches. I am the only penholder. So no one can teach me how to play correctly. I only learned how to play penhold by watching the Wang Hao instructional by DHS. Its so annoying when all the players I play with always place the ball at the backhand side of the table. I don't want to be a shakehander because I am not comfortable with that grip. I feel like I'm getting nowhere. I feel like I can't win or join local tournaments. I only have access to a partner for drills. Can you please help me progress in my game?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Diego,

Watch this lesson we have on Penhold Techniques for Table Tennis.  I think it will help.


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Diego Tesoro

Diego Tesoro Posted 8 years ago

It has helped me already. I have seen videos about the RPB technique and your video. It helped me a bit. I still cannot master the backhand stroke.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

The backhand takes a bit of time to get right.


D K

D K Posted 8 years ago

For most people.
I do not knowhow usual is it,but I have done some penhold shots (just for fun) although I am an orthodox shakehand chopper.

And I was absolutely unable to play any forehand strokes.

The only stroke that I was able to get on the table was the backhand sidespin loop

But my wrist was in a great pain after it


Chris Chin

Chris Chin Posted 8 years ago

I'm a pen holder too and my situation was similar to yours but the only thing that helps is drilling your backhand for all the spins. Doesn't matter if you have a traditional backhand or rpb you can do well with both. Try drills like living backspin with rpb then doing a couple traditional blocks to get the feel of both



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