Pengrip high ball play

Hi Coach,

I am a traditional penhold player. Looking for advise on how to play a high ball on my backhand.

Thank you

Hi Rob,

Great to hear from a traditional penhold player. Dealing with high balls on the backhand can be a bit tricky with the penhold grip, but with the right technique and practice, you can turn it into a strong part of your game.

For traditional penhold players, the backhand options are somewhat limited compared to the shakehand grip, but you can still effectively handle high balls.

For high balls on the backhand, ensure your racket is angled correctly. You'll want to close the racket slightly to avoid hitting the ball too high or off the table. Aim to contact the ball at the top of its bounce, which gives you more control and power.  The penhold backhand relies heavily on wrist action. Snap your wrist forward and upward at the point of contact to generate speed and spin. This motion can help in driving the ball down onto the table.

Good footwork is crucial. Position yourself so that you can pivot quickly and use your forehand if the ball isn't too far to your backhand side. Penhold players often find it advantageous to use their forehand for high balls even on the backhand side of the table.

Regularly practice your backhand strokes against high balls. You can ask a training partner or coach to feed you high balls to your backhand, helping you to develop confidence and refine your technique.

Remember, each player's style is unique, so it might take some experimentation with these techniques to find what works best for you. Keep practising, and don't hesitate to tweak your approach based on your experiences and what feels natural.