Penhold backhand and short serve
Strokes and Technique
kali dasa Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois, Great work, thanks for all the videos. I tried looking for information on penhold backhand...Using your video, I have been trying the reverse backhand which seems to be possible only when I am away from the table. My forehand is great but backhand is weak and I am getting clobbered during friendly games where every single shot is being placed close to the net and I seem to mechanically return it back to the opponents backhand. I can't seem to make any difference with slicing...and of course, not able to generate any speed being so close to the net Any help appreciated...
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Kali,
We are in the process of planning the lessons on the penhold. We do have a lesson on Youtube on Penhold Techniques for Table Tennis.
When you are close to the table it is best to use the traditional backhand with penhold and use the Reverse backhand when you are further away. You need a little more time to play the reverse backhand. I think a lot of players try to use the reverse backhand too much. If you watch the better penhold players, they use the traditional backhand when the ball comes fast to them.
If the ball is short and close to the net, you should just try to push the ball back. If you want you can try the Backhand sidespin flick. This is an advanced stroke but is suitable for penholders.
Thoughts on this question
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kali dasa Posted 11 years ago
Alois,
much thanks for your last post..I started working on RPB and have had fair amount of success it...the failure rate is more.
I have seen the penhold video many times already - I will try to work on the korean backhand too.
In practice, I do great trying innovative strokes. But, even in a friendly - my game comes apart. Fearing paddle, I ordered a yinhe n-4 penhold with friendship fx-c. So far, the spin is great. control and speed, I dont know(only a week so far practicig(.
On the backhand, I find that I lose my patience if 5 out of 5 returns are on my backhand side. I try putting the ball to the fh and bh side of the opponent...who simply knows my weakness...I cant think of recovering the point once this pattern sets in.
I have a vicious forehand(when it works) - this is my problem. I seem to be angling the paddle down too much or apply all my life''s frustrations to the shot(you know what that means?). So, the shot has too much power and loops great but never falls on the table...misses the table by a few inches. When going for a forehand smash, should I angle the bat or simply brush the ball and try to toss it up or am i doing something fundamentally wrong. Any suggestions?
Thank you, great site and videos.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Kali,
Without seeing your strokes it is difficult to comment on the smash. Watch our lesson on the Forehand Smash and see if this helps.
If they are playing to your backhand a lot, try to switch the direction. If you can serve more to their forehand side and place the ball more to their forehand then you will start to get more balls to your middle or forehand side. At least they will find it difficult to tie you down on the backhand side all the time.
kali dasa Posted 11 years ago
Thanks Alois - I will watch the forehand smash video. However, I have one question regarding the penhold technique video. Most penhold videos(training, that is) I have seen use the open face of the bat for forehands. But, watching the games of the pros, I see the forehand smashes use a closed face and they get to loop it(top spin) or plain hit a power shot.
I used to hit the closed face forehand long long ago. I picked the game up 2 years ago and just cant figure what I am doing wrong. what is the technique when one is using a closed face for penhold forehand?
I will try your tip, down the line to the opponents forehand may be the answer.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Kali,
If you are brushing the high ball it becomes more of a fast topspin. Just a slight variation. You need to brush the top of the ball to get the ball down onto the table from that height. It is a legitimate option for the high ball. make sure you are starting with your racket high otherwise you will tend to lift the ball over the end of the table.
kali dasa Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois,
Thanks, that is a helpful tip (video is even more helpful)
I watched the forehand smash video - I dont have issues with hitting the ball so high. It is actually with balls shown here (0.41-.46 Jeff returning to you, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X94zsUjfT2w ). I dont stand so far away from the table...but my returns are way past the table (both topspin and the faster ones like Jeff in the video).
Can you explain the dynamics of Jeff's shot between .41-.46s in the video.
Thank you
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Kali,
This is a forehand topspin. He is hitting the ball at the top of the bounce and hitting it more forward to generate more speed.
kali dasa Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois,
Thank you.
Ahh, hitting it more forward. Maybe, this is why my forehand has become spotty. I am waiting for the ball to come cross the table ( and in the same horizontal line as my feet) thinking it is giving me extra time and more speed. I will put this to work and let you know.
I liked your and Jeff's inputs on the backhand counterhit and the importance of not changing grip for fh/bh. I cant wait to practice this shot more(in both traditional penhold bh and RPB).
Thank you for patiently answering my questions. it is much appreciated
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
No problems Kali.
trent smith Posted 10 years ago
Hi Alois, I am a beginner TT player. No matter how hard I try, after the 3rd or fourth rally I take my eye off the ball a foot or so before I hit. That almost always means an unforced error. How can I increase my focus? Trent
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Hi Trent,
In training you need to focus on this. Try for periods during your training try to track the ball throughout the rally. This is a skill that needs to be practiced like any other skill. The more you do it, the better you will get at it.
Nathan Hunt Posted 8 years ago
adjust your footing.. i had the same problem for a while.. try putting your right foot forward a bit if your right handed and curl your wrist inwards before you swing.. when you swing flick your wrist and point the paddle straight at the left corner of the other side of the table.. after some practice your timing will get better anyoull be able to hit the ball over the table relatively close to the net.. just make sure that this stroke comes from your core.. the swing should start just in front of your waist and follow through to just under your chin.. hope it helps.. probably late but..