Penhold backhand and short serve

Strokes

kali dasa
kali dasa Asked 12 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
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 12 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.


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Thoughts on this question


kali dasa

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

Member Badge 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.


trent smith

trent smith Posted 11 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


Nathan Hunt

Nathan Hunt Posted 9 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..


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