Penhold Problem
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 10 years ago
Jorge Sanchez Asked 12 years ago
Hello, i am a penholder and i have been having some trouble getting the balls at the left side of the table. I am confused on WHEN to do a backhand "block" or WHEN to do a "reverse backhand." please let me know what i can do, and if it's possible, in a video. Thank you so much.
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Jorge,
This is a problem for a lot of players that use the RPB. I think the best way to practice this is to do a lot of changing drills between the two strokes. A drill where you topspin a push using the RPB and then block the next ball using the normal stroke is a good one as this is a combination that you will be able to use a lot in a match.
Then just practice some rallies only on your backhand side where you are constantly changing between RPB and normal backhand.
Hopefully the Premium members will vote for this one to be a video response.
Thoughts on this question
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Alex Choi Posted 10 years ago
im a left handed rpb player just practice if someone hits as good ball to backhand side just block it to their weaker side maybe a bit short attack when you can
eduardo espinosa Posted 10 years ago
Hello. My assumption is that you are a developing player, hence my advice is a very simple one. If you receive a fast ball to your backhand block it the traditional way, w/. the forehand rubber since you can't attack it anyway. Basically play the traditional way most of the time. The use of RPB comes when there's a ball that you should attack with topspin but you can't do it w/. the f/h rubber for reasons you and I already know. Start w/. very limited number of choices like slow underspin balls. Find a partner that will give you only easy underspin balls until you feel confident about the right balls to hit w/. RPB (don't over do it, keep the ball on the table). If you develop that skill you are in good shape. Watch Ma Lin play. He could easily beat almost everyone using just one rubber. But he chooses RPB most of the time to keep the pressure on his opponent until he can use his forehand.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
Hi Eduardo,
I totally agree. I see too many penhold players trying to hit too many RPB.
eduardo espinosa Posted 10 years ago
Thanks, Alois. One more thing. When he develops the new skill , he will have one forehand and two backhands. Basically that's the confusion. He has to start thinking in terms of "attacking" (f/h or b/h) and "blocking".