Receive serve with reverse backhand from forehand side
Service Return
Jeff M Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff, I find it difficult to receive serve with reverse backhand penhold (flick) from the forehand side to deliver the ball back to the opponent's forehand (i.e. cross court). Is it possible to still do that action if I hold the racket with my fingers spread out straight along my backhand rubber? It seems to me that I have to twist my wrist more than if I were to return the ball to the opponent's backhand (i.e. same side of the court). Do you have any tips for me?
Thank you.
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Jeff,
Having the fingers spread will make it more difficult to use the wrist which is an important part of this stroke.
Thoughts on this question
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Jeff M Posted 9 years ago
Thanks Alois, in that case, should I change to curling up my fingers? Or should I keep my fingers curled up until the ball becomes long then I will spread out my fingers to have my normal hits?
Bennett Brown Posted 9 years ago
I play with japanese penhold paddle for the support, but i keep my fingers curled a bit for my reverse backhand penhold.
I would not recommend changing from straight to curled if its a major difference, but if its just an inch or less, you are fine
Jeff M Posted 9 years ago
Thanks Bennett, I didn't realise you can do reverse backhand with Japanese penhold paddle, I have always thought you have no rubber on the back!
Romeo Chua Posted 9 years ago
try facing the spot where you want the ball to go to. I've tried it and it works for me. I don't think the grips matter
Bennett Brown Posted 9 years ago
You can put rubber on the back, it is perfectly legal, although it is hard to cut out the rubber exactly, I used tracing paper.
But i mostly use a traditional backhand