Switching Grips

Md Irfan Asked 15 years ago

Hi Coach,

 I've been playing tt for a couple of years now and ive always used the Penhold grip. Im a high level beginner/low level intermediate. I've got a pretty good serve and forehand, but my footwork is bad. My RPB is almost non existent, but my backhand block is alright. It doesn't help that im pretty heavy and i have some surgery done on my knee. It'll be awhile before i get to absolute 100%, but i can still play competitively. Though it does affect me a small bit. 

 That being said, ive been trying out the shakehand grip this past month or so and i like the flexibility it gives to my game, especially the backhand. My backhand is alright, but my forehand needs some working on. If i were to swtich, i wouldn't say itd be like starting all over again, cos im actually alright at it, but theres no denying i have a bit of a way to go to get to my current penhold standard. But despite all this, im nt sure if i shld just completely change grips or stick to Penhold and work on my backhand and footwork. 

So do you reckon i shld switch grip or stay with penhold? Thanks in advance.

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi,

This is an interesting predicament. Personally I would work on the RPB.  I think it would take longer to get the shakehand grip right, but I don't know how comfortable you feel playing shakehand.

Perhaps even work on your regular penhold backhand blocking and pucnhing.