Switching Hands

Alex Stanford Unknown Asked 16 years ago

I play with the shakehand position but i prefere to use my backhand the entire time. i am actually left handed but when i started playing table tennis i started playing with my right hand and after a couple weeks i decided to start using my left hand. and now i have found out that i have much more speed and better slams with my right hand but have more precise and spinny hits with my left hand. I would like to know if its against any rules to switch which hand I am using while playing a game.

Jeff Plumb Answered 16 years ago

Hi Alex,

There is no rule preventing you from switching hands during a point. However it is very unusual for a player to do so at a high level. There is normally not enough time to switch between hands. I have occasionally seen a player switch hands when they are a long way back from the court and the ball has gone wide to their backhands but it is usually only in desperation.

I feel it would be much better for you to develop your game with a single hand. With practice you can always improve your strokes but by swithcing hands you will always be struggling for time against quality opponents.