Traditional and RPB

Kronos Chow Asked 14 years ago

When looking at full RPB (Reverse Penhold Backhand) players like Wang Hao and Xu Xin, I notice that their backhand defense is actually not that good. When someone performs a strong shot to their backhand they can only loop back, which is rather difficult if they are close to table.

Would it be wise or foolish to completely ignore traditional backhand, which sacrifices your backhand defense for offense?

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Aphrodite,

I think that those players can perform a block with their backhand using the traditional side of their bat but they choose to try and make a more offensive stroke by using the reverse backhand.  The penhold backhand block can be a difficult stroke nad was the real limitation of the penhold grip.

I think if you are a penholder you need to first practice your traditional backhand and then progress to learning the reverse penhold.  You need both strokes in your kit.