Which is better

alex Unknown Asked 16 years ago

hi alois, i was just wondering which do you believe is the better bat hold, the pen or shake?

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi Alex,

If you look at the Olympics Mens singles the last four players were 2 shakehand and 2 penhold.  So you can reach whatever level you want with either grip.

In the late 1980's and 90's the balance was probably a little with the shakehand grip because of the limitations at the time with the penhold backhand.  The game had sped up so much at that time and the penholders were not coping with it.  They were relying on their footwork which couldn't cope with the speed of the game. 

Recently with the advent of the reverse backhand by penholders, I think the balance has been restored between the two grips.