1st Finger Problems
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
Terry Hoobler Asked 11 years ago
This may be the dumbest question you've ever had, but if you are able to give me a solution, it will be worth asking. I have large hands and long fingers which leads to the question: At least once a game I get hit on the knuckle of my 1st finger on my racket hand when trying to return via my backhand. I tried taping the 1st & 2nd together but it doesn't always work. Is it a question of technique because it is very frustrating?
Jeff Plumb Answered 11 years ago
Hi Terry,
It's not a dumb question at all and is in fact quite common. There are 2 main causes. The first is that you could be gripping the bat with your finger moving up onto the backhand rubber too much. Next time you play just check to ensure that your finger stays low on the bat in the correct position. I'm not sure what you mean by taping your 1st and second finger together. You only want 1 finger on the back of the bat.
If your grip is correct, then even with big hands there will be enough room but the problem is often solved by watching the ball more closely and ensuring it is going into the middle of your racket. You can work on this during practice. It's amazing how much of a difference it can make if you really focus on the ball. Don't take this for granted, next time you play, make it a priority to track the ball all the way on to the middle of the bat.
Let me know if these tips help you out.
Thoughts on this question
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Martin Elliget Posted 11 years ago
I might be giving away a lucrative business idea here but I was discussing this very topic with some friends this week and had an off-the-wall idea. What about cutting a strip of bat rubber to wear on the finger attached with Velcro straps? It would have to be made out of ITTF approved rubber. Could it be the next big thing? When asking an opponent what rubber they're using, the reply might be something like - Mark V on the FH, Anti Spin on the BH and Vega Pro on the finger! ;)
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the novel thoughts. Unfortunately it would be illegal because the rubber surface has to be flat... Keep thinking of that lucrative idea.
Martin Elliget Posted 11 years ago
Thanks Alois. I won't give up my day job then.
While not to be encouraged, I sometimes find a finger shot will go back over and be difficult to predict/return.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Ha... Yes the finger shot can be difficult to return because it comes off slower and often in an unexpected direction.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
And it can come back with a different spin than you expect to.
Rahul Kumar Posted 11 years ago
Spin - from fingers?? or you are referring to placement?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
The ball does spin but very awkwardly.