A penholder lost in America

When I was a little kid (in the US), I decided to try playing with a penhold style, just because I thought it looked cool. Now, I'm getting into table tennis more seriously, and I've been trying to figure out which penhold style is best for me. I started out with a Japanese bat, switched to a Chinese-style bat and curled fingers (more comfortable), and then went back to a Japanese-style bat with extended fingers for a stronger forehand. Recently I decided to add a RPB, but I don't know of any top-level pros that play with a two-sided Japanese bat. Is there anything wrong with it?

I find that because I am short and not particularly flexible, the traditional penhold backhand is awkward with my fingers extended, but I like having the hook to loop my index finger around. In the US, I find very few amateur penholders, so nobody can give me good advice on my improvised playing style. Can you offer any tips?

Hi Nathaniel,

Firstly take a look at the Penhold Lesson if you haven't already done it, that we have on Youtube at the moment.

Here is the link.  PingSkills Penhold Lesson.

Most of the top players use the Chinese penhold bat but that is also probably because most of the top players in the world are Chinese.  

One of the things with the penhold grip is to use your fingers to change when you need to.  It is something that shakehanders don't do but it is effective with the penhold grip.

As far as which type of blade to go with that is a matter of feel and preference. 

Perhaps some of our penhold friends may be able to help you more.