Do left handers have a disadvantage in table tennis

eugene lu Asked 1 week ago

Hi Alois,

I have a question specially for you. So we've heard a lot of talk about left handers having an advantage over right handers all the time in table tennis. But recently I've discovered another narrative saying that left handers have a harder time than right handers. Result wise, it's really the case. There are very few male table tennis players, almost none who made it to the very top at the biggest stage. Despite having greats like Timo Boll and Xu Xin, they can't seem to capture the big titles like Olympics and World Championships. It always has been the case until finally Wang Chuqin broke the curse and became the first left handed world Champion of the century. Before that the last left handed champion was Jean from France 30 years ago. 

We also have seen interviews with Xu Xin saying that if he were given the choice to go back in time and choose, he will choose to be right handed because being a left handed is just too difficult. Another Chinese player Yuan Licen has accepted fate that he'll never be good in singles as a left hander and wants to focus on doubles. 

So my question to you Alois, you being a left hander, and a left hander who was naturally born as a right hander, What are your thoughts on this? And if left hand really have a natural disadvantage, why still so many natural right handers like Lin Gaoyuan, Wang Chuqin and Ding Ning opt to play with their non dominant hand? 

Best regards, 

Eugene

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Eugene,

Thanks for your question.

I am a natural left hander for one handed sports.  If I had a choice I think I would stay with being left handed.  I felt it gave me an advantage because less players play against left handers so it is different for them when they played me.

It is a definite advantage in doubles as well when you play with a right hander.

I don't think those players are natural right handers for one handed sports just because they write with their right hand or do other things with their right hand.  There are many people that do things with different sides.  Some players even kick right footed and play left handed.