Penhold grip

Hi coach,

its summer break at the moment and me and a teammate were just messing around in my basement when i decided to hold my bat like a penholder. I found out that my forehand is very strong and has a lot of topspin. and now im practising a little bit of the penhold grip. i just dont really know how hold the bat correct for each stroke, which fingers to relax and from whitch finger the pressure should come from. and after some time my fingers start hurting I hold my bat like xu xin. i took my old bat and cut a little bit off the rubber to make it more comfortable.

I can already do counterhits on forehand, tpb and rpb. my rpb and forehand are not that accurate yet. sometimes i hit the edge of my bat with the forehand but some practicing will overcome this. Will there be big differenses in the footwork. i think xu xins legs are parallel with his forehand not sure.

btw; the reason why i want to learn this grip is because i think it will fit my play more. i loop the first ball with my fore or backhand and from then i will mostly use my forehand all over the table.

Thanks in advance

-Edwin

Hi Edwin,

Give it a try and see how it goes.  You can always change back if it doesn't work out.

If you are going to give it a try, you need to try it for a few months at least to allow yourself to really experience it.  The worst thing you could do is keep changing between the two grips.  So give this a real chance and then go back if it doesn't work out.