Which penhold grip is better?

[TripleC]

HI guys, this is my first post so I'll just ask you guys some few questions to the penholders out there.Anyways, I'd like to know which kind of penhold formation and grip on the forehand is most suitable/most used/most comfortable/most easy to use?The way Xu Xin/Ma Lin's penhold on the forehand looks like (1 inch space between rubber and blade handle) or Wang Hao's penhold on the forehand (0.5 inch space between rubber and handle).There are actually varying issues on this question because the formation of the fingers at the back could get different (Xu Xin having it somewhat flat because fingers on forehand rest easily while Wang Hao has a beautifully curved fingers with easier RPB).I wanna know what you guys think.

 

[XIII]

I personally like the Wang Hao style on my backhand and Ma Lin/Xu Xin style on my forehand.
Your fingers are mainly gripping on the forehand and you don't want to slip on rubber, some wood will stop that slip.
Your fingers mainly rest on the backhand some wood might be uncomfortable, you might slip on rubber but you can't avoid it.

REMEMBER: More rubber=heavier

 

[TripleC]

I do see your point, but somehow there's something quite different if you also use the Wang Hao forehand. Wang Hao sometimes doesn't need space on rubber and handle anymore. Xu Xin still blocks the ball which is why his forehand paddle formation is the same as Ma Lin's. Wang Hao doesn't block anymore. He blocks and lobs using the RPB. What's also weird for Wang Hao though is when the fingers on the forehand are somewhat pressured by the rubber (see attachment). But I observe this quite naturally because he has short fingers. I'm the type of guy who has long fingers. Is Wang Hao's forehand still okay with me?

 

[XIII]

I do see your point, but somehow there's something quite different if you also use the Wang Hao forehand. Wang Hao sometimes doesn't need space on rubber and handle anymore. Xu Xin still blocks the ball which is why his forehand paddle formation is the same as Ma Lin's. Wang Hao doesn't block anymore. He blocks and lobs using the RPB. What's also weird for Wang Hao though is when the fingers on the forehand are somewhat pressured by the rubber (see attachment). But I observe this quite naturally because he has short fingers. I'm the type of guy who has long fingers. Is Wang Hao's forehand still okay with me?

My coach told me I could have my pointing finger in like Wang Hao or out.
I chose out, it felt more normal for me.
I think you should try your pointing finger out if your fingers are long, it might feel more comfortable.
So, yes Wang Hao's forehand is alright for you but try pointing finger out.

 

[MegaZZ]

I will just throw in my 5 cents worth as I have been thinking over this issue recently as well. My fingers are long (longer than Wang Hao but not as long as Xu Xin!) and are not so curved. I use TBH as well as RPB depending on the situation. I find that pointing finger out is more stable and better for forehand power and control but as you use RPB more often (able to do more RPB techniques like flicking, quick blocking/push, loop/counterloop) then having pointing finger inwards like Wang Hao is better power and control for RPB especially if you use your wrist and try generate sidespin with the RPB. On the other hand, if and when you need to switch from RPB/TBH very quickly (say close to the table fast blocking/push which you can't perform fully confidently with RPB) then it's a bit akward with your pointing finger like that. I do have my pointing finger inwards (like Wang Hao) now to try and use RPB more often but I find that if I get in to a slightly passive situation and am forced to play multiple blocks quickly with TBH then I will readjust to the other grip quickly. On the back I am closer to Wang Hao then Xu Xin. I believe Xu Xin's situation is pretty unique (anatomically) because of his long curved fingers and Wang Hao/Ma Lin's grip is more suitable for more people. I think discussion of grip overall is a bit like which blade/rubber is better though, the answer is try as many out as possible and choose the perform best with. For me Xu Xin's Rosewood NCT V is still the one but I am about to try DHS Hao so let's keep the penhold tradition going!

 

[TripleC]

Cool! SO you're a penholder too. Thanks for the tip, but I only use the same side of my racket for short block (maybe one stroke per rally), push, and forehand. I have to agree with XIII for the somewhat pointing finger at the back. It is possible, and I see many do it. MegaZZ, you use DHS Hao? How come you're using Yasaka Max Wood?Thank you for the suggestion guys.