forehand-backspin-service-grip-review

Hi Tom
Some weeks ago I wrote to you about an alternative grip to the thumb and finger grip  ‘The hammer grip’ because it reminded me of the style I used when playing tennis.  (I sent some visuals to your e-mail address.) Having now practised with the finger and thumb grip I thought I would review both types of grip when serving with backspin from the forehand. (This is only a personal view and up for discussion.)
The stance I used was with the left shoulder and left leg at right angles to the table  The right leg was  about 6-9 inches behind the left. This helped me to adopt the ready position for the next shot quickly when the body rotated after the forward action of the service.  
Finger and Thumb grip

1. The short backswing of the arm, keeping close to the body, gives good control in length and direction
2. The speed of the wrist whipping creates a good backspin which deters opponents from attacking the serve
3. The grip gives more flexibility to the wrist 
4. Can disguise the type of spin (Topspin/sidespin, Backspin/sidespin) and speed of delivery more easily 
5. As it is so dissimilar to the standard shake hands grip reverting to the normal grip and ready position before the return of the ball from the opponent will need practise
6. Good timing is required for various heights of ball toss 

Hammer Grip
This is closer to the normal grip and gives better control over the blade (but slightly less wrist flexibility.)  I can keep the blade at a horizontal level throughout the stroke with the increased support from both sides of the blade and so can create more backspin.  However, I would use this grip only if I thought I could win a point outright (as the increased backspin on the ball would cause it to dip more fiercely from the opponent’s bat into the bottom of the net.)
By the way Tom I have decided on Tenergy and Dignic for rubbers.