How to play and serve against an penholder?
J_Mark asked 4 years ago
Hi Tom and Dan,
one of my next opponents in our local league is a penholder. I don’t have any experience with that kind of player, it’s so unusual.
So what kind of serve and match strategy (“Do’s and dont’s”) do you suggest? Mainly playing to his backhand, I guess…
Thank you for some hints and ideas….
Joerg
Tom Academy Coach answered 4 years ago
Hey Joerg! Yes you don”t come up against penhold players to often that’s for sure! I would say don’t over think too much about them being a penhold player, just focus on finding their weaknesses just like you would against a shakehands player. You are right though often penhold players do struggle on the backhand side and especially short and wide or the backhand.
Also take care with the serve and receive areas as penhold players can often be strong in this area, so just try to cut out as many mistakes as possible there. But overall remember your own strengths and don’t focus too much on the opponent, control what you can do and let us know how you get on!
Tom
