Site Products
Larry Hodges

Forehand-Backhand Grip Changes

(by Larry Hodges)

When I started out in 1976, the consensus among coaches that I worked with was that you didn’t have time to grip change between forehand and backhand. And so I learned to use one grip for both. I ended up with a more forehand grip and developed a strong forehand. The victim was my backhand, where I became steady but never developed a strong attack. As one of my fellow coaches said after I explained this to him, and he tried hitting with the same grip, “I can’t even hit a decent backhand with my forehand grip.”

Since I’ve recently started a comeback as a player competing in senior events, I’ve been working on my backhand. This grip issue was a big one. So, how did I address it? The exact same way you should.

First, I went to the table and worked out the perfect grip for my forehand. This took about two seconds since I already had that grip. You should do this as well – find the perfect grip for your forehand.

Second, I went to the table and worked out the perfect grip for my backhand. This took a little longer, and involved putting a little more pressure on the racket with my thumb, and a small rotation of the top of the racket a little away from me. But once I had it, my backhand was much better in drills. You should do this as well – find the perfect grip for your backhand.

Third, I spent a bunch of time practicing the grip change. I could literally do this while watching TV. Just fiddle it back and forth until it feels natural.

Fourth, I spent a lot of time at home with a racket, shadow-practicing moving side to side, alternately hitting forehands and backhands, where I changed grips back and forth.

Fifth, I did live drills where I had to alternate between forehand and backhand shots, thereby incorporating the grip change.

Sixth, I did live drills where I had random shots between forehand and backhand, so I had to incorporate the grip change as part of the recognition of whether I would be playing forehand or backhand.

Seventh, I played matches with the new grip changes.

And guess what? My backhand is much better – mostly. When I played a tournament against unfamiliar players, I found myself uncomfortable attacking with the backhand, especially early in matches. It got better as I adjusted to the different opponents, but this part still needs work. And so I’ll add:

Eighth, play lots of matches against unfamiliar player with the new grip changes, especially in tournaments.

The sequence above is actually similar to how you’d incorporate any change or new technique into your game – so even if this doesn’t apply directly to you, it should give you a good idea of how to incorporate the techniques you need work on. Go to it!

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

What is the ‘WAIT” function for?

April 30, 2025
1x Backhand Topspin from Backhand (close to normal body distance to the table – robot plays regular spin… Read More

Butterfly Training Tips with Rachid El Bou Bou – Backhand Loop & Forehand Pivot

April 30, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is executing the Backhand Loop, followed… Read More

Zhu Yuling Signs Contract With Butterfly

April 29, 2025
(by Butterfly Global) Butterfly has signed an advisory contract with Zhu Yuling (Macau, China). Having excelled since her… Read More

Butterfly Training Tips with Lingshuai Meng – Backhand Punch Block

April 29, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Lingshaui Meng is executing the Backhand Punch Block https://youtu.be/WlXmg5wurQs Stay “In… Read More

Pair of Golds for Van Emburgh at ITTF World Challenger São Paulo

April 29, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) American Para Table Tennis star Jenson Van Emburgh delivered a sensational performance at the ITTF… Read More

Number One In the World! From Puerto Rico, The Best Mixed Doubles Team In U-13 Table Tennis

April 28, 2025
(by: Edgardo Vázquez /Puerto Rico National Coach ) Among the rising stars are Brianna Rodríguez and Owen Shemesh,… Read More

Backhand Receive Against a Short Serve to the Forehand

April 28, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) In my day, there were players who received short serves much better with their backhand… Read More

Should I “SNAP” My Forearm?

April 28, 2025
1 Forehand topspin from Forehand (close to normal body distance to the table – robot plays regular spin… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.