Strokes Used
This style is a new variation which uses the traditional Chinese penhold grip in a different way. Players using this style have the ability to use the back of the penhold bat when hitting the backhand, producing a heavy topspin ball that tends to have sidespin as well. The forehand can be drive/smash strokes or loops. Some players will choose to use the RPB shot for every backhand, while others mix this shot with the pushes and blocks of the traditional Chinese penhold grip.
Distance from the Table
These type of players have more choices in their distance from the table, since their backhand side is more powerful. They can range from 3-4 feet behind the table (generally for those players using a drive style forehand), to as far as the Two Wing Loopers (for those players using a loop forehand).
Typical Equipment
The rubbers used for this style are similar to the Two Wing Loopers, inverted rubber in 2.0mm or thicker sponge on the backhand, and on the forehand either short pips with 2.0mm or thicker sponge, or another inverted rubber of 2.0mm or thicker sponge. Booster or speed glue is used on both sides at higher levels. The blade is penhold, and offensive or faster.
Popularity
This style has met with some success on the world stage in recent years. Only time will tell whether this is due to the novelty of the style, or whether it will become an established style in its own right. Its recent successes have influenced many penhold players to attempt to use this style, so the numbers of players using this style may continue to grow in the future.
