The Butterfly Nakama P5 Japanese Penhold Table Tennis Racket is solid and well balanced for learning all the proper techniques. Wakaba offers moderate speed and spin which is ideal for intermediate level play. Not too fast, not too slow…just right. For a high control rubber, Wakaba offers excellent spin. The backside of the blade is painted black as traditional Japanese penhold rackets are constructed with rubber on only one side of the blade surface. Both forehand and backhand shots are executed using the same side of the paddle.