Reinder Terpstra, a dairy worker, was the son of champion kaatser Klaas Terpstra. In his youth, Reinder was not very successful, but when the rules were changed requiring two top kaatsers teaming up with a junior, he was asked by Ids Jousma to join his team. His greatest success was the surprise win of the PC (Permanent Commission) tournament in 1930. After playing eight seasons at the top level, Terpstra was forced to retire due to rheumatic pain. Two years later, he tried a comeback but with little success. He eventually retired in 1940.