Understanding how to hold a table tennis racket is a fundamental foundation for anyone looking to improve their game, whether they're a beginner, a community player, or a professional athlete. The two most popular grips are the shakehand and the penhold grip, each with its own history, technique, advantages, and disadvantages. By learning both, players can choose the grip that best suits their comfort and playing strategy.
The Importance of Holding a Table Tennis Bat
How you hold a table tennis racket isn't just about comfort; it also determines ball control, shot variation, and playing strategy. Players with the correct grip will more easily master basic techniques like forehand and backhand strokes, smashes, and topspin. While an incorrect grip can lead to unstable shots, loss of control, and even risk injury.
A common beginner mistake is gripping the racket too tightly or too loosely, which restricts wrist movement and results in less powerful shots. Players with a proper grip will have better ball control, play more effectively, and be able to withstand attacks with stability and launch targeted counterattacks.
Also read: Basic Table Tennis Techniques That Beginners Must Master
How to Hold a Table Tennis Bet with a Shakehand Grip
1. Explanation and History of the Shakehand Grip
The shakehand grip is a way of holding a table tennis racket, as if shaking hands with an opponent. This technique developed in Europe and America in the early 20th century before spreading worldwide. To this day, the shakehand grip remains the dominant style in international competitions.
Many of the world's top athletes use the shakehand grip, including China's Ma Long and Germany's Timo Boll. Both players demonstrate the shakehand's versatility for modern strategies that emphasize a combination of speed, spin, and control.
2. Basic Technique of Correct Shakehand Grip
To practice the shakehand grip, place the racket handle between your thumb and index finger, as if shaking hands. Place your index finger on the back of the racket, while your thumb rests on the front, providing balance. The other three fingers should grip the handle in a relaxed manner.
It's important to maintain a grip that's neither too tight nor too loose. The racket should be at the right angle to the table to allow for stable forehand and backhand strokes.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Shakehand Grip
The main advantage of the shakehand grip is its balance between forehand and backhand strokes. This style allows players to attack and defend with stability, making it suitable for mid- to long-range play. Furthermore, the shakehand grip is easier to learn for beginners.
However, its weakness lies in fast-paced play near the table. The wrist isn't as flexible as in penhold, limiting some shot variations. However, many players are able to overcome this disadvantage with modern strategies.
Also read: 7 Table Tennis Equipment Every Beginner Must Have
How to Hold a Table Tennis Bet with a Penhold Grip
1. Explanation and History of the Penhold Grip
The penhold grip is a way of holding a table tennis racket similar to holding a pen. This style originated in East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, which has produced many legendary players with this grip. The penhold grip was the dominant style before the widespread adoption of the shakehand grip.
Famous athletes who use the penhold grip include Xu Xin and Wang Hao from China. They prove that the penhold remains relevant at the highest level, especially for fast-paced, spin-heavy games.
2. Basic Penhold Grip Technique
To hold the penhold, position your thumb and index finger around the handle, as if writing. Place the other three fingers on the back of the racket to support and balance the shot. The wrist must be kept flexible to produce sharp spin variations.
The key to the penhold grip is a flexible wrist and a strong forehand reach. Beginners trying this technique should practice control first to get used to the different angle of the shot from the shakehand.
3. Penhold Variations (Chinese vs Japanese Style)
The Chinese penhold uses a short handle with a focus on control and flexibility. This variation allows players to develop a more aggressive modern backhand.
The Japanese penhold has a longer handle, giving extra power to forehand shots. This style is more offensive, suitable for players who rely on powerful smashes. With these variations, the penhold offers a wide range of grip options.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Penhold Grip
The advantage of the penhold grip lies in its speed and variety of spin. This style is particularly effective in close-to-the-table play with sharp forehand shots. Furthermore, the flexibility of the wrist makes it difficult for opponents to predict the variety of attacks.
However, the penhold's weakness is its limited backhand, especially when it reaches far from the table. Penhold players must work extra hard to compensate for this weakness with faster footwork. With proper training, this weakness can be minimized.
Also read: Check out these simple tips for improving your table tennis accuracy.
Which is the Better Way to Hold a Table Tennis Bet?
1. Comparison of Control and Speed
The shakehand grip offers more stable control because the forehand and backhand are balanced. Players can more easily maintain a rhythm in mid- to long-range play. Conversely, the penhold offers an advantage in speed close to the table with aggressive attacks.
The choice between the two largely depends on playing style preferences. If consistency and control are paramount, the shakehand is ideal. However, if you want speed and a variety of sharp spins, the penhold may be the best option.
2. Suitable for Beginners or Professionals?
The shakehand grip is often recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and flexibility. This grip helps players quickly adapt to various basic strokes. Conversely, the penhold is more suitable for intermediate to professional players ready to practice more complex techniques.
3. Influence on Playing Style
The shakehand supports a balanced playing style between offense and defense. Players can attack with topspin while defending with stable blocking. This makes the shakehand a popular choice for players seeking versatility.
The penhold favors an offensive style with a dominant forehand. Players with this grip tend to attack quickly and aggressively close to the table. Long-range defensive strategies are more difficult, making the penhold more suitable for those who prefer an attacking style.
Choose Your Favorite Grip & Enhance Your Training with SVRG
Choosing how to hold a table tennis racket isn't just about grip style, but also how you apply it during practice and matches. The shakehand offers flexibility and balanced control, while the penhold offers speed and a variety of sharp spins. With the right grip, players can develop a more stable, effective, and professional playing strategy.
To practice good technique, use quality table tennis equipment . SVRG offers a collection of high-quality tables , nets , rackets , balls, and other accessories suitable for all levels of players. Start practicing your table tennis skills with your favorite grip using the best products from SVRG.
