Different Types Of Table Tennis Grips – Complete Guide

The success of any table tennis player depends on their ability to execute each stroke.

A better grasp of the different shots can only be achieved by years of practice.

The best way to perfect your strokes is to experiment with various table tennis grips and find the one that suits you best.

Depending on the type of strokes you will be performing.

You can choose a grip that allows you greater flexibility and agility.

Different Types of Table Tennis Grips

1. The Shakehand Grip Technique

Originally developed by Western players, the Shakehand Grip has gradually gained popularity among European and Asian players.

Rather than holding the racket like a handshake.

This grip technique consists of holding the racket as one would normally do during a handshake.

Two sub-categories of grip can be categorized within this technique:

1. The shakehand deep grip
2. The shakehand shallow grip

You must closely observe the differences between the two TT grip techniques in order to fully understand them.

1. When a player uses a deep grip, they will relax their thumb over the rubber,
2. When a player has a shallow grip, his thumb is relaxed over the blade.

One major difference between the two grip styles is how the thumb is placed:

Thus, thumb placement plays a critical role in both styles.

2. Table Tennis Deep Shakehand Grip

The thumb is usually placed on the racket’s rubber in this style.

A player who uses this technique doesn’t need much wrist flexibility and only wants a firm grip on the racket.
The grip style is the best choice for players who prefer accurate attacks over those with lots of force.

In addition, there are instances when a player is not in a position to attack, and the most one can accomplish in such a situation is to hit the table edges accurately.

Forehand and backhand players will both benefit from this grip style.

This grip style also makes switching from side to side simple.

Furthermore, aggressive players find this technique much more effective when hitting the ball hard because it hardly relies on wrist flexibility.

3. Table Tennis Shallow Shakehand Grip

Shallow shakehand grips are popular among beginners since they offer a high degree of wrist flexibility,

which makes it easier for you to spin the ball while serving or looping.

It also allows you to return the ball to your opponent more conveniently and efficiently.

This grip enables you to exert a greater force on the ball, which is why it can be used for both forehand and backhand strokes.

From any position, a player will attack the ball with the same strength.

4. The Table Tennis Penhold Grip

The Penhold Grip is another way to hold the racket, and it has 3 variations, including the Japanese/Korean grip,

the reverse backhand grip, and the Chinese grip.

This grip technique is called the Penhold Grip because it is similar to holding a pen while writing.

The index finger and the thumb are located on the handle, and the rest of the hand is folded behind the racket’s head.

5. Chinese Penhold Grip

Many Asian players and famous players hold their rackets in a way that allows them to face the blade towards the ground while using the Chinese Penhold grip.

Additionally, it’s pretty appropriate for players who enjoy staying close to the table.

With the Chinese Penhold grip, you will be able to spin the ball brilliantly in the attacking strokes.

because the grip offers more flexibility than the Shakehand grip.

This grip is also effective when serving.

Also, it provides superb freedom of wrist bend for forehand strokes in addition to backhand strokes.

Making the player able to block and push the ball on the backhand side with ease.

Furthermore, it helps a player avoid being locked away by crossover points.

6. Japanese/Korean Penhold Grip

The Korean grip positions the fingers straight on the back of the racket instead of curving them as in the Chinese grip.

When you hold the racket in this manner, you can hit the forehand with more power, and also, you will be able to hit the ball from a distance.

Keeping the fingers on the back of the racket straight tends to constrain blade movement, and it becomes difficult to position the racket at various angles.

Beginners may find it difficult to master the technique.

7. Reverse Backhand Grip

The Reverse Backhand Grip uses the paddle’s backside instead of the same side as the normal Penhold grip.

The Chinese grip makes it difficult for players to use their backhand topspin consistently as in the backhand grip.

Short balls are more likely to be attacked with this grip.

Several players use a combination of the Chinese Penhold grip and the Reverse Backhand grip for better flexibility.

8. The Table Tennis V-Grip

The V-grip technique involves holding the blade between the index finger and middle finger, almost in the shape of a V.

The fingers are curled down to grip the blade properly, and the thumb can be placed wherever it feels comfortable.

The attack is more powerful and spinny because of it.

Additionally, it offers excellent control and is ideal for wide-angle shots.

9. The Table Tennis Seemiller Grip

Seemiller grips are actually variations on Shakehand grips.

With this grip technique, the tip of the forefinger is held close to the edge of the paddle or sometimes even at the very edge.

A 90-degree turn is made with the thumb and index fingers.

Most players use this technique by twiddling the blade with combination rubbers and a stippled rubber on the back to confuse their opponents.

This technique has the advantage of allowing players free range of motion with their wrists.

Additionally, they can use this technique for topspins on the forehand.

Additionally, it makes it easier for forehand and backhand blocks to be effective.

Furthermore, there is virtually no possibility of ever experiencing any crossover point with this technique.

FAQs

1. Which grip is best for beginners?

As a beginner, shakehand is undoubtedly the best grip because it is less complex and easier to master.

2. V-Grip is suitable for beginners?

As a beginner, it is not recommended to learn the V-Grip technique since it is more of an experimental technique,

And it would be quite difficult to master this grip.

3. ERs in ping pong?

Although other techniques can be used to attack, the Japanese/Korean Penhold Grip, and the Deep Shakehand Grip are most commonly used by aggressive players.

4. Is it possible to master a grip technique in a short period?

In table tennis grip techniques, there’s a lot of complexity involved.

Less complicated techniques can certainly be learned in a shorter time than more complex ones.

However, practicing is essential.

Conclusion

Although you are not required to master all the grip techniques as they are based on your playing style.

You can gradually try out different grips to see which one works best for you And makes you pro.

You may get into a crossover point if you switch grips during a play.

This is why one should not do it until they are 100% certain about it.

Beginners should start with the shakehand grip of table tennis because it is the easiest to learn.

In addition, it is equally important to gradually try all the different grips as this will eventually help one find the grip that is the best fit for their hand in terms of accuracy and skill.

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