How Do Professional Ping Pong Players Hold The Paddle

Last modified: October 2, 2023

How do Professional Ping Pong Players Hold the Paddle?

Ping pong, or table tennis, is an exciting and fast-paced sport that requires skill, agility, and precision. If you are a beginner or just starting to get serious about your game, one of the first things you should focus on is how to properly hold the paddle. The way you hold the paddle can greatly impact your control, power, and overall performance on the table.

The Shakehand Grip

The most common and widely used grip in table tennis is the shakehand grip. It gets its name from the way it resembles a handshake. To use the shakehand grip, follow these steps:

1. Hold the paddle in your dominant hand with your fingers relaxed and slightly curved.
2. Position the paddle vertically in front of you, with the rubber side facing the table.
3. Place your thumb on the backhand side of the paddle, pointing towards the handle.
4. Wrap your index finger around the front of the handle, so it sits between the rubber and the wood.
5. Let your other three fingers wrap comfortably around the back of the handle.

The Penhold Grip

Another grip style used by professional players, especially in Asian countries, is the penhold grip. This style involves holding the paddle in a similar fashion to how you would hold a pen. To use the penhold grip, follow these steps:

1. Hold the handle of the paddle between your thumb and index finger, creating a ‘V’ shape.
2. Curl your middle, ring, and pinky fingers around the back of the handle for support.
3. Position your fingers on the rubber side of the paddle to have better control during play.
4. The penhold grip allows for more wrist involvement in shots, providing a quick and powerful attacking style.

The Seemiller Grip

Less commonly seen but still worth mentioning is the Seemiller grip, named after the famous American table tennis player, Danny Seemiller. This grip is unique as it involves gripping the paddle with both sides of the hand. To use the Seemiller grip, follow these steps:

1. Grip the paddle with your thumb and index finger.
2. Position the thumb on the rubber side of the paddle and the index finger on the backhand side of the paddle.
3. Place your middle, ring, and pinky fingers on the front of the handle, creating a stable grip.

The Seemiller grip offers a great advantage for blocking and returning heavy spin shots due to the ability to use both sides of the hand.

In conclusion, the way you hold the ping pong paddle can greatly impact your gameplay. Whether you choose the shakehand grip, penhold grip, or even the Seemiller grip, it is important to find a comfortable grip that allows you to have control, flexibility, and power. Experiment with different grips and find the one that works best for you. Remember to practice regularly and focus on improving your technique to become a proficient player.

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