How To Properly Hold Ping Pong Paddle

Last modified: October 10, 2023

Introduction

Having the correct grip and holding your ping pong paddle properly is essential for improving your game and maximizing your performance. While it may seem like a simple task, the way you hold your paddle can greatly impact your control, power, and accuracy in playing the game. In this article, we will guide you on how to properly hold a ping pong paddle to enhance your gameplay.

Grip Techniques

1. Shakehand Grip

The shakehand grip is one of the most common and widely used techniques in table tennis. The name of this grip comes from the way you would shake someone’s hand. Here’s how to do it:

Hold the handle with your forehand side facing up.
Place your thumb against the rubber side of the paddle.
Wrap your fingers around the handle, so they form a V shape with your thumb.
Ensure that the grip is firm but not too tight, allowing for flexibility and control.

The shakehand grip offers versatility, allowing players to switch between forehand and backhand shots quickly. It provides a good balance between power and control.

2. Penhold Grip

The penhold grip is another popular style used primarily by Asian players. It resembles the way one holds a pen, hence the name. Here’s how to do it:

Hold the handle with your forehand side facing up.
Rest the base of your thumb against the rubber side of the paddle.
Wrap your fingers around the handle, creating a loop or circle with your thumb and forefinger.
The penhold grip typically allows for greater wrist flexibility and faster backhand shots.

It’s worth noting that there are variations of the penhold grip, such as the Chinese penhold grip and the Japanese/Korean penhold grip. Each variation has its own unique characteristics and is used by different players based on their playing style and preferences.

3. Seemiller Grip

The Seemiller grip, developed by American player Danny Seemiller, is a unique grip technique that offers an advantage in certain aspects of the game. Here’s how to do it:

Hold the paddle with your forehand side up, just like in the shakehand grip.
Place your thumb and index finger on the front of the paddle handle.
Rest your middle, ring, and pinky fingers on the backside of the paddle handle.
With this grip, you can generate more power and spin on your shots.

The Seemiller grip is not as widely used as the shakehand or penhold grips, but it can be effective if mastered correctly and suits your style of play.

Conclusion

Having the correct grip and holding your ping pong paddle properly is crucial for optimizing your gameplay. Experiment with different grip techniques to find the one that feels most comfortable and suits your playing style. Remember to have a relaxed grip and practice regularly to develop better control, power, and accuracy in your shots. Happy playing!

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