How to Grip the Paddle in Table Tennis

Getting the proper grip on your table tennis paddle is a matter of both choice and comfort. Try the two most common grips to decide which you like best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic Gear
• Table Tennis Balls
• Table Tennis Nets
• Table Tennis Paddles
• Table Tennis Playing Tables
• Table Tennis Video

The "Shake Hands" Grip

1. Hold your hand out as if to shake hands with someone, with your thumb up and fingers extended.
2. Place the handle of the paddle in the "V" of you thumb and forefinger, with the face of the paddle up.
3. Wrap your fingers around the handle and brace the face of the paddle between your thumb and forefinger. Be careful to keep your extended forefinger from extending into the face of the paddle.
4. Hit the ball with your thumb in front on your forehand and your thumb in back on your backhand.
5. Control the paddle with your thumb and forefinger.
6. Use a relaxed but firm grip. Grip harder on shots requiring more power.

The "Pen Grip"

7. Wrap your thumb and forefinger around the handle with the paddle facing down, as if it were a pen and the paddle is the tip.
8. Brace your other three fingers against the back of the paddle. Keep your extended fingers from extending into the face of the paddle.
9. Rest the handle of the paddle in the "V" of your thumb and forefinger.
10. Stroke the ball with your thumb and forefinger in front on your forehand and in back on your backhand.
11. Control the paddle with your thumb and forefinger.
12. Use a relaxed but firm grip. Grip harder on shots requiring more power.

Tips & Warnings

• The "Shake Hands" grip is the most common and standard grip in table tennis.
• Keep the same grip at all times when playing.
• The "Pen Grip" originally gained popularity in Asia and is now used all over the world.
• Keep the same grip at all times when playing.