Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular game with two or four opposing players. It started many centuries ago with the upper class society, but has evolved into a game widely played by people from all walks of life around the globe. It is known as the most played paddle game in the world today.
The game takes place on a table with a net as a division, and the role of each player is to hit the ping pong ball using a paddle, or a racquet. It requires power, speed, and a basic knowledge of the game’s styles and techniques. And one primary table tennis skill that you should learn is to know how to grip ping pong paddles the proper way.
In the beginning, many will find it difficult to perform the right grip, but with regular practice and perseverance, you will be able to master the skill in no time. And to help you achieve your goal, here are fail-safe grip techniques when playing table tennis.
How to grip the paddle correctly
Performing the proper grip is essential when playing table tennis because it controls the angle of the paddle, therefore managing the direction, speed, depth, and spin of the ball as well.
1 Shakehand grip – This grip is used by most professional and recreational players. There are two variations of this grip – the shallow grip and the deep grip. The basic position is to hold the paddle like when you are shaking somebody’s hand.
*Shallow shakehand grip – Place your thumb on the blade, not the rubber part. Extend your index finger to the bottom of the paddle, and let the remaining fingers grip the handle. Because of its loose grip, you can be more flexible and allows more powerful spins that can be done to the ball.
*Deep shakehand grip – Your thumb should rest on the rubber, and hold the paddle as close to the blade. Extend your index finger along the bottom of the paddle, and let the rest of the fingers grip the handle. This will allow you to create more precise spins and shots.
2 Penhold grip – Several variations are currently adapted for this grip type. The basic 
hand position is to hold the paddle as if you’re holding a pen, where the name was derived.
*Traditional Chinese grip – The thumb and index finger should hold the handle, close to the blade. The other fingers are positioned in a curled manner around the back of the blade.
*Japanese/ Korean grip – Execute the same hand position as that of the traditional Chinese grip, except that the three fingers at the back of the blade are straighten out, instead of curled. The fingers could be closed together, or wide apart.
*Reverse penhold backhand grip – Position your fingers the same way with that of the traditional Chinese grip. The difference lies on how you are able to use the back of the blade for back hand shots.
Like in any other sports, perfecting the basic skills is crucial and will definitely affect your performance in the game. As with table tennis, mastering the grip techniques for ping pong paddles will help you do extremely well in your sport. So, learn all the skills above and puff up with pride as you play a game of table tennis.
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