Learning how to hold a ping pong paddle is the first step towards mastering the sport of table tennis.There is more than one way to hold a ping pong paddle.The shakehand grip is the best for beginners and it's difficult to master penhold.Because of their rarity, you may have to rely on yourself for practice, but there are even alternative grip styles that could be interesting to try.All of these styles have strengths and weaknesses, so you can choose what feels best to you.
Step 1: The space between your thumb and index finger is where the blade of the paddle should be placed.
If you look at your hand, you will see the shape of your thumb and index finger.Put the paddle in your hand and move it so that it rests in the V.
Step 2: Wrap your middle, ring, and pinky fingers around the handle.
The only way to hold the ping paddle handle is with a shakehand grip.The fingers should look the same as when you shake someone's hand.Try moving the paddle up and down in a hand shaking motion.
Step 3: The outside of the paddle is where your index finger should be resting.
Think of shaking someone's hand.Instead of being curled in, your index finger is pointed out.The paddle will be stable when you swing it.The tip of your finger should be against the side edge if it feels more comfortable.
Step 4: If you want wrist flexibility, Curl your thumb around the handle.
The most natural grip for beginners is a shallow shakehand grip.It makes returning the ball easier because of the high freedom of movement for the paddle.If this grip doesn't feel right to you, that may be a sign to try something else.
Step 5: If you want a firm grip, place your thumb against the paddle's front face.
The deep shakehand grip limits wrist flexibility, but it works well for precise shots that don't need a lot of power.It's great for both forehand and backhand shots if you hold your paddle this way.If you want to get the benefits of both, you can always switch between this thumb position and wrapping your thumb around the handle.
Step 6: You should keep your grip loose.
A person should still be able to grab the paddle from you with only slight resistance if you want to grip it firmly enough.A tight grip will make it hard to hit or spin the ball.As you move your hand, the paddle should feel like a natural extension of your arm.
Step 7: The edge of the paddle should be parallel to the ground.
Your wrist tilts slightly downward.You want your wrist to stay in this position as the angle of the paddle changes.When you swing, avoid floppy wrists.This will cause you to miss the ball.If you move your wrists too much, they will get tired and you won't be able to swing.
Step 8: The space between your thumb and index finger is where to rest the handle.
The V shape is formed by your thumb and index finger.The edge of the handle should be the same as a pen.
Step 9: The handle should be between your thumb and index finger.
Make a loop around the handle.Try moving the paddle around in a pen writing motion to get a feel for the grip.
Step 10: If you want wrist flexibility, keep your fingers relaxed.
The Chinese penhold grip requires you to lightly grip the outside face of the paddle with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers.You should keep your fingers in a relaxed position.Holding the paddle this way will make it easy to block and push the ball.This grip makes it difficult to spin the ball using the outside part of the paddle.
Step 11: Straighten your middle, ring, and pinky fingers.
For the Korean/Japanese penhold grip, the edge of your middle finger should lightly grip the outside face of the paddle with your ring and pinky stacked on top of it.You want your fingers to be straight.You can easily return a ball if you hold the paddle this way.Straight fingers make it harder for you to switch the paddle angle to reach the ball.
Step 12: The V grip is good for high power and ball spin.
The blade of the paddle should be between your index and middle fingers.Your thumb should be placed where it feels most comfortable.The grip is ideal for wide-angle shots.It isn't as popular as the penhold or shakehand grip, so finding a coach that specializes in it can be difficult.
Step 13: The Seemiller grip can be used to block.
Put your index finger on the back of the paddle as close to the bottom edge as possible.You can use your thumb or index finger to hold the paddle blade.Since backhand wrist flexibility is limited for this style, you may want to use the forehand side of your paddle.
Step 14: The reverse penhold grip can be used to achieve heavy topspin.
Rest your remaining three fingers against the paddle's outside face as you hold the handle between your thumb and index finger.If you want to hit the ball with both sides of the paddle, angle it slightly up.The grip is very similar to others.It's not unusual to see this grip combined with the Chinese or Korean pen hold styles.