Table Tennis Grips

The popularity and expanse of table tennis notwithstanding, table tennis has still been able to hold its own. It is an interesting and a totally addictive game. All those who have held the table tennis racket, I am sure would give a nod of approval to this. The way a person grips the racket is of a major significance in how the game progresses for the player. There are several types of table tennis grips which decide the direction and the impact of a particular shot. This article will shed light on the grips used in table tennis. Keep reading if you are interested.

Table Tennis Grip Types

Shakehand Grip
This is one of the most basic ping pong grips. This is the oldest and seasoned campaigner amongst the grips used in table tennis. Akin to tennis grip, this table tennis grip is done with index finger extended over the racket head, in a perpendicular angle to the handle. Even distribution of power over backhand and forehand shots is facilitated by this grip. Shakehand has two styles - shallow grip and deep grip.

Shallow Grip
In this grip the index finger is stretched over the bottom of the racket. The thumb is held relaxed on the blade and not the rubber. To grip the handle, the bottom 3 fingers are used.

Deep Grip
Deep grip is almost the same as the shallow one, except for the fact that the hand goes further up the handle towards the head of the racket. Likewise the index finger is stretched along the bottom of the racket . The thumb in this gear is held relaxed on the rubber. This is one of the most common table tennis grips.

Table Tennis Grip Styles - Shakehand

Counter Driver
This performs the function of blocking and drives various attacks back at the opponent. This makes the opponent commit a mistake by change of angles and rhythm. Counter driver is a very effective grip.

Attacking Chopper
Undoubtedly the most distinctive style in table tennis is this. Chopper is like a neutralizing shot, using the chop to return an attack which has a back spin. The opponent is thus compelled to attack all over again. What distinguishes this style is its 'cool cat' sort of function, because it does not look to attack and gain initiative. It rather gives that up.

Penhold Grip
When you talk of table tennis grips, penhold grip seems to have taken a beating somewhat. The reason being the weakness it brings about in the backhand shot. As the name suggests, this grip resembles the way in which a pen is held for writing. The index finger and thumb are used to hold on to the racket and the other 3 fingers give support, curling around the back of the racket.

Tennis Grip Styles - Penhold

Looper
Loopers bring into play the forehand topspin loop as the primary shot. The person having this style has fabulous footwork and mostly tries to use forehand for covering the entire table.

Korean Penhold
Akin to the looper, the Korean penhold involves forehand topspin loop. These players have more of a reach in comparison with their Chinese counterpart.

Some other Table Tennis Grips

Seemiller Grip
Named after Danny Seemiller, an American table tennis champ, this grip is a result of the modification of the shakehand grip. The forefinger and the thumb are kept on the same side of the racket. Such a grip permits the forehand as well as the backhand shots to use the same side of the rubber.

V-Grip
This is a style of grip which is being worked upon in China. It is basically an experimental style. The grip entails holding the racket between the forefinger and the middle finger and the other fingers rest on top of and under the handle. This arrangement of fingers forms a 'V' for victory.

Eventually, it is difficult to say which one is the best table tennis grip. It all depends on the player and what he wants to do. It also is based on what kind of a player one is. That's all for now. Good luck with your game!