Shakehand Grip vs Penhold: Which is Best for Your Table Tennis Game?

Well, let me tell ya, when it comes to playing table tennis, one of the first things you gotta know is how to hold that there racket right. Now, there’s a lotta ways to grip it, but the one most folks use, and the one I reckon works the best, is what they call the “shakehand grip.” It’s the one where ya hold the racket like you’re about to shake hands with someone, just like it sounds. Ain’t that somethin’ simple? Just imagine you’re gonna greet a good ol’ friend, and you grab the racket like you’d grab their hand. That’s it! Simple as pie!

The shakehand grip ain’t just some fancy name, it’s real practical. See, this here grip gives you a good hold of the racket, makes it easier to play both forehand and backhand strokes. That’s why it’s the most popular grip in the whole wide world of table tennis. It’s used by all kinds of players, from them big ol’ pros down to us folks just playin’ for fun in the backyard. It works for just about anyone.

Now, let’s break it down a little bit more. When you hold the racket, your thumb and index finger are gonna form a little web-like shape, like when you try to catch a fish with your bare hands, you know? Your thumb’s gonna rest on the bottom edge of the racket, and your index finger will go along the edge of the backhand side. That’s where you get a good grip. The rest of your fingers will be wrapped round the handle, like you’re holdin’ onto the handle of a broom or somethin’.

Why do folks love this shakehand grip so much? Well, for one, it’s mighty versatile. You can switch between your forehand and backhand pretty easily. In fact, this here grip’s got a good balance, so you can hit the ball with a lotta power but still keep control over it. It’s a good all-rounder. Whether you’re playing against your neighbor or at a big ol’ tournament, this grip works for just about any situation.

Now, there’s another way to hold your racket called the penhold grip. I reckon that one’s good too, but it’s not as common as the shakehand grip. In the penhold grip, you kinda hold the racket like a pen, between your thumb and the first two fingers. Some folks like it because it’s good for quick wrist movements and certain kinds of shots, but you gotta work a little harder to do the backhand strokes. That’s where the shakehand grip wins, especially if you’re just startin’ out.

The shakehand grip’s got other advantages too. For one, it helps keep your arm relaxed, which is real important. If you’re all tense, you won’t be able to swing that racket right. But with a loose grip, you get a nice fluid motion, and that helps you hit the ball with more speed and accuracy. It’s like when you’re throwin’ a stone in the creek – you don’t wanna grip too tight, or else the stone won’t go far, right? Same thing with that racket.

But don’t just take my word for it. Most of them top players, the ones who are always on TV, they use the shakehand grip. It’s real popular in places like China and Japan, where they play a lotta table tennis. It’s pretty much the standard way to hold the racket in tournaments. Even though you might see a few folks using the penhold grip, you’ll notice that most of them use shakehand. And if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me!

There’s a few tips and tricks that might help ya when you’re first learnin’ this here grip. For one, don’t hold it too tight, like I said before. The racket should feel like an extension of your arm, not like you’re tryin’ to strangle it. Also, keep your wrist relaxed. A stiff wrist will mess up your shot. Try to focus on the motion of your whole arm, not just your hand. You’ll want your elbow and shoulder to move with your wrist, kinda like how a bird flaps its wings.

Some folks even practice by holdin’ the racket while pretendin’ they’re playin’ in a match. It’s a good way to get used to the feel of it. You can even stand in front of a mirror and practice your swings, just to make sure your grip’s right. If you ain’t got no mirror, that’s alright – just ask a friend to watch you and see if you’re holdin’ it good.

And let me tell ya, if you’re just startin’ out, don’t get discouraged if you ain’t gettin’ it right away. Practice makes perfect, as they say. The more you play, the more natural the shakehand grip will feel. Pretty soon, you won’t even have to think about it, and you’ll be hittin’ them shots like a pro.

Now, don’t forget, the shakehand grip ain’t the only way to hold your racket. But for most folks, it’s the easiest and most comfortable. Whether you’re playin’ for fun or gettin’ serious about it, the shakehand grip is a good place to start. So, grab your racket, give it a try, and see what works for you!

Tags：[table tennis, shakehand grip, table tennis grip, shakehand vs penhold, ping pong grip, ping pong tips, table tennis technique]