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Table Tennis Grip Styles | Shakehand vs Penhold Explained

• 6 minute read

Readers lose control when the racket grip does not match their playing style, because every stroke starts from the hand and the wrong grip limits balance, power, and comfort.

This guide explains shakehand and penhold grips so players can choose the style that fits their game.

Table Tennis Grip Styles | Shakehand vs Penhold Explained

The Shakehand Grip | Advantages and Proper Finger Placement

The shakehand grip is the most common grip in table tennis because it balances forehand and backhand control. The index finger sits along the rubber on the backhand side, while the other fingers wrap firmly but not tightly around the handle, and the thumb rests flat across the front face. The table tennis guide gives a full picture of how grip choice connects to stroke development and playing style.

The Penhold Grip | Traditional vs Reverse Backhand Explained

Penhold grip places the thumb and index finger near the blade with the handle tucked into the palm for close-table control. Its traditional weakness is the backhand side, which modern players address with the reverse penhold backhand, or RPB, to keep pressure on both wings.

How to Choose the Right Table Tennis Grip for Your Style

Beginners should learn shakehand first because it offers the simplest balance of reach, power, and backhand access. Players who prefer an aggressive forehand game and close-table pressure can test penhold later, once the basic strokes are already consistent.

The table tennis skills and techniques guide covers how grip connects to stroke mechanics across both styles.

What to Look for in a Table Tennis Case for Your Bat

A rigid table tennis case protects the rubber from dust, pressure, and friction between sessions. Keeping the bat covered preserves the tacky surface, which is exactly why EDIT designed its case for safer storage after practice.

Summary

Grip choice shapes every stroke in table tennis, so choosing the right style matters from the first rally. The beginner's guide helps new players build fundamentals.