When it comes to table tennis, the “penhold vs shakehand” debate has ignited passionate discussions among players of all levels. Choosing between these two primary grips, the penhold and the shakehand, can be a pivotal decision in your table tennis journey.
Each grip comes with its unique advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to understand their characteristics before deciding which one aligns with your playing style, comfort, and goals as a player.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of penhold and shakehand grips, providing insights to help you make an informed choice and elevate your table tennis game.
If you would like more tips on how to play then read our simple 7 step process for learning the fundamentals of ping pong here.
Types of Racket Grip in Table Tennis
Table tennis racket grips come in various styles, with Japanese penhold, Chinese penhold, and shakehand grip being the most common. Japanese penhold features a tight grip with the thumb and index finger on one side, while Chinese penhold variations include different finger placements.
Shakehand grip is the global favorite, resembling a handshake, with several variations to suit different playing styles. Each grip offers distinct advantages and can significantly impact your game.
The Penhold Grip in Table Tennis
The penhold grip, often favored by Asian players, is distinctive for its resemblance to holding a pen – hence its name. In this grip, players wrap their thumb and index finger around the base of the handle, with the remaining fingers gently curled against the back of the blade.
While this is the basic form of the penhold grip, there are several variations, particularly in how players position their fingers.
Advantages of the Penhold Grip
One of the standout advantages of the penhold grip is its enhanced wrist flexibility. This flexibility allows players to generate more spin on the ball, making their shots less predictable and quicker. If you’re an attacker, this grip is your ally, offering unparalleled speed and spin, especially on the forehand. It excels at looping, a technique that propels the ball in a downward arc towards the table, combining speed and spin to create a potent offensive move.
Moreover, the penhold grip isn’t limited to offense. It’s equally effective for applying backspin, adding a layer of unpredictability to your shots. The flexibility of the wrist allows for a natural angle control, making it an ideal choice for defensive players as well.
Disadvantages of the Penhold Grip
It often feels unnatural in your hand, especially when you’re just starting out, resulting in a steep learning curve that can lag behind other players’ skill development.
Moreover, finding a coach specializing in the penhold grip can be a challenge since the majority of players prefer the shakehand grip. This lack of coaching resources makes it difficult for penhold enthusiasts to reach higher skill levels.
The most glaring drawback of the penhold grip lies in its backhand technique. Due to the grip’s angle, players have limited reach on their backhand side, restricting shot selection and power. This limitation places a premium on footwork, requiring penhold players to position themselves strategically to minimize exposure to backhand shots.
The Shakehand Grip in Table Tennis
On the flip side, we have the shakehand grip, the most widely used grip globally. Picture yourself extending your hand for a friendly shake – that’s essentially how this grip works.
Three fingers wrap around the handle, while the thumb rests on the front of the racket, and the index finger is placed perpendicular to the handle. It’s the grip you’d likely adopt instinctively when picking up a racket.
Advantages of the Shakehand Grip
The shakehand grip is celebrated for its versatility. It strikes a balance between forehand and backhand shots, making it a go-to choice for players who desire a well-rounded game. Switching between strokes becomes seamless, giving players an edge in adapting to different playing situations.
Additionally, the shakehand grip provides more natural comfort. Its widespread use means that you can focus on improving your game rather than acclimating to an unfamiliar grip. Finding a coach or fellow players to learn from is a breeze, thanks to its global popularity.
This grip brings more overall power to your shots, enabling you to play from further away from the table. The added power not only allows for more aggressive play but also forces opponents into defensive positions or blocks.
Another significant advantage lies in its versatility in serving. The shakehand grip allows players to experiment with various serves, offering options for deception and strategy. Whether it’s backspin, topspin, or sidespin serves, this grip handles them all.
Disadvantages of the Shakehand Grip
The shakehand grip isn’t without its challenges. It can induce moments of indecision, as the racket often points toward the opponent at rest, potentially causing hesitation during critical moments.
The concept of the crossover point adds complexity, requiring swift decisions between forehand and backhand responses. Reduced wrist flexibility compared to the penhold grip can make handling shots with tricky angles more challenging, which opponents can exploit.
Moreover, facing players with different grip styles can be perplexing for shakehand enthusiasts, making it harder to predict shot trajectories and spins.
Penhold vs Shakehand: Which Is A Better Racket Grip?
Now that we’ve explored the advantages and disadvantages of each grip, the question naturally arises: which grip is superior? The answer isn’t straightforward, as it depends on a myriad of factors, including your playing style, personal preference, and adaptability. However, it’s essential to note that the shakehand grip offers a more natural playing style, quicker improvement, and an easier transition for newcomers to the sport.
Choosing the Perfect Racket Grip for Your Game
Choosing the right grip is a pivotal decision in your table tennis journey, and the shakehand grip stands out as an excellent starting point for several compelling reasons. It offers a natural playing style, closely resembling how most people instinctively hold a racket, resulting in a faster initial learning curve.
This grip’s versatility allows beginners to build a well-rounded skill set efficiently, with a strong focus on both forehand and backhand strokes.
Additionally, the abundance of coaching resources and fellow players using the shakehand grip ensures ample opportunities for improvement. Notably, the shakehand grip excels in backhand play, providing a solid foundation to respond effectively to various shot types.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that personal preference plays a role, and while the penhold grip has its unique attributes, the shakehand grip promises a more accessible entry point and quicker progress for beginners.
Different Rackets for Different Grips
There are blades that are made specifically meant for the penhold grip. The difference in the rackets are the handles, the handles meant for the chinese style penhold grip are shorter, thicker, and can also be flatter and less round. The difference is just meant for comfort when gripping the racket but the shorter handle will also effect the balance and feel of the racket.
The Japanese penhold grip rackets look much different however. The handles are extremely rectangular and stick out far past the blade on forehand side giving something to grip for the thumb and pointer finger. The Japanese style penhold grip is also a bit different way of holding the racket than the Chinese style grip.
Do You Need a Different Racket For Penhold Grip?
Just because the rackets are different doesn’t mean that you have to buy a different one to try out penhold grip. It really just boils down to preference. Especially with the Chinese style penhold blades, they are not that much different. Penhold specific blades are also not as common so it is harder to find good budget options and there are much less options since the grip is not as popular.
If you do want to buy a penhold racket on a budget though I would recommend buying one from AliExpress here. They have a few Palio and Yinhe blades for cheap on there. Try to look for a 5 ply all wood one that is not fast if you are a beginner.
If wanting something more expensive Megaspin has a few good penhold blades. I wouldn’t recommend buying the cheap premade penhold rackets on here since the rubbers are permanently glued to the blade and I don’t think they are even ITTF approved.
For more info on choosing or building a racket check out out guide here.
See our beginner table tennis racket options in this post!
Final Thoughts on Ping Pong Racket Grip
In the world of table tennis, the penhold vs. shakehand debate sparks ongoing discussions. Your choice of grip should align with your playing style, comfort, and goals. As a beginner, the shakehand grip offers a natural starting point, providing a faster learning curve and abundant resources for improvement. Pair it with a suitable racket for a solid foundation.
Yet, remember that table tennis embraces diversity, so choose the grip that ignites your passion. Whether penhold or shakehand, it’s about the joy of the game, the camaraderie it fosters, and the thrilling rallies. Embrace your table tennis journey, revel in every moment, and savor the dynamic essence of this sport.
