How to Hold a Ping Pong Paddle

Ping pong can be the simplest of diversions or a very athletic and competitive international sport. Give two paddles, ping pong ball and a table to two 8-year-olds and they will find a way to play and enjoy themselves for hours. Put those same paddles in the hands of two top professionals and they can put on an exhibition that will amaze thousands of spectators. The padde, more appropriately known as a bat, can be used to block, drive or spin the ball back over the net. In table tennis there are two grips used by the majority of players and several others that are not as popular but can be effect.
Step 1
Shake hands with your table tennis bat for the shake hands grip. Wrap your fingers around the bottom of the paddle with your thumb on top. This grip allows you to easily go from forehand to backhand with the ability to drive or spin the ball from either side. If you have a versatile, well-rounded game with offensive and defensive capabilities, the shake hands grip will get the job done. If you are looking for more power when you use this grip, put your hand lower down on the paddle. If you are looking for more control, put your hand closer to the hitting surface.
Step 2
Use the pen hold grip if you have a dominant forehand shot. This is the grip that is featured by the large majority of Chinese players and it is also known as the Traditional Chinese Grip. While it seems quite awkward to many western players, it provides excellent power for those that are looking to put their opponents away every time they hit the ball. The thumb and the forefinger meet at the top of the paddle's handle and the other three fingers are on the back of it. This style gives the attacking player maximum power. It is difficult to use this style if you like to use the backhand shot for anything other than blocking the ball back to your opponent.
Step 3
The Seemiller grip is similar to the shake hands grip but with one variation. The fore finger is placed underneath the hitting surface of the bat so it is at a 90-degree angle to the handle. This grip was invented by U.S. player Dan Seemiller who came up with this grip in the early 1970s. It is excellent for power and accuracy on the forehand side but a bit limiting on backhand shots.
Step 4
The V-grip gives a player a chance to reach more balls and produce better hitting angles and more spin. The blade is held between the middle and forefinger and the look when held properly is similar to the letter V. The thumb is placed wherever the player is most comfortable with it, usually on top of the forefinger.
Tips
Most North American players use a shake hands grip, but don't be hesitant to try to the pen hold or Seemiller grips before you make a decision to stick with any one way of holding your bat. The shake hands grip is quite versatile, but the other two grips can provide awesome power for the forehand once the player learns the proper techniques.