When you begin learning how to play table tennis, you will need to learn how to hold the paddle before you can progress to more advanced skills. You can hold a table tennis paddle in several ways. The “shake hands” grip remains popular in the United States and most western countries, but players in Japan and Korea more often use the “pen hold” grip. Practice using one grip consistently to gain more comfort and confidence.
"Shake Hands" Grip
Step 1
Reach your dominant hand out as if about to shake someone’s hand.
Step 2
Wrap all your fingers around the top of paddle’s handle where the handle meets the rubber.
Step 3
Extend your forefinger along the rubber on one side of the paddle.
Step 4
Leave space below your hand rather than above it on the handle.
Step 5
Hit the ball with your forefinger supporting the paddle from behind.
"Pen Hold" Grip
Step 1
Wrap your thumb and forefinger around the base of the paddle’s rubber section so your forefinger and thumb meet at the tips.
Step 2
Fold your other three fingers behind the paddle. You can keep your fingers straight or curved.
Step 3
Hit the ball with your thumb and forefinger facing to the front and your other three fingers supporting the paddle from behind.
Tips and Warnings
- To hit the ball backhanded, keep the same grip, but turn the paddle around, then hit with the opposite side.
Things You'll Need
- Table tennis paddle
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