| The sport of table tennis or ping pong, is a fun indoor | | | | shaking hands at a 45 degree angle. |
| sport for 2 or 4 people. On a casual level, families | | | | How to use the Penhold Grip: |
| might have a ping pong table in their family rec room or | | | | · Wrap your thumb and index finger around the |
| basement, much like a pool or foosball table; but few | | | | base of the rubber paddle (where the handle meets |
| know how to play table tennis or ping pong to achieve | | | | the paddle part). |
| the best results. Below, we've outlined the basic grips | | | | · Your middle, ring, and pinky fingers should be |
| (ways to hold the table tennis paddle) of table tennis, to | | | | folded behind the paddle and out of the way. |
| help you maximize your performance, both | | | | · The tips of your index finger and thumb |
| recreationally and professionally. | | | | should be touching. |
| The way that you hold your tennis table paddle can | | | | · The grip should look as if you were holding a |
| dramatically alter your performance based on what | | | | pen. |
| type of game you are seeking to play (whether | | | | How to use the Seemiller Grip: |
| professional or recreational), what strokes you will be | | | | · Grip the paddle's handle with all fingers, palm |
| predominantly using, and the like. There are three basic | | | | facing you. |
| ways to hold or grip your table tennis or ping pong | | | | · Extend index finger straight out along the |
| paddle: the shakehands, penhold, and seemiller grips. | | | | base of the rubber part of the paddle (the actual |
| The shakehands grip is the most commonly used, both | | | | paddle part) on one side of the paddle. |
| in family rec rooms and professional matches, as it | | | | · Slightly wrap or hook your index finger |
| allows for strong mobility in both forehand and | | | | around the edge of the paddle. |
| backhand strokes. The penhold grip is a more | | | | · Close thumb around the other side of the |
| antiquated grip for table tennis players, used more | | | | paddle (from your index finger), also along the base. |
| often by professional players seeking to surprise their | | | | Your thumb should meet the three remaining fingers |
| opponent with a different grip. This grip affords the | | | | wrapped around the handle of the paddle. |
| table tennis player a much stronger forehand | | | | · Make sure thumb points forward towards the |
| predominant stroke, and disables the ease of a | | | | game. |
| backhand because of grip position. Lastly, the seemiller | | | | · Make sure your extended arm and paddle |
| grip was developed by 5 time US Table Tennis | | | | edge form a straight line. It should look like you are |
| champion, Dan Seemiller. This grip is hardly ever used | | | | shaking hands at a 45 degree angle. |
| as it is considered disruptive to form, as it employs only | | | | Things to keep in mind: |
| one side of the paddle for both forehand and | | | | · Keep your grip loose. |
| backhand strokes. It is a slight variation from the | | | | · Each grip preference requires a different |
| shakehands grip, allowing for strong control of both | | | | type of paddle. Play around with the different grips and |
| forehand and backhand strokes. | | | | see what feels most comfortable for you, before you |
| How to use the Shakehands Grip: | | | | opt for a particular paddle. |
| · Grip the paddle's handle with all fingers, palm | | | | · Choose to play a game or opponent that |
| facing you. | | | | matches the type of grip and stroke that you are best |
| · Extend index finger straight out along the | | | | at. For example: use a shakehands grip for a general |
| base of the rubber part of the paddle (the actual | | | | game that will require forehand and backhand. Use a |
| paddle part) on one side of the paddle. | | | | Seemiller grip for a professional game that requires a |
| · Close thumb around the other side of the | | | | lot of blocking. |
| paddle (from your index finger), also along the base. | | | | · If your grip feels uncomfortable, make sure |
| Your thumb should meet the three remaining fingers | | | | your form is correct. |
| wrapped around the handle of the paddle. | | | | · Best thing to do if you have any questions or |
| · Make sure your extended arm and paddle | | | | problems, is to ask a certified table tennis coach or |
| edge form a straight line. It should look like you are | | | | locate a supplier. |