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Are you wondering how to actually hold a table tennis paddle? The dominating grip in modern professional table tennis is called the "shakehand" grip which like its' namesake, nearly resembles a handshake with a minor adjustment of the pointer finger and thumb. In this article, part of phase 1 in our FREE Beginner to Intermediate Table Tennis Lesson Plan, we will show you step by step how to make it work.

Very quickly, do you have the essential equipment to learn competitive table tennis? Every player who purchases a premade paddle finds that it lacks in either quality, spin, speed, or the control needed to master the game. This is why we curated the list of the 3 best beginner table tennis blades and rubbers.

Alright, on to how to hold a table tennis paddle like professional players.

1. Check the Angle: The face of the paddle should be angled ever so slightly forward, around 10-20 degrees, to prepare for your strokes. Whether you are using your backhand or forehand, the top of the bat face should be angled slightly towards the direction of play

2. Choke Less: The meaty part of your hand between your thumb and index finger should have a little space between it and the edge of the bat. If you feel the edge of the bat pushing into this area, very slightly adjust your grip lower on the handle until there is space. This will allow more movement of the wrist that will be essential for asserting spin into your shots. Try pushing the edge into this area and more your wrist. You'll notice flexibility is drastically reduced

3. Relax Your Grip: Keep the grip relaxed yet stable enough to not let it slip away from you. Remember, tensed muscles = slower movement. If you want to win in this game, speed is a big component of advanced strokes and being able to keep up with opponents in rallies while recovering shot after shot after shot. Staying loose is a small detail that makes big differences down the road

4. Practice Movement: Move your paddle up and down, side to side, to get a feel for how it responds. This will help you develop comfort and control.

Tips:

• Balance: Ensure your hand feels neutral on the handle, allowing for quick wrist and arm movements.

• Experiment: You can minimally adjust the position of your fingers to find what feels most comfortable for you.

The pro grip is awkward and unnatural at first but is key to reaching the highest levels of the game. If you are just starting, exercise discipline and adjust your grip before playing every single point until it becomes second nature. A good grip will maximize your ability to adjust your bat angle during high-speed exchanges where a millisecond makes the difference between a hit or a miss.

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