Changing grip

thomas mcnamara Asked 6 years ago

Hi Coach. I know it's basic, but I still struggle a bit with the grip. I definitely change the grip subtly between forehand and backhand. I wait with emphasis on forehand, the bat slightly closed. If it's a backhand, I do switch the thumb so it's more stable, then quickly move the bat back to the forehand with a slight turn of my hand. It reminds me of the volley grip in tennis, where even though it's supposedly the same grip, you do slightly change the wrist position on both forehand and backhand. Do you change grip slightly or should I work on more stability? I'm not as consistent as I want, but I don't really think it's the grip. Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Thomas,

It is OK to change the grip slightly if you are managing to do this in time to play your shots. A subtle change can work for you. It may just be a shifting of the fingers or even the pressure of the fingers that allows a better feel for both sides.

When starting I think it is easier to focus on one grip so that you have time to focus on your strokes and tracking the ball.

← How I can do a strong backhand with no fear Smash against sidespin lob →

Recommended Video

Strawberry Flick

The strawberry flick is the opposite of the banana flick and involves utilising the wrist to get the ball spinning with topspin and sidespin. Used in conjunction with the banana flick it can be very deceptive. The banana flick is a more reliable stroke and that's why you see more top players using it over the strawberry flick.

Watch Now

Nigel C Posted 6 years ago

Alois,

When I first started playing table tennis I used to change my grip far more than I do now. At the time, I thought it was easier to play backhands and forehands with a different grip. As I have developed I have found that due to playing at faster speed it is better to have a smaller difference in my grip. I remember talking to other players years ago and many (not all) changed grip between forehands and backhands. My wife who is learning (actually after 35 years of playing I am also still learning) changes grip quite drastically and I have tried to teach her to use one grip so that her short selection isn't influenced by which way round her grip is.

My point is generally speaking, do more experienced players change their grip less while those just starting out change their grip as it feels easier to control the ball (otherwise why do they do it?). So does keeping one grip initially make it harder for learning, as actions feel less natural. Anyone else like to comment, do those just starting out change grip vs more experienced who don't, or is it mixed?