Shakehand forehand and backhand grip

Hello,

 I saw a video of a match Ovtcharov vs Wang Hao and in the discussion under the video there was an opinion that Ovtcharov will never make it to number 1 in table tennis because he uses a backhand shakehand grip. What is that? Do they really exist these two types forehand and backhand  for shakehand grip? How do I find out which one I am using?

Thank You, Pavel.

Hi Pavel,

When they talk about a forehand or backhand grip all it means is that the bat is turned slightly in your hand one way or the other.  If you start with your bat in your hand and then turn the top of the bat to the right, this will give you more of a backhand grip.  if you turn it to the left it is more of a forehand grip. It just means that it may be easie rto hit those particular strokes with that grip because th ehead of the bat is in a better posiiton.

You can check to see if the edge of your bat is right in the 'V' between your thumb and forefinger.  This is a neutral grip.  Either way makes it either forehand or backhand grip as above.