The very essential grip
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 6 years ago
Nirbhay Pandya Asked 6 years ago
Good morning Pingskills Team!
First of all, I would like to thank you guys for providing so much information about Table Tennis and this has helped me take my table tennis to a whole new level. However, I have had a very strong forehand before and the backhand was not as controlled as I wanted. I have a shakehand grip and used to hold the bat a bit higher and tighter which allowed me to have a good control over FH but sometimes the BH blocks off topspin used to fly off the table! I have seen your videos regarding the grip but it dint help as much.
Could you please make a more detailed video on shakehand grip? especially the ''V'' that forms between the thumb and the index finger? and where the handle should touch this ''V''? I think this part is really crucial. Also could you please share Coach Alois's and Jeff's grip (if possible with photos)? I would really appreciate if you could answer this otherwise I would be stuck in this ''not so sure how to improve grip'' situation which would hinder my growth.
Thank You,
Nirbhay Pandya
Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago
Hi Nirbhay,
Take a look at these pictures which I think will help you.
This is the grip from side on.
This is the Backhand side
This is the Forehand side
Close up of the 'V'
Hope this helps.
Thoughts on this question
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Nirbhay Pandya Posted 6 years ago
Thank you so much! The answer with the pictures was really nice of you. Can't wait to try it out today and get that feeling of "keeping the ball on the table"! Cheers!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
Let met know how you get on.
vansh ???? Posted 6 years ago
Ur Website is helping us so nicely.. keep it up !!
Rohan Keogh Posted 6 years ago
Thanks for the photos Alois. They highlight a difference between your demonstrated grip and my 'natural' grip. Can we assume some minor variations are OK?
I find replicating your grip a little awkward and difficult to maintain without having my index finger bent slightly, i.e. not lying flat on the rubber surface. I'll send you some photos by email. Can you have a look and comment here? Maybe post one showing the difference and explaining why it is 'bad' or 'OK' for everyone's benefit?
Karmel Barghouthi Posted 6 years ago
Hi Coachs,
Some times I notice that the thumb finger position change from horizontal to vertical when backhand spin is performed.
is that true?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
It can come up a little. That is OK as long as you can get it back down again when you are playing forehand. If you can keep it down it is probably easier all around.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
Hi Rufuss,
You have a slight backhand grip. This will limit your ability to play a forehand at its best and also make it more difficult for the forehand push and flick.
Rohan Keogh Posted 6 years ago
Thanks Alois. I think I've worked out why and how to correct it. I just need to get used to it so it feels comfortable and 'natural'. Of course that will also mean I'll need to work some more on my BH as I'll have a less BH oriented grip.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
It will take time but just keep feeling the grip during your training. The backhand won't need a lot of adjustment.
Nirbhay Pandya Posted 6 years ago
Yes!!!! This grip allows me to play BH really smooth and quick. Also, my FH (if set to proper angle) can really rub the ball fast to generate good amount of topspin. I think it provides a good balance between BH and FH(FH: if you like to topspin the ball rather than hitting faster and flatter). Thanks Coach Alois! I really appreciate it. :)
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago
Great work Nirbhay.