Table Tennis

Shakehand vs Penhold Grip in Table Tennis: Which Should You Choose? (India)

Shakehand vs penhold table tennis grips compared, how each works, who they suit, and the bats to match, for players in India.

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— 3 min read
GKI Euro Fasto shakehand table tennis bat with cover

Shakehand vs penhold grip is the first real choice every table tennis player faces, and which you should choose shapes how you hold the bat and play the game. The shakehand grip looks like a handshake around the handle, while the penhold grip holds the bat like a pen, with the blade pointing down. Both can reach the top level, but for most beginners in India one is clearly easier to start with.

Shakehand vs penhold grip: which should you choose?

For the vast majority of beginners, the shakehand grip is the better starting point. It is easier to learn, more common, and supported by almost all standard bats, so you can progress faster and have more fun early on. Its biggest strength is balance: it lets you attack and defend equally well on both the forehand and backhand, which is exactly what a new player needs while building all-round strokes.

How the shakehand grip works

You wrap your hand around the handle as if shaking hands, with the thumb resting lightly on the rubber and the index finger along the bottom edge. This gives a stable, versatile hold and a naturally strong backhand. Almost every ready-made bat, like the GKI Euro Fasto (₹455) or the GKI Kung Fu (₹812), uses a flared shakehand handle, making it the default choice in Indian shops and clubs.

How the penhold grip works

The penhold grip holds the handle between the thumb and index finger, with the remaining fingers curled behind the blade. Its advantages are extra wrist flexibility for spin and quick, wristy forehand attacks close to the table. The trade-offs are a historically weaker backhand (modern players use a reverse-backhand technique to fix this) and more strain on the wrist and forearm, which can lead to overuse discomfort.

Which grip suits your style?

  • Choose shakehand if you want an easy start, a strong two-wing game, and equipment that is simple to find and replace.
  • Choose penhold if you love a fast, spin-heavy forehand and playing tight to the table, and you are willing to work on the backhand.

Does the grip change the bat you buy?

Somewhat. Ready-made bats mostly come with a flared handle suited to shakehand. Penhold players often prefer a shorter, specific handle shape, and many build a custom bat by choosing a blade such as the Friendship 729 Z-2 ply (₹2,399) and adding their own rubbers. Whichever grip you pick, protect your bat in a case like the Andro Hardcase (₹2,100) so the rubbers last.

Can you switch grips later?

You can, but it is hard once habits are set, so it is worth trying both early. Spend a few sessions with each, ideally under a coach, and commit to the one that feels natural. For most players in India, that turns out to be shakehand, but the best grip is ultimately the one you will practise with consistently.

Grip pressure matters as much as grip style

Beginners often hold the bat far too tightly, which kills touch and tires the forearm. Whichever grip you pick, hold it firmly enough to stay in control but relaxed enough to let your wrist move freely. A light grip helps you feel the ball, adjust the racket angle for spin, and play delicate touch shots near the net. Practise strokes slowly at first, focusing on a loose, comfortable hold, and let speed come naturally as the movement becomes second nature.

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Frequently asked questions

Is shakehand or penhold better for beginners?

Shakehand is better for most beginners. It is easier to learn, more common, supported by almost all standard bats, and gives a balanced forehand and backhand, so new players progress faster and enjoy the game sooner.

What is the main advantage of the penhold grip?

The penhold grip offers greater wrist flexibility, which helps generate spin and fast, wristy forehand attacks close to the table. Its trade-offs are a traditionally weaker backhand and more strain on the wrist.

Do I need a special bat for penhold?

Not strictly, but penhold players often prefer a specific handle shape and many build a custom bat from a chosen blade and rubbers. Standard ready-made bats usually come with a flared handle designed for the shakehand grip.

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