Understanding the Penhold Grip in Table Tennis

The penhold grip gets its name from the way a player holds the racket, much like a writing pen. It is especially popular among players from China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Chinese penhold players usually keep their middle, ring and little fingers curled together behind the blade. They often use a round-headed racket and play close to the table. Japanese and Korean players commonly spread these fingers across the back of the racket, using square-headed blades designed for play farther from the table. Traditional penhold uses one side of the racket for most shots. However, the reverse penhold backhand technique, developed in China in the 1990s, allows players to use the other side for stronger backhand topspin. This has reduced one of the style’s biggest weaknesses and made penhold play more versatile.

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