Table tennis is a racket sport that is extensively played around the world and is very popular among people. As the name table tennis talks for itself, a racquet sport, meaning that a player’s main weapon at hand is his very own paddle. A player must learn how to use his ping pong paddle or table tennis racket in order to play the game. This is in addition to the other abilities, strategies, and footwork needed to do so.
To hold the racket, however, is one of the most important selections a player must make before learning about angles and swinging.
In this article, we are going to discuss one of the kinds of table tennis grips, i.e. Shakehand Grip.
Read the full article to learn everything about this gripping style.
Contents
The Shakehand Grip:
Shakehand Grip is the kind of table tennis grip that is used by the majority of table tennis players around the world making it one of the most popular grip styles across the world. Players belonging from Western nations use the shakehand grip, though some Eastern nations also use it frequently. Since most players naturally grip the racket in a shakehand position when they take it up, this grip is highly recommended. It comes in two different types. Even though they are quite similar, keeping the player’s style of play, the difference certainly matters.
Shakehand Grip: Advantages
It is one of the most popular gripping techniques in world table tennis. Preference of many professional players, it offers adaptability as well as balance in each of its aspects. It also helps in executing backhand shots making it way easier for players using this grip style.
The shakehand grip enables players to play shots farther away from the table which results in generating powerful shots. For shakehand players, focusing on footwork is unnecessary because they are farther away from the table and have a strong backhand. Also, check the Best Penhold Ping Pong Paddle.
Several shakehand players prefer to serve with backhand backspin and forehand topspin. When you use this grip as your playing style, you are available with more serves options. Players can perform a variety of serves with this grip and also shift from one serving style to another.
Shakehand Grip: Disadvantages
The major drawback of this grip is that it forces players to choose between utilizing their forehand or backhand to strike the ball, which is referred to as a “crossover point” by players who employ it. The moment the ball is pointed directly towards the player in the crossover point, in order to dodge and use their forehand or backhand, the player must make a choice quickly. From there, any task is complicated. Even if they have a choice, making that decision under pressure can postpone their actions.
Another disadvantage of this grip is of the limited wrist movements which also limit the player’s actions.
Types of Shakehand Grip
There are two kinds of the shakehand grip, one is a shallow shakehand grip and the other one is a deep shakehand grip. Both the variations are almost identical and one has to look closely enough to spot the difference. The difference is where the thumb rests on the table tennis the player is holding.
Despite the fact that it might seem unimportant, the grip is essential, and even something as seemingly unimportant as where the thumb rests has an impact on your game. The thumb positions and relaxes on the blade when the player’s grip technique is shallow shakehand. Whereas, in a deep shakehand, the thumb rests on the rubber of the racquet.
Shallow Shakehand Grip
The shallow shakehand grip is loose which makes it easier to quickly switch between the angles of the paddle. This variation of grip provides freedom of wrist movements and when it comes to attacking, it helps players in generating more force and spin.
Who prefers a shallow shakehand grip?
Players who favor topspins, loops, or loop drives frequently use shallow shakehand grips to throw the ball over the table with their overall strength to generate powerful strokes against their opponents.
Deep Shakehand Grip
The deep shakehand grip stops the paddle from moving around too much in the player’s hand which results in a secure and rather firm hold of the paddle. For carefully timed, less-powerful strokes, this grip’s restriction on wrist flexibility is a plus point. Given how simple it is to switch sides with a shakehand grip, both types of grips either Shallow Shakehand Grip or Deep Shakehand Grip, provide easier, more comfortable, and manageable movement on either forehand or backhand strokes.
Who prefers a deep shakehand grip?
Players who prefer backspin as an attacking method are more likely to adopt deep shakehand grips. The defensive stroke of the players needs proper paddle control because it doesn’t require wrist strength or wrist flexibility. Wrist flexibility is not a problem with this grip because it is defensive and reduces the possibility that the player will have to attack balls that are over the table.
How do you hold Shakehand Grip?
Just as the name suggests, one of the best and fine approaches to achieve a shakehand grip is to grip the handle of your racket as if you are shaking hands. Put the index finger on the side of the racket opposite the thumb then put the rest of the three fingers tightly on the handle, and relax the thumb on the rubber before the handle to accomplish this.
If you choose shallow shakehand grip as your style of play then your thumb will rest on the handle. As for a deep shakehand grip, your thumb sets on the paddle’s rubber.
Conclusion:
The shakehand grip is widely accepted and preferred by most professional international players. It is a versatile gripping technique that is used by players who prefer the defensive and offensive styles of play. An all-rounder technique not only benefits you in generating powerful shots but its flexibility on wrist is also a plus. In this article, we have talked about everything you should know about the shake-hand gripping technique in table tennis.
Hope you find it helpful!
FAQs:
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Do the shakehand grips restrict wrist movement?
Shakehand grip indeed restricts the movement of your wrists, although wrists’ flexibility is a plus point, while hitting certain shots, it can withhold players’ actions.
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Is the shakehand grip style a widely accepted gripping style?
The shakehand grip style is preferred by many professional players due to its attacking, defensive, and offensive play style making it a widely preferred gripping style by table tennis lovers.
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How does shallow shakehand grip differ from the deep shakehand grip style?
In shallow shakehand grip style your thumb position on the racket’s handle. Whereas, in deep shame hand grip style, your thumb is placed on the rubber of your table tennis racket.