The pen grip, often used in table tennis (ping pong), is about holding the paddle and using the right finger positioning for stability and control. Here’s how you do it:
Understanding the Penhold Grip
The penhold grip resembles holding a pen or pencil, which is why it’s named that way. This type of grip allows for a unique wrist movement, enabling powerful forehand strokes and quick attacks.
Steps for Penhold Grip
- Hold the paddle like a pen: Imagine you're about to write with the paddle.
- Thumb and Index: Place your thumb and index finger on the front side of the paddle, as if you're gripping a pen.
- Back of the paddle: The video reference states that the other fingers, typically the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, can be either straight or slightly curled on the back of the paddle.
- Stability: Having two straight fingers on the back will add stability to the grip.
Variations and Considerations
While the basic principle is the same, slight variations might exist based on your personal preference and playing style.
- Finger Positioning: The exact positioning of fingers might need adjustments to find what suits you best.
- Experimentation: Trying different slight variations is recommended to see what works best for your game.
Why use Penhold?
- Forehand Power: It's considered to give more power to forehand strokes.
- Wrist Flexibility: Allows for a good wrist action for powerful shots and spin.
- Close-to-table Play: Useful for close-to-table play, fast attacks, and blocking.
Key Points
- Comfort: Ensure the grip feels comfortable and not strained.
- Control: Practice to maintain control of the paddle while using the grip.
- Consistency: Develop consistency with your grip to ensure accurate shots.
By mastering the penhold grip, you can enhance your table tennis game significantly. The key is practice and finding the grip that feels most natural and effective for you.
