No, neither shakehand nor penhold grip is definitively "better." The optimal grip depends on a player's individual style, strengths, and weaknesses.
While the reference notes advantages to each grip, a deeper understanding requires exploring specific benefits and limitations.
Shakehand Grip: Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Versatility: Shakehand allows for strong forehand and backhand strokes, making it easier to cover the entire table.
- Long Rallies: The grip facilitates consistent and powerful strokes, advantageous in extended rallies. The reference highlights Ma Long as an example.
- Cutting the Ball: Shakehand excels at generating sidespin and backspin, making it effective for serves, pushes, and chops.
- Weaknesses:
- Wrist Flexibility: Requires significant wrist flexibility for generating extreme spin variations compared to penhold.
- Short Game: Some players find the short game (e.g., flicks and short pushes) slightly more challenging with shakehand.
Penhold Grip: Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Spin Generation: Penhold facilitates greater wrist movement, enabling the player to impart massive spin on serves and attacks. The reference cites Xu Xin as an example.
- Aggressive Forehand: Especially effective for powerful forehand attacks and quick point endings.
- Short Game Control: The grip can offer exceptional short game control, allowing for delicate pushes and flicks.
- Weaknesses:
- Backhand Coverage: Traditionally, penhold players struggle with backhand coverage and often rely heavily on their forehand. Modern techniques have mitigated this somewhat.
- Transitions: Switching between forehand and backhand can be slower compared to shakehand, depending on the player's skill.
Summary Table
| Feature | Shakehand Grip | Penhold Grip |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Versatility, long rallies, cutting the ball | Spin generation, aggressive forehand, short game control |
| Weakness | Wrist flexibility for extreme spin, short game for some | Backhand coverage, potentially slower transitions |
| Notable Example | Ma Long | Xu Xin |
Ultimately, the choice between shakehand and penhold comes down to personal preference, playing style, and dedicated practice. There is no objectively "better" grip.
