１．Introduction
The “Untaught” Art of Sanding Your Blade: Lessons in Finding Your Perfect Grip
I’ve been playing table tennis for about 40 years. Recently, I found myself wondering: “Who actually taught me how to sand my racket?” Oddly enough, I have no memory of ever being formally taught.
It all started back in my junior high school days. I think I just picked it up by watching upperclassmen and friends, starting out with a “self-taught” style through trial and error. Looking back at my old rackets from those days, the sanding marks are surprisingly rough and crude.
It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’d like to share a photo of one of my past “failures” with you.
Today, you can find endless information online, and following a video might get you a decent result. However, after many years in this sport, I’ve realized one thing: there is no single “correct” way to sand a racket.
Every player has a different style, hand size, and finger length. If there are a hundred players, there are a hundred “right” answers.
That’s why I want to share the “failures” I’ve accumulated over the past 40 years. I’ve organized the key points you should avoid or watch out for when creating your own unique, original grip.
２．How to Sand Your Racket Grip
From here, I will share my insights on how to sand a blade based on my past experiences. However, since every player has their own unique preference, please take this as just one of many perspectives.
（１）Sanding a Shakehand Blade: How to Find Your Perfect Fit
In my 40 years of playing, I’ve stayed loyal to the penhold grip. Interestingly, I’ve rarely met a shakehand player struggling with how to sand their blade. Most shakehand blades are ready to use as-is, and many players don’t sand them at all.
However, some players still feel the need for a few adjustments. If you’re one of them, here is my recommended process:
How to Sand a Shakehand Blade:
①Play without sanding first. Give it a try exactly as it came from the factory.
②Identify the spots. After playing, check where sweat has marked the blade and where your palm feels any discomfort or pain.
③Match the marks. Usually, the sweat marks and the painful spots align perfectly. Take a piece of fine sandpaper and lightly smooth the sharp edges in those specific areas.
Tip: The key is to sand so lightly that you feel it might not be enough.
Repeat steps ② and ③ until the discomfort disappears.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve regretted over-sanding my rackets at home. For some reason, when I’m at my desk, I tend to get carried away and take off too much.
If your environment allows it, the best way is to play for 20–30 minutes at the gym, sand just a tiny bit, and then play again. Repeat this cycle until it feels just right.
（２）For Penhold Rackets
The real challenge lies in how to sand a penhold grip. In all my years, I have never seen a penhold player who plays with a completely un-sanded blade. Unlike shakehand, if you don’t sand a penhold blade, the pain will make it impossible to focus on your game.
The basic cycle is the same as the shakehand method I mentioned earlier.
How to Sand a Penhold Racket:
①The Initial Grip: Hold the new blade and sand only the small areas where your thumb and index finger rest, then try playing with it.
Note: It’s actually best to leave it just a bit sharp—enough that you still feel a tiny bit of discomfort.
My idea of “sanding just a little” is shown in the image below. Start by simply rounding off the sharp edges with sandpaper.
Make sure to do the same for the opposite side as well.
②After playing, check the spots. Look for where sweat has marked the blade and where your palm or fingers feel any pain.
③The marks and the pain will match. These sweat marks show exactly where the sharp edges are pressing into your hand. Lightly sand those specific areas until they feel smooth.
The Key Point: Sand just enough that you think, “Is this enough?” It’s better to under-sand than over-sand.
④Repeat steps ② and ③. Continue this cycle as needed.
While the basic process is the same as with shakehand blades, the main difference is that with a penhold blade, the area you need to sand is significantly larger.
【Key Points】
For penhold rackets, since the sanding area is often both wide and deep, it’s best to start with a coarse sandpaper (e.g., 120–180 grit). Finishing with a fine sandpaper (e.g., 400–600 grit) will give the grip a smooth and professional feel.
【Reference: About the image below】
Although I have relatively small hands, I sand my grip quite deeply—as shown in the image—to allow for a deeper hold, which is essential for my reverse backhand (RPB) technique.
Most people are surprised when they see my final result and ask, “Do you really sand it down that much?” I especially carve out the area where the index finger rests, applying bold modifications right down to the base of the grip. (Note: I am right-handed.)
Recommended grits for a smooth finish: 180 for shaping and 400-600 for polishing.
３．Summary
I believe most people interested in sanding a blade are penhold players. To conclude, I would like to share the most important lesson I’ve learned as my final piece of advice.
【The Golden Rule】
If you try to finish your sanding in a single session, you will likely fail.
Take it slow—sand bit by bit to reach your perfect shape!
Note: For some reason, sanding late at night significantly increases the risk of over-sanding. (Why is that?)
Keep this in mind and take your time. By sanding bit by bit, you will eventually reach a state that you are truly satisfied with.
That is all for now. I hope you find this information helpful!
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