1. Introduction
One of the first decisions you’ll face when starting table tennis is choosing the right racket.
There are many types of rackets available, but the first thing you should decide is the grip style.
In table tennis, the two most common grip styles are the Shakehand Grip and the Penhold Grip. Each has its own characteristics and is suited to different playing styles.
“Which grip is better for beginners?”
“What is the difference between a Shakehand Grip and a Penhold Grip?”
Many players have these questions when choosing their first racket.
In this article, we will compare the features, advantages, and disadvantages of both grip styles and explain how to choose the one that best suits you.
2. Shakehand vs. Penhold: What’s the Difference?
(1) The Two Main Grip Styles
1. Shakehand Grip
- Hold the racket as if you are shaking hands with someone.
2. Penhold Grip
- Hold the racket in a way that resembles holding a pen.
[Grip Viewed from the Forehand Side]
[Grip Viewed from the Backhand Side]
(2) Differences in Perceived Weight
One factor that is often overlooked when choosing a grip is how heavy the racket feels in your hand.
Even if two rackets have the same actual weight, the perceived weight can differ between the Shakehand Grip and the Penhold Grip.
If you prefer lightweight equipment, this is another point worth considering when choosing a grip style.
In my experience, the Penhold Grip often feels slightly heavier. Because the racket is supported more by the fingers, the difference tends to become more noticeable as the racket weight increases.
Next, let’s take a look at the current popularity of each grip style in modern table tennis.
3. The Current State of Grip Styles (Shakehand Is the Mainstream Choice)
In reality, both grip styles have their own strengths and weaknesses, so there is no single “correct” choice.
However, most children and teenagers who start playing table tennis today tend to choose the Shakehand Grip.
Compared with the Penhold Grip, the Shakehand Grip offers several advantages:
- It is generally easier to learn basic techniques.
- Backhand strokes are easier to develop.
- There are fewer coaches who specialize in teaching Penhold players.
Another factor is that the vast majority of the world’s top players use the Shakehand Grip, which likely influences the choices of new players.
Top 50 World Rankings Overview
(As of June 15, 2026)
Men’s Rankings
Shakehand Grip: 48 players
Penhold Grip: 2 players
Only two Penhold players are ranked within the Top 50:
No. 4: Félix Lebrun (France)
No. 9: Qiu Dang (Germany)
Next highest-ranked Penhold player: No. 56 Wong Chun Ting (Hong Kong)
Women’s Rankings
Shakehand Grip: 50 players
Penhold Grip: 0 players
There are currently no Penhold players in the Women’s Top 50.
Highest-ranked female Penhold player: No. 81 Shan Xiaona (Germany)
While I have tried to compare both grip styles fairly in this article, I am a Penhold player myself. As a result, some of my opinions may lean slightly toward the Penhold Grip. Thank you for your understanding.
4. Characteristics of Shakehand and Penhold Grips
Although the Shakehand Grip is the dominant style in modern table tennis, that does not mean the Penhold Grip is inferior.
Even at the highest level of the sport, Penhold players such as Félix Lebrun and Qiu Dang continue to achieve outstanding results.
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of both grip styles.
(1) Characteristics of the Shakehand Grip
(2) Characteristics of the Penhold Grip
One of the disadvantages of the Penhold Grip is that developing backhand techniques often requires additional practice and creativity. However, modern Penhold players have found effective ways to overcome this weakness.
Today, world-class players such as Félix Lebrun (France) and Qiu Dang (Germany) have developed their backhands into a major strength by mastering the Reverse Penhold Backhand (RPB) technique.
Related Article
Félix Lebrun is one of the most exciting and unique Penhold players in the world today. If you would like to learn more about his playing style and achievements, check out the article below.
5. How to Choose the Right Grip for You
Now that we’ve looked at the characteristics of both the Shakehand Grip and the Penhold Grip, you may still be wondering which one to choose.
There is no single correct answer in table tennis. The following recommendations are simply my personal thoughts based on my own experience.
(1) Choose the Shakehand Grip If You Want to Improve Quickly
The Shakehand Grip is the dominant style in modern table tennis, and the vast majority of the world’s top players use it.
Because it is easier to develop backhand techniques and learn a balanced set of skills, the Shakehand Grip is ideal for players who want to improve quickly.
(2) Choose the Penhold Grip If You Enjoy a Unique Playing Style
On the other hand, the Penhold Grip offers a unique appeal that cannot be found in the Shakehand Grip.
Being part of a minority can actually be an advantage, as many opponents have limited experience against Penhold players.
The Penhold Grip also offers greater freedom to develop your own playing style.
Despite being a minority at the world level, many Penhold players continue to compete successfully in local tournaments and club teams.
(3) If You’re Unsure, Follow Your Favorite Player
Today, it is easy to watch world-class table tennis matches through YouTube and various streaming platforms.
If you admire a player’s style, choosing the same grip can be a great option.
Having a favorite player can provide strong motivation to practice and improve.
If you are inspired by players such as Félix Lebrun or Qiu Dang, don’t hesitate to give the Penhold Grip a try.
(4) If You Still Can’t Decide
If you’re still unsure, try both grip styles and choose the one that feels more enjoyable to you.
Table tennis is a sport you can enjoy for many years, so choose the grip that feels most exciting to you.
Whether you choose the Shakehand Grip or the Penhold Grip, you can fully enjoy the sport of table tennis.
6. Conclusion
In this article, we compared the characteristics of the Shakehand Grip and the Penhold Grip, along with some tips for choosing the one that suits you best.
Before you go, I’d like to introduce a player who has achieved success with a highly unique grip style.
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