The handle is held between the forefinger and the thumb (shakehand style), enabling the player to play both forehand and backhand with the same ease. The forefinger rests on the backhand side of the racket (b) and the thumb on the forehand side (a). The forefinger forms a small angle with the slanted line, which separates the main body from the handle at the point where the handle is joined to the main body. It touches the blade body completely. The thumb is slightly bent and touches the handle at the point where it joins with the body of the racket. The rest of the three fingers are wrapped around the handle providing a better grip. In general, the racket is held like an extension of the player's hand.

The most common mistakes seen in beginners who hold the racket with the European style are:

• The edge of the racket is nested at the base of the thumb instead of directly between the thumb and the forefinger. This provides a better attack from the forehand side but the backhand is weakened. This is a mistake, which is made mostly by players favoring the forehand.
• The forefinger rests on the body of the racket in line with the racket handle. This facilitates wrist movements but control and support decreases to a great extent.
• The forefinger and the middle finger are found on the same side of the racket, leaving only two fingers to hold the handle. Racket support and stroke performance from the forehand side are improved but the possibilities for a backhand attack are decreased.
• The thumb rests on the surface of the racket almost parallel with the handle. The racket is better supported during backhand play but wrist movement is restrained.
• Holding the racket like in tennis-all fingers are wrapped around the handle. This improves wrist movement but weakens support and control of the racket during the stroke.
• The racket is held too tight. This results in restraining the free movement of the wrist.
• The racket is held loosely, the forefinger does not completely touch the body and the thumb is placed around the handle. The wrist enjoys complete freedom of movement, but control and racket support decreases.

• Table tennis technique - Serve execution
• Table tennis technique - Basic stance

Written by :

Dimosthenis Messinis

 

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