22Jan How to Hold a Table Tennis Racket By Belinda Tanchico Leave a comment The most common grip used by top players is called the Shakehand grip. Although there are other successful techniques, this program concentrates on this technique. All sides are in reference to the right-handed players. Left handers must invert the sides.This is the Shakehand grip. Hold theracketloosely with the web between your thumb and index finger, touching the curve of the blade. Your index should rest along the edge of the backhand side and your thumb against the bottom edge of the forehand side. Keep your wrist straight with your forearm and don't angle it up or down.Another very effective grip is thePenhold grip. It provides an advantage on the forehand and while serving, but has an inherent weakness on the backside side, which the players have to overcome with their footwork.