November 16, 2015 - Loose Grip Leads to Better Shots

Many players grip the racket too tightly. Many think this gives them added stability. Actually, all it does is tighten the muscles up by matching opposing muscles against each other rather than have them work together. It means that instead of smoothly executing a shot like the pros do, some of your muscles are trying to do the shot right while others are pressing back, making your shot ragged and erratic.

It also leads to injuries as muscles are forced to battle against each other while simultaneously executing table tennis shots. Players with tight grips leave the playing hall with exhausted muscles; players with loose grips leave with relaxed, loose muscles.

Here's a test. Imagine someone sneaking up behind you and grabbing your racket from your hand. It should come right out. If it doesn't, you're holding it too tightly. Conversely, it shouldn't be so loose as to wobble about in your hand, but that's rarely a problem.