Table tennis grip, same for forehand and backhand?

Question

I have played tennis since a child (I´m 19 now), so, when playing table tennis, I change the grip for executing forehand and backhand, like in the big court. Naturally, the times are others, so I find problems changing the grips right in time.

My question is? Do I have to use a sole grip to hit both fore and backhand? I think the answer is YES, but I want someone who knows about this to tell me.

And for hitting slice? Do I still have to use the same grip as offensive strokes?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Unlike tennis, you use the same grip for forehand and backhand in table tennis.

There are a couple of reasons for this:

i) There is insufficient time to change grip.  Remember the length of a table tennis table is only 9 feet, compared to 78 feet for a tennis court.

ii)  In table tennis, the wrist plays a far more active role, thus negating the need to change grip in order to achieve the required angle on the racquet head.