Over the years, I have met many players who asked me the same question:
“Mr. Su, is there a standard way to hold a shakehand blade?”
My answer is always very simple.
There is no perfect grip that fits everyone.
But there are definitely grips that feel more natural and allow you to play with less effort.
Why Do So Many Players Struggle with the Shakehand Grip?
When beginners start playing, they often spend a lot of time thinking about where to place the thumb, how tightly to hold the handle, or whether their index finger angle is correct.
Some players change their grip every few weeks.
Others squeeze the handle too tightly.
And some never feel completely comfortable, no matter how many tutorials they watch.
Over the years, I have noticed that many players are trying to force their hand to adapt to the racket, instead of allowing the racket to adapt to the hand.
Comfort Is More Important Than Looking “Standard”
Many club players become obsessed with finding the “perfect” grip.
But in reality, if your hand feels relaxed, your wrist moves naturally, and your contact point is stable, you are probably already very close to the right answer.
After all, table tennis is a sport of instinct and repetition.
The body prefers movements that feel natural.
Start With a Relaxed Grip
One mistake I often see is gripping the handle too tightly.
A relaxed hand allows better touch, better spin, and less fatigue.
Sometimes simply loosening your fingers a little can make a huge difference.
Handle size also matters.
Players with smaller hands may prefer thinner handles, while others feel more secure with thicker ones.
There is nothing wrong with experimenting until you find what suits you best.
Why Did I Create the Pistol Racket?
Many years ago, I began asking myself a question:
“What if players didn’t need to spend so much time searching for the right grip?”
That question eventually led to the development of the SANWEI Pistol Racket.
Instead of following the traditional handle direction, I adjusted the angle of the handle so that the hitting point is closer to the extension line of the forearm.
In other words, the racket becomes a continuation of the arm itself.
Because this follows the body’s natural reaction, many players find that they instinctively hold the racket in a stable and comfortable position without having to think too much about finger placement.
Some players even tell me:
“For the first time, I stopped thinking about how to hold the racket and simply focused on playing.”
Sanwei Pistol Racket 10th
- ITTF Approved: Fully compliant with ITTF regulations, the Sanwei Pistol Racket is approved for use in any level of table tennis competition, ensuring you stay competitive at all times
- Ergonomic Swing Design: The unique design aligns the hitting point with the natural extension of your arm.
- Dual-Channel Force Guidance: Simplified movements enhance power and speed by up to 15%, giving you a competitive edge
- Anti-Rotation Palm Support: The built-in anti-rotation palm support stabilizes the racket
- Guided Motion for Shortened Training Cycles: The Pistol Racket’s design promotes proper technique and reduces errors during training.
- More structures are available for selection.
- FL/ST handles are available to suit players of varying skill levels.
- Free Shipping Worldwide!
Is the Traditional FL Handle Wrong?
Of course not.
Millions of players have achieved great success using traditional FL handles.
The classic design has stood the test of time.
But I have always believed that innovation should exist to solve problems.
For players who struggle to find a comfortable shakehand grip, an ergonomic design may offer another possibility.
My Advice
If you are still searching for the most comfortable way to hold a racket, don’t be afraid to experiment.
Try different handle shapes.
Relax your fingers.
Allow your arm to move naturally.
And remember, the best grip is not necessarily the one that looks the most standard.
It is the one that allows you to forget about the grip altogether and simply enjoy playing table tennis.
Final Thoughts
After decades of designing equipment, I have become more convinced of one thing:
The racket should adapt to the player—not the player to the racket.
Because when your hand feels comfortable, your body moves naturally.
And when movement becomes natural, table tennis becomes much more enjoyable.
