How to Achieve the 'Light and Agile' Style of Shakehand Grip in Table Tennis
How to Achieve the ‘Light and Agile’ Style of Shakehand Grip in Table Tennis
This is a brand-new, technique-focused column presented in a Q&A format. The mysterious experts answering questions are two former national team players (both experienced coaches) who wish to remain anonymous. They prefer a quiet life and good sleep over fame. The team at Heima Pingpang believes sharing these technical insights is valuable and serves as a great supplement to ‘Heima Talks Table Tennis.’ Thus, the ‘Reaching the Peak’ series was born.
What Makes the Penhold Grip ‘Light and Agile,’ and How Can Shakehand Players Achieve This?
The ‘light and agile’ nature of the penhold grip primarily stems from its lighter weight compared to the shakehand grip. The lighter weight allows for faster acceleration. Additionally, the penhold grip offers more wrist flexibility, enabling quicker wrist movements and a shorter contact time with the ball. This allows players to handle backspin balls more effectively during the early upward phase of their trajectory. A technique unique to penhold players in the past was the ability to aggressively attack short backspin balls in the table, a skill not typically seen in shakehand players.
For shakehand players, the grip involves all five fingers tightly holding the handle, which can restrict wrist movement. Many players ask how to improve their game when they struggle with short balls and lack proficiency in backhand flicks or quick attacks. My advice is to slightly relax the last three fingers when receiving serves—this ‘loose grip’ can significantly increase flexibility, improving the success rate of backhand flicks and quick attacks. However, it’s crucial to ensure your weight shifts forward into the table, using the base of your thumb, index finger, and thumb to generate power. This ensures wrist flexibility while allowing you to use your wrist to guide the blade for striking the ball.
Is Zhang Benzhihe’s Forehand Loop Less About Spin and More About Power?
In table tennis, the general principle is to balance low, fast, and spin. To return the ball effectively, you need to impart sufficient force and create enough spin to generate an arc that clears the net. However, the height of each incoming ball varies, so players must adjust their spin-to-hit ratio accordingly.
Skilled players with quick footwork can reach the optimal contact point more consistently, giving the impression of powerful shots every time. Less skilled players, on the other hand, may appear inconsistent, sometimes executing high loops and other times driving the ball hard. This is due to the varying contact points they achieve.
Players like Zhang Benzhihe and Lin Gaoyuan are relatively lean and may not rely on power as their main strength. If they retreat too far from the table, their speed decreases, reducing their attacking potential. This is related to genetics and muscle structure—some slender individuals possess great strength, while some muscular people may lack power.
For example, Wang Liqin, known for having the world’s best forehand, didn’t rely solely on brute force. His success came from the perfect coordination of his body’s force points, the power of the incoming ball, and the optimal spin-to-hit ratio.
Why Does Zhang Benzhihe Favor a More Powerful Forehand Loop?
Zhang Benzhihe’s preference for a more powerful forehand loop stems from his physical attributes. Since power isn’t his strongest asset, relying on continuous loops would mean sacrificing power, making it difficult to finish points effectively. He increases the proportion of hits to generate more power, aiming to end the rally in fewer strokes. This style isn’t due to a lack of basic skills; his parents, both professional players, understand that stability alone won’t secure a win against the Chinese team. Therefore, he sacrifices some stability for increased power.
Is Zhang Benzhihe’s Style Prone to Injuries?
Zhang Benzhihe’s aggressive, close-to-the-table style has specific requirements: it demands self-initiation, high energy levels, and a favorable momentum. If any of these are missing, and both players engage in extended rallies, there’s a higher risk of missed shots and errors.
However, it’s important to note that athletes at this level, except for defensive players, are generally more susceptible to injuries due to the intense nature of their play.
Zhang Benzhihe and Ryu Seung-min are similar in their aggressive approach, often described as ‘unreasonable’ or ‘no-rules’ playing styles. This style is rare in the national team because it is deemed too unstable and less successful. The Chinese national team’s philosophy emphasizes a balance between aggression and stability, so players with extremely aggressive styles are uncommon.
Conclusion
Players with ‘no-rules’ styles often have a simpler, more direct mindset, focusing on each point without overthinking or changing tactics. This can make them less prone to mental errors during matches.