Ping pong paddle handles and grip tape

The handle is the only part of the paddle you touch the whole time. A handle that does not fit your hand makes you squeeze too hard, lock your wrist and lose feel, and that shows up in every stroke. Even so, it is the part most people ignore when they choose a paddle.

Here are the ping pong paddle handle types, how to choose yours and how to add grip tape for a better hold.

Handle types

Brands also make their own variations, such as conic handles and mixed shapes.

Straight (ST)

With no flare at the end, a straight handle lets your hand rotate slightly with ease. That is why players who shift their grip for the backhand like it. The downside: with a sweaty hand it can slip.

Flared (FL)

The best seller. The wider end locks the hand in place and feels secure on big forehands. If in doubt, it is the safest pick.

Anatomic (AN)

The bulge in the middle fills the palm. Some players find it very comfortable; others feel it limits wrist movement.

Penhold

For penhold players there are short Chinese-style handles and Japanese-style handles, which are more rectangular with a cork bump for the index finger. The grip differences are in shakehand vs penhold.

Choosing the right grip size

• Hold it in playing position, without squeezing. Your fingers should wrap around the handle without big gaps and without your nails digging into your palm.
• Small hands: slim straight or flared handles. Thick handles force you to squeeze.
• Large hands: wider flared or anatomic handles, or grip tape to build them up.
• Sweaty hands: a flared handle plus absorbent grip tape helps.

If you can, hold the paddle before buying. The correct hold is covered in table tennis grip.

What the rules allow on the handle

ITTF rules are strict about the hitting surface but flexible about the handle:

• material may be added to shape the handle;
• the part of the blade nearest the handle, gripped by the fingers, may be left uncovered or covered with any material.

So grip tape, wraps and even sanding the handle thinner are all allowed. What you cannot touch is the playing surface. The rest is in table tennis racket rules.

How to wrap grip tape on a ping pong paddle

The most common choice is a thin overgrip, the same kind used for tennis or badminton, or a tape made for table tennis.

1. Wipe the handle with a dry cloth. If there is old tape, remove it and any leftover adhesive.
2. Cut the start of the tape at an angle so it begins thin.
3. Start at the butt of the handle, away from the head, and anchor the first wrap firmly.
4. Wrap in a spiral toward the head, overlapping each turn by about a third of the tape's width.
5. Keep the tension even on every turn so you do not create ridges.
6. Stop before the wood where the rubber starts and cut the excess at an angle.
7. Secure the end with the finishing strip that comes with the tape.

Tip: grip tape makes the handle thicker and adds a few grams. If the handle is already wide for your hand, use a very thin tape or a smaller overlap.

Other ways to improve your grip

• Sanding the handle with fine sandpaper makes the wood less slippery. Take off a little at a time, because you cannot put it back.
• Thin cloth tape adds grip without much bulk.
• Towel off between points at the allowed breaks.
• Replace the tape when it gets smooth or soaked. Worn tape slips more than a bare handle.

Grip tape also slightly changes the paddle's weight and balance. See how much a ping pong paddle weighs.

Frequently asked questions