The grip favoured by most players in the western world is known as the "shake-hands" or "western" grip.

Although there are other grips - notably the "penhold" grip used predominantly by the Chinese, Japanese and the Koreans - I'll be concentrating on the western grip that I use.

The western grip is easier to learn and does not have some of the drawbacks that the penhold grip has.

The table tennis grip is important because it controls the angle of the racket (paddle / bat) ... And the angle of the racket controls the height of the ball, the depth of the ball, the speed of the ball, the direction of the ball, the type of spin and the amount of spin.

Backhand side

With the shake-hands grip, the racket handle is held in the palm of your hand so that the start of the racket head fits snugly into the "V" shape formed by your thumb and first finger.

Your first finger should lie roughly parallel with the straight edge of the rubber at the base of the racket head. This enables you to have good control over the racket angle.

Forehand side

Your thumb should also lie roughly parallel with the straight edge of the rubber on the other side of the racket, whilst the remaining three fingers are wrapped around the handle to provide stability.

The grip should be firm but not tight and the racket should form an extension of your hand and forearm.

This grip should remain constant during play.

My top table tennis tips:

Don't move your thumb and/or first finger towards the centre of the racket because you'll lose control of the racket and increase the chance of hitting the ball with your fingers.

So, as I said earlier, the table tennis grip is important because it controls the angle of the racket, which in turn controls the height of the ball, the depth of the ball, the speed of the ball, the direction of the ball, the type of spin and the amount of spin.

Here's a video demonstration of the shake-hands table tennis grip.

(If you have difficulty hearing what is being said on this video, turn on the subtitles. Just click on the subtitles/closed captions button)

Neutral racket angle

With the racket held in a vertical position, the racket angle is described as neutral.

This is the "ready position" and is used when you're waiting for your opponent to serve.

From this position, you can easily move to play a backhand or forehand stroke.

Closed racket angle

When the striking surface is angled downwards, the racket angle is described as closed.

This is the racket angle used to play a topspin or block stroke.

Open racket angle

When the striking surface is angled upwards, the racket angle is described as open.

This is the racket angle used to play a backspin or push stroke.

The angle of the racket is varied by rotating the hand and forearm.

Although there are other factors, a closed racket angle will generally produce topspin (rotation of the ball away from the player) whilst an open racket angle will generally produce backspin (rotation of the ball towards the player).