In table tennis, what is the name of the grip that holds the racket like a pen?

The penhold grip is the table tennis grip that holds the racket like a pen.

In this style, the thumb and index finger hold the racket handle near the blade, while the remaining fingers curl behind it. The grip is especially associated with players from East Asia, although athletes from many countries have used it successfully.

Penhold players can produce quick forehand strokes and wristy serves. Traditional versions often used one side of the racket for forehand shots and the other for backhand play, while modern reverse-penhold techniques allow rubber to be used on the backhand side too.

The other major grip is the shakehand grip, in which the handle is held as though the player is shaking hands with it. Grip choice affects footwork, stroke mechanics and serve options, but neither style is automatically superior.