A table tennis paddle including a blade and a handle has a handle structure that facilitates a grip with a natural inclination angle of about 45° and allows easy adjustment of inclination angle of a paddle blade to an incoming ball over a 0° to 90° range. A natural angle is the angle achieved when a player positions a paddle in the ball striking position without adjusting the angle of the paddle. A handle has a high aspect ratio A of width to thickness. For example, A≧2. A method of using a paddle is provided wherein widthwise ends of the handle abut selected portions of the surfaces between the thumb and the index finger in order to facilitate improved ability to select a forehand or backhand stroke and control motion of a ball struck by the paddle.