Grip

[dave]

when playing shots should the racquet be in the palm of your hand. I've heard a bit about mainly using your thumb and index finger

[cha siu bow]

thats right, holding the racket should be loosely held with thumb, index and the middle finger.

A good explaination of how to use this properly can be found on the below web site. Give it a try.

http://www.sportsid.com/sid2000/default.htm