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To get started in tennis, you first have to pick up a racket, so
here are some notes on choosing and using the right grip for your tennis
game.
Eastern Grip ("handshake" grip)
The eastern grip is popular with beginners and
is widely used with forehands because of its comfort. Hold the racket in front
of you in your left hand (or right hand if you’re a left-handed player).
Rotate the racket so that the face (strings) of the racket is
perpendicular to the ground. Lay the palm of your free hand flat on the
face of the racket. Move your palm toward your body, down the shaft of
the racket, until it hits the end of the handle. Wrap your fingers
around the handle and space them slightly apart. Your thumb and
forefinger should lie almost directly on top of the handle, forming a V
that points toward your right shoulder (toward your left shoulder if
you're left-handed). Your thumb should lie across the top of the handle.
An eastern grip is also called a "handshake grip" - it's like
shaking hands with your racket.
Continental Grip ("chopper" or "hammer" grip) The continental grip is used by more
advanced players in serving and volleying. Begin by forming an eastern
grip. Ease your grip and turn the racket with your left hand (or right
hand if you're a left-handed player). Turn the racket until it is
perpendicular to the ground, or pointing to the "12 o'clock" position.
Then, if you are right-handed, turn the racket to about the "1 o'clock"
position. If you are left-handed, turn the racket to the "11 o'clock"
position. Wrap your fingers around the handle and space them slightly
apart. The V formed by the thumb and forefinger should point toward you,
and the thumb should lie along the length of the handle. The bottom
knuckle of your index finger should lie right on top of the racket.
Western Grip The western grip is excellent in
forehand play but feels awkward for beginners, especially when used for
backhands, serves and volleys. Advanced players often use it to enhance
their forehand play. Start by holding the racket with an eastern grip.
Relax your grip and turn the racket counterclockwise until the top of
the racket points toward the "11 o'clock" position. Left-handed players
should turn the racket clockwise to the "1 o'clock" position. Wrap your
fingers around the handle and space them apart slightly. The V formation
should point to your right (or left), and your thumb should lie across
the top of the handle.
Overall Tips The best grip is the one that's most
comfortable for you. Don't squeeze the handle too much and keep your
arm relaxed while swinging. Keep your wrist firm when striking the ball.
Spread your fingers a little bit on the racket handle, to keep the
racket more firmly gripped.
EB=Eastern backhand; CT=Continental; EF=Eastern forhand;
SW=Semi-Western; W=Western. |
