The choice of how you grip your tennis racket can significantly impact the ball’s behavior upon impact.
There are six popular tennis racket grips, each serving a specific purpose within the game. Once you’ve mastered the continental (basic) grip, transitioning to more sophisticated grips becomes straightforward.
Adjusting your grip on a tennis racket can significantly impact the angle of the racket face as it contacts the ball. Typically, your standard grip during forehand exchanges from the back of the court will be based on your individual strengths and weaknesses. However, for serves, volleys, smashes, and slices, it’s essential to switch to a flatter grip. Both grips can be reversed for backhand shots, and the two-handed backhand has a unique grip of its own.
To comprehend these various grips more thoroughly, imagine moving your hand clockwise around the racket’s handle (anticlockwise for left-handers). Think of the top of the handle as being at 12 o’clock.
Here’s a breakdown of each grip:
Continental Grip
The fundamental, neutral grip, known as the continental grip, involves placing your hand on the racket so that the V formed by your thumb and forefinger is approximately at 11 o’clock (or one o’clock for left-handers). This is the flat grip suitable for serving, volleying, smashing, and delicate backcourt drop shots, as it enables you to strike down on the ball to create backspin.
Eastern Grip
Moving your hand clockwise slightly, positioning the thumb-finger V between 12 and one o’clock results in an eastern grip. This grip is akin to a relaxed handshake with the racket and allows for a slight acceleration of the racket up the back of the ball. This grip produces a slight spin while maintaining a relatively flat ball trajectory.
Semi-Western Grip
Further rotation of your hand to place the thumb-finger V between two and three o’clock leads to a semi-western forehand grip. This grip involves the wrist more and positions the racket for increased spin and shot weight. It’s favored in modern tennis for its spin-generating capabilities.
Full Western Grip
Taking the thumb-finger V beyond three o’clock results in a full western forehand grip, often utilized by clay-court players. This extreme grip can generate considerable racket speed and spin by striking the ball with the opposite face of the racket. However, it’s not suitable for low balls, slices, or square hits.
Backhand Grips
Transitioning from a forehand to a one-handed backhand grip involves moving anti-clockwise on the handle, with the specific placement depending on the desired spin. Most one-handed backhand players opt for a roughly eastern backhand grip.
Two-Handed Backhand Grip
Using a two-handed backhand is similar to playing a forehand with your non-dominant hand, with the dominant hand providing support. There are several grips available for the two-handed backhand, but a standard one positions the non-dominant hand in a neutral continental grip and the dominant hand higher up the handle with an eastern forehand grip. This grip offers control and power but limits reach for wide shots.
Conclusion
Your choice of racket grip plays a pivotal role in your tennis game. Mastering various grips can enhance your ability to control the ball, generate spin, and adapt to different playing situations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding these grips is essential to elevate your tennis skills.
