In tennis, the grip you choose is fundamental to your overall game, influencing everything from the power and spin you generate to the control and comfort you experience on the court. The way you hold your racquet can be the difference between a perfectly executed shot and a missed opportunity.
Each grip serves a specific purpose, whether it’s delivering a powerful serve, placing a precise volley, or executing a top-spin heavy forehand. With this in mind, be sure to choose the right grips for tennis racquet to help you elevate your performance and upgrade your game.
Types of Tennis Grips
It’s important to find grips for racquet that suit your play style and that can help you optimise your hit. Here is what you need to know about the different types of grips.
The Continental Grip
The Continental Grip, also known as the “Chopper Grip,” is one of the most versatile tennis grips. It’s commonly used for serves, volleys, and overheads, allowing for quick changes between strokes. To adopt this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the second bevel of the racquet handle.
This grip provides excellent control and is ideal for slicing shots or adding spin to serves. While it’s less powerful for groundstrokes compared to other grips, its versatility makes it an essential grip for all-around play, especially for net approaches and defensive shots.
The Eastern Forehand Grip
The Eastern Forehand Grip is popular among beginner and intermediate players due to its balance of power and control. To achieve this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racquet handle.
This grip positions your hand behind the racquet, allowing for a natural extension of the arm during forehand strokes. It’s excellent for flat shots and generating moderate topspin, making it a go-to grip for baseline rallies. The Eastern Forehand Grip is a great starting point for developing a strong and consistent forehand with room for advanced techniques.
The Semi-Western Forehand Grip
The Semi-Western Forehand Grip is widely favoured among advanced players for its ability to generate heavy topspin. To use this grip, position the base knuckle of your index finger on the fourth bevel of the racquet handle.
This grip tilts the racquet face slightly downward, making it easier to brush up on the ball and create topspin, which helps in controlling powerful groundstrokes. It also offers good versatility, allowing players to hit deep, aggressive shots with more spin and control. The semi-Western grip is particularly effective on slower surfaces like clay, where topspin can be a significant advantage.
The Western Forehand Grip
The Western Forehand Grip is ideal for players who rely heavily on topspin and play from the baseline. With this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the fifth bevel of the racquet handle. This grip closes the racquet face considerably, making it easier to brush up on the ball and create extreme topspin.
While it’s powerful for high-bouncing balls and offers excellent control on clay courts, it can be challenging for low balls and is less effective on faster surfaces. The Western Grip demands excellent footwork and timing but rewards players with a dominant, spin-heavy forehand.
The Eastern Backhand Grip
The Eastern Backhand Grip is a classic choice for one-handed backhands, providing a good balance of power and control. To adopt this grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the first bevel of the racquet handle.
This grip allows for a firm wrist position and strong extension through the ball, making it effective for flat and topspin backhand shots. It’s particularly well-suited for players who prefer a one-handed backhand and want to generate consistent, powerful strokes. The Eastern Backhand Grip also allows for precise shot placement, making it a reliable choice for baseline rallies.
The Two-Handed Backhand Grip
The Two-Handed Backhand Grip is popular for its stability and control, especially among players who prefer a more compact stroke. To use this grip, the dominant hand typically adopts an Eastern Forehand or Continental Grip, while the non-dominant hand is placed above it, holding the racquet in an Eastern Forehand Grip.
This grip provides excellent control and allows for easier generation of topspin, making it effective for both defensive and aggressive shots. It’s particularly advantageous for handling high balls and for players who prefer a solid, reliable backhand. The Two-Handed Backhand also offers added power and is less prone to resulting in injury.
How to Choose the Right Grip for You?
Assess Your Style
To choose the right grips for tennis racquet, first, consider your playing style. If you’re an aggressive baseliner who loves topspin, a semi-Western or Western grip might suit you. For all-court versatility or a more classic game, the Eastern grips are reliable choices.
Experiment with Grips
Try different grips during practice to see what feels comfortable and enhances your performance. Don’t be afraid to adjust based on the shot or situation. Finding the right grip often involves trial and error, so take time to discover what works best for you.
