How to Grip a Tennis Racket

Introduction

To get started in tennis, you first have to pick up a racket. Holding the racket incorrectly will limit your progress in developing the basic tennis skills needed, so make sure you learn it correctly from the beginning. Here are some notes on choosing and using the right grip for your tennis game.

By: eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Length: 2:21

Comments: 4

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips & Warnings:

An eastern grip is also called a "handshake grip" - it's like shaking hands with your racket.

Eastern Grip

Step1

Note that the eastern grip is popular with beginners and is widely used with forehands because of its comfort. The grip can also be used to hit backhands, serves and volleys.

Step2

Hold the racket in front of you in your left hand (or right hand if you're a left-handed player).

Step3

Rotate the racket so that the face (strings) of the racket is perpendicular to the ground.

Step4

Lay the palm of your free hand flat on the face of the racket.

Step5

Move your palm toward your body, down the shaft of the racket, until it hits the end of the handle.

Step6

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.

Continental Grip

Step1

Note that the continental grip is used by more advanced players in serving and volleying. Begin by forming an eastern grip.

Step2

Ease your grip and turn the racket with your left hand (or right hand if you're a left-handed player).

Step3

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.

Step4

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

Step1

Note that 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.

Step2

Start by holding the racket with an eastern grip.

Step3

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.

Step4

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.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 7/5/2007 I have been using two handed backhand for almost 10 years now. I first started out with a one handed backhand. There is no argument about which one is better. It is pretty much up for personal references. The main difference is one hander allows longer reach and two hander provides more control. It's up to the players to choose which style is more suitable.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 One handed backhand is better simply because there is less movement involved. Also the reach advantage with one handed is better than two handed. Remember, if you can't get to the ball, you can't hit it.

For beginners the two handed backhand gives you the impression you have more power, but that's not true. It is all about the contact point. If you make contact late, and have a two handed backhand, you can use the left or right shoulder to help muscle the ball with a one handed backhand. If your contact is late the ball is more powerful than you and the result is that you have no power. The contact point must always be in front of your body.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Unless you're really good with two hands, only go for one. When I first began (I'm still a beginner, but I've gotten over the habit), I'd hold the racket with two hands before I hit the ball. It looked more like I was playing baseball with tennis equipment. I hit the ball way out of the tennis court. I'd highly suggest not doing it, it'll get on people's nerves when they have to keep walking a long distance just to get your ball.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I've noticed that the Continental grip is especially convenient for volleying as it can be used for both backhand as well as forehand volleys, which saves precious response time at the net that would be otherwise wasted in changing one's grip.

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