Grips in Tennis

The way you hold your racket fundamentally affects every shot you hit. Understanding grips is essential for developing proper technique.

The Main Grips

Continental Grip

• Used for serves, volleys, overheads, and slice shots
• The base knuckle of the index finger sits on bevel 2
• Essential for every tennis player to master

Eastern Forehand Grip

• A versatile forehand grip offering good power and control
• The base knuckle sits on bevel 3
• Used by many classic players

Semi-Western Forehand Grip

• The most popular modern forehand grip
• The base knuckle sits on bevel 4
• Provides excellent topspin and power

Western Forehand Grip

• An extreme grip for maximum topspin
• The base knuckle sits on bevel 5
• Popular on slow clay courts

Eastern Backhand Grip

• Standard one-handed backhand grip
• The base knuckle sits on bevel 1
• Provides good balance of power and spin

Why Grips Matter

Your grip determines:

• The angle of the racket face at contact
• The amount of spin you can generate
• Your ability to handle different ball heights
• Your comfort on various court surfaces

Finding the Right Grip

Work with a coach to determine which grips suit your game best. The ideal grip depends on your playing style, physical attributes, and the surfaces you play on most.