Many people enjoy playing tennis because it strengthens relationships with family and friends in addition to providing significant physical and mental benefits. However, not everyone is aware of the ways to grip a tennis racket while beginning to play this sport.
When playing tennis, the ways to grip a tennis racket make a significant difference. The following advice will give you more confidence each time you step onto the court.
7 Ways to grip a tennis racket
There are various ways to grip a tennis racket. Nonetheless, is the quickest and safest method is to make the index finger’s base joint your main point of reference. Viewed from the bottom of the handle, the sides of the pictures for each grip demonstrates the handle’s four primary faces and the four narrow edges that run between them.
1. Continental grip (forehand)
For most serves, cuts, and defensive, overhead, or volley serves, the Continental style is used.
This is what you can do: Start by forming a V-shape with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand and placing the base knuckles of the index finger at the center of the V. Place the index finger on the first edge of the racquet handle. The same knuckle should be placed on the fourth edge of the racquet handle for left-handers.
2. Eastern Grip
Put the racquet on a flat surface first, then open your palm and put it on the net while slidng your hand down to the handle. Alternately, place the racket face down, close your eyes and nose, and then take it up normally. The back of the hand should be parallel to the rubber when shaking hands with a racquet.
This grip’s benefit is that it facilitates forehand strikes. Due of the player’s ability to smooth the ball up, this technique is highly popular. Hit the rear of the ball to produce a flat or topspin that is stronger and more focused.
Additionally, using this grip allows you to switch to another grip more easily as needed. As a result, individuals who enjoy playing online would be advised to choose it.
3. Semi Western Grip
More and more elite athletes are using the semi-western grip during their bouts, which is the ideal balance between the western and eastern grips. This method is excellent since it uses less force and provides excellent spin possibilities.
Additionally, once a player switches from a forehand to a volley stance, it enables a higher and simpler grip change. With higher bouncing balls, it can assist you have a stronger defensive strategy. A semi-western grip allows the golfer more wrist flexibility, which reduces the risk of injuries. I think that’s fantastic news for both novices and experts.
So how exactly does one create a correct semi-Western tennis grip? Your index finger should be placed palm-side down at the fourth bevel, and the remaining portion should be wrapped around the handle. There you have it, then!
4. Western Grip
The western grip is equally popular with professional sportsmen as it is with young tennis players. This grip is ideal for producing many topspins even though it is a little severe because it demands a lot of force when using the racket.
Dealing with higher-bouncing balls is significantly simpler with the western grip. Given that this tactic excels on slower court surfaces, this is perhaps the best grip for baseline play. The western grip, however, is not recommended for novices because it calls for a lot of force, practice, and accuracy.
So how do you establish the western grip on a tennis racket? Put the base of the racket in your palm, wrap your fingers around the handle, and insert your index finger’s palm side into the fifth bevel. To perfect this grip, it takes some time and effort, but I can assure you that it will be worthwhile.
5. Eastern Backhand (backhand)
The index finger joint should be at the top of the racquet handle if you are holding a Continental and wish to switch to the Eastern Backhand method. To do this, rotate your index finger knuckle to one side in a clockwise direction (or counterclockwise for lefties).
This backhand grip gives your wrist stability and hardness throughout practice, much like the Eastern forehand grip. Change the grip to Continental or Eastern Backhand for greater ease if the player finds it a little challenging to hold the Eastern style.
A server kick and a silky volley are both frequently executed in this manner.
6. Two-Handed Backhand Grip
The two-handed backhand grip is one of the ways to grip a tennis racket simplest to learn, especially for beginners, so I advise practicing it first before switching to the other method. This grip for a tennis racket gives players more control and generates more force when they strike the ball. It’s excellent for controlling lowball hits or returning serves. However, keep in mind that since the players’ reach is constrained, wide shots are more difficult this way.
Place your dominant hand as you would for the continental grip to practice the two-handed backhand grip (your index finger at the second bowel, and wrap the other fingers around the handle). Next, loosely lacing your index finger on your non-dominant hand at the seventh bevel.
7. One-Handed Backhand Grip
The one-handed backhand grip calls for a lot of strength, coordination, and expertise. This strategy has become more and more well-known as a result of being refined by some of the top players in the world. But you need time and practice to get it right.
One-handed backhand grip users outperform two-handed backhand grip users in a variety of angles, produce more topspins, and hit the ball with more depth and force. When employing the one-handed backhand grip, you can find it more difficult to handle the higher-bouncing balls or return serves.
How do you develop a one-handed backhand grip on a tennis racket? Keep the handle parallel to the rest of your knuckles, excluding the thumb here, and place the palm of your index finger at the racket’s first bowel. You should be able to wrap your finger around the handle so that the base is at your palm.
Players can experiment with their racket grip by moving the index finger between the first and eighth tendons on the one-handed backhand grip to produce more topspin.
Conclusion
I hope the information above can give you a better understanding ways to grip a tennis racket. Tennisqa will assist you with any questions you may have by responding to your comments below.
