Grip selection is an essential aspect of tennis player performance. A grip can have an enormous impact on hand/wrist strength and motion, optimal contact point location, spin generation and much more.
Each tennis racket grip has eight bevels that provide grip texture and comfort, which players may supplement with overgrips to customize the grip experience.
Eastern Backhand Grip
Eastern backhand grips may not be as common, but some top players at all levels still utilize them. This grip makes transitioning between forehand and volley easy while creating topspin on the ball.
This grip is designed to place the index finger knuckle between 12-1 o’clock on its ridge that extends from the bottom plane of the handle and the top plane, creating more topspin. Beginners may find it more challenging to hit flat shots with this style of grip.
To create this grip, start by holding the racket’s throat in your non dominant hand waist high and moving your index finger knuckle until it covers bevel number five or seven (for lefties), as well as moving heel pad knuckles and other fingers up towards this point – so they cover top, middle and bottom edges or bevels of the racket.
One disadvantage of an eastern backhand is its difficulty in creating large amounts of topspin, which may prove troublesome when playing aggressive players who take advantage of players who hit with lots of spin.
To combat this, many players employ either a semi-western or western grip in order to increase their topspin generation capabilities. Although these grips may be difficult for beginners to learn quickly, they are ideal for players needing to generate large amounts of topspin or handle shots coming with lots of topspin such as defensive lobs.
Be mindful that there are no “perfect” grips and that there’s plenty of leeway when selecting one for yourself. All grips have different advantages and disadvantages; each tennis player must find what works for their personal playing style and comfort level. Avoid coaches or instructors who suggest there is only one solution when it comes to choosing their grip; be open-minded enough to try various options until finding what best fits you!
Semi-Western Grip
The semi-western forehand grip is an effective and comfortable option for producing heavy topspin. While its full western counterpart can put strain on wrists, the semi-western offers balance of control and power with less discomfort for players – which explains why professional tennis players frequently choose this grip over others.
Though the semi-western grip can be challenging to use for volleys and slices, it makes an excellent choice for all other shots. Its main use lies in creating topspin on groundstrokes by closing off contact of the face of the racquet at contact; furthermore, this style helps players avoid excessive wrist motion at contact that compromises ball control and accuracy.
An individual using a semi-western grip holds their racquet’s handle with their thumb and index finger on its outer side, with their index finger’s knuckle aligning with the third bevel from right (left for left-handed players). Their fingers then wrap around it comfortably and loosely; part of them even go beneath its handle for maximum relaxation.
Becoming familiar with this grip may take some time, but with practice it should become easier to hit with and make adjustments to. Practice should involve both hitting with and against an opponent as well as with ball machines or hand feeders, and all three different grip styles – continental, eastern, and semi-western – before selecting one as their grip of choice.
At its core, a successful grip should feel natural in the hands. Players should be able to play for extended periods without becoming fatigued while maintaining full use of other tennis skills.
Players should consider both comfort and how much grip force is necessary for each type of shot when considering grip force requirements. Studies have revealed that impact force peaks at five to eight milliseconds; therefore players should find an approach with moderate levels of pressure that does not tighten too tightly or loosen too rapidly.
Picking out the ideal grip is an integral component of tennis playing. Many factors influence what kind of spin and control can be generated at contact, such as whether or not your racquet face is closed at contact, hand/wrist tension levels and grip type used – these all can have an effect on ball velocity at impact; ultimately the ideal grip should allow you to generate maximum spin while maintaining strong, controlled tennis play. To learn more about different grip techniques available to you visit a tennis training center where a knowledgeable coach will help find one suitable to your individual tennis game needs.