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Grip fundamentals

Tennis / Popular

Continental, eastern and semi-western grips and when to use each.

What coaches agree on

  • An eastern forehand grip — palm and knuckle sitting behind the racket face — is the best all-around choice: it lets you drive the ball flat while still generating real topspin.
  • Use a continental grip, with the hand rotated on top of the handle, for serves, volleys, and slice shots.
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  • Rotate to a semi-western forehand grip, with the hand shifted further underneath the handle, for extra topspin and better control of high, bouncing balls.
  • On a one-handed backhand, set the index knuckle near the top of the handle for an eastern backhand grip, which drives the ball flat and still rolls easily into topspin.

Common mistakes

  • Reaching for a full western forehand grip to copy the pros leaves most recreational players unable to drive the ball, less consistent, and at greater risk of injury.
Tennis Grips Reference Points
Beginner

Tennis Grips Reference Points

Coach's take: Should be the first video anyone watches before any other grip tutorial - excellent groundwork.

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