How to hold a tennis racket | Grip Guide
When beginning to learn tennis it can be surprising that there are many ways to properly hold a racket. Some grips are better suited for spin while some are better suited for generating power and hitting flatter shots. It's pretty common in today's game for players to alternate grips depending on the shot they want to take. While it's rare that you will use all of the grips outlined in this guide, understanding and knowing they exist will allow you to experiment and discover the ones which improve your game and feel the most comfortable to you.
This guide is meant for both right handed and left handed people.
The first thing you should notice, when looking at the bottom of your racket's grip, is that it has an octagonal shape.
This guide is meant for both right handed and left handed people.
The first thing you should notice, when looking at the bottom of your racket's grip, is that it has an octagonal shape.
Each side is called a bevel and we will label them b1-b8 in this guide.
A grip is formed by placing the base knuckle of your index finger along one of these bevels.
Forehand Grips
1. Continental
In order to achieve a continental grip for your forehand, if you're right handed place the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 2 (b2). If you're left handed place it on bevel 8 (b8). This grip is pretty versatile, useful in a variety of situations and strokes. Please read our detailed guide to the continental grip if you are interested in learning more about this grip.
In order to achieve a continental grip for your forehand, if you're right handed place the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 2 (b2). If you're left handed place it on bevel 8 (b8). This grip is pretty versatile, useful in a variety of situations and strokes. Please read our detailed guide to the continental grip if you are interested in learning more about this grip.
2. Eastern Forehand
To position your forehand for an eastern grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 3 (b3) if you're right handed. In order to achieve this same grip, if you're left handed, place it on bevel 7 (b7). This grip is a great beginner's grip for hitting the forehand. It strikes a balance between power, versatility and ease of use. Read our detailed guide to the eastern forehand grip if you are interested in learning more.
To position your forehand for an eastern grip, place the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 3 (b3) if you're right handed. In order to achieve this same grip, if you're left handed, place it on bevel 7 (b7). This grip is a great beginner's grip for hitting the forehand. It strikes a balance between power, versatility and ease of use. Read our detailed guide to the eastern forehand grip if you are interested in learning more.
3. Semi-Western Forehand
A semi-western forehand grip is achieved, if you're right handed, by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 4 (b4). If you're left handed place it on bevel 6 (b6). If you want to learn more here is our detailed guide to the semi-western grip.
A semi-western forehand grip is achieved, if you're right handed, by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 4 (b4). If you're left handed place it on bevel 6 (b6). If you want to learn more here is our detailed guide to the semi-western grip.
4. Western Forehand
A western forehand grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 5 (b5). This is the same position for both right handed and left handed players. If you want to explore this grip in greater detail, please visit our guide to the western forehand grip.
A western forehand grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 5 (b5). This is the same position for both right handed and left handed players. If you want to explore this grip in greater detail, please visit our guide to the western forehand grip.
Backhand Grips
1. Eastern Backhand
A one handed backhand eastern grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 1 (b1). This position is the same for both left and right handed players.
A one handed backhand eastern grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 1 (b1). This position is the same for both left and right handed players.
2. Semi-Western
If you're right handed, a one handed semi-western backhand grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 8 (b8). If you're left handed, place your index base knuckle on bevel 2 (b2).
If you're right handed, a one handed semi-western backhand grip is obtained by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 8 (b8). If you're left handed, place your index base knuckle on bevel 2 (b2).
3. Two-Handed Backhand
A two handed backhand, as it's name implies involves two hands. In order to positions yourself for this grip, as a right handed player, place the base knuckle of your right hand's index finger on bevel 2 (b2) and then place the base knuckle of your left hand on bevel 6 (b6). Your left hand should sit on top of your right hand.
If you are left handed, place the base knuckle of your left hand's index finger on bevel 8 (b8) and your right hand's index base knuckle on bevel 4 (b4). Your right hand should sit on top of your left hand.
For more variations on how to hold the two handed backhand please visit our two handed backhand guide.
A two handed backhand, as it's name implies involves two hands. In order to positions yourself for this grip, as a right handed player, place the base knuckle of your right hand's index finger on bevel 2 (b2) and then place the base knuckle of your left hand on bevel 6 (b6). Your left hand should sit on top of your right hand.
If you are left handed, place the base knuckle of your left hand's index finger on bevel 8 (b8) and your right hand's index base knuckle on bevel 4 (b4). Your right hand should sit on top of your left hand.
For more variations on how to hold the two handed backhand please visit our two handed backhand guide.