How To Hold A Tennis Racket? Techniques And Improvement Tips
Tennis is a difficult sport that needs a lot of practice to perfect. And the basic techniques play a crucial role in the development of any player. So, it is a must for any tennis player to know how to hold a racket the right way!
Holding a tennis racket is an important aspect of the game, as it can impact the accuracy, power, and control of your shots. There are several different techniques for holding a tennis racket, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
We understood that there are many advantages of playing tennis as it perfects our mentality and gives the body strength besides joy. Our SportsMonkie team went through different coaching guidelines to understand and practice the best possibilities to perfect the tennis grip. So, without any further ado, let’s start!
Different Grips Used For Holding Tennis Rackets
There are several different gripping styles adopted by tennis players all over the globe. But mainly, four distinct styles are predominantly used at the pro level, and used by greats of tennis.
- One of the most common grips is the Eastern forehand grip, where the base knuckle of the index finger is on the third bevel of the handle. This grip is good for players who like to hit a flat, powerful forehand, such as Rafael Nadal.
- The Continental grip is another popular option, where the base knuckle of the index finger is on the second bevel of the handle. This grip is often used for a variety of shots, including volleys and serves.
- Another popular grip is the Western forehand grip, where the base knuckle of the index finger is on the fourth bevel of the handle. This grip is good for players who like to hit a top-spin forehand, as it allows for more wrist action.
- The two-handed backhand grip is also a common technique, where one hand is on the top of the handle, and the other hand is on the bottom of the handle. This grip is good for players who want to generate more power on their backhand shots.
Bonus: How To Serve In Tennis? Serving Styles And Techniques
Different Gripping Styles Of Pro Players
Amazing male and great female players, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, all have their own unique grips and techniques.
However, they all share some common practices when it comes to holding a tennis racket. For example, they maintain a relaxed grip and keep their wrist flexible, which allows them to generate more power and control their shots.
They also make sure that their racket is balanced and that their hand is positioned comfortably on the handle.
Steps To Improve Your Tennis Grip
For new players, the following steps can help develop a good grip on a tennis racket:
- Start by holding the racket with both hands. Make sure that your hands are positioned evenly on the handle.
- Experiment with different grips styles to find one that feels comfortable and natural to you.
- Focus on keeping your grip relaxed and not too tight.
- Make sure that your hand position on the handle is comfortable and allows you to easily adjust your grip for different shots.
- Practice regularly to improve your grip and build muscle memory.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can develop a good grip on a tennis racket and start to see improvements in your shots.
Remember, finding the right grip is a personal and individual process, and it may take time to find the best grip for you.
Also Read: How Does Tennis Scoring Work? Detailed Guide
Final Notes
Having a suitable grip is a must for the development of any player. If you have a clear idea about how to hold your racket, you’ll get more confidence and power to generate better shots. But don’t get influenced by pro players and start to look for your own suitable style.
So, that’s all for today! We hope you got an overall idea about how to hold a tennis racket. Feel free to discuss with us if you have any query in the comment section below!
