Tennis Grips: Forehand, Backhand, and Neutral Styles Guide

Tennis Grips: A Guide to Forehand, Backhand, and Neutral Styles

Tennis grips have evolved with changing equipment, court surfaces, and playing styles, allowing players to optimize control, power, and spin. In this guide, we'll discuss the four primary forehand grips and two backhand grips that are essential for understanding and improving your game.

Forehand Grips

1. Continental Forehand The classic grip used for serves, overheads, volleys, and slices. The index knuckle rests on bevel #2, and the heel pad rests on bevel #3.

2. Eastern Forehand Introduced by Bill Tilden in the 1920s, this grip increased topspin and control, making it popular during the grass-court era. The index knuckle rests on bevel #3, and the heel pad rests on bevel #4.

3. Western Forehand A more extreme grip used by players like Rafael Nadal, who play on clay courts. The index knuckle rests on bevel #5, and the heel pad rests on bevel #6.

4. Semi-Western Forehand A grip used by players like Björn Borg in the 1970s. The index knuckle rests on bevel #4, and the heel pad rests on bevel #5.

Backhand Grips

1. Eastern Backhand Used for kick serves and spin shots. The index knuckle rests on bevel #1, and the heel pad rests on bevel #2.

2. Semi-Western Backhand A grip used for top spin shots, power shots, and improved safety and control. The index knuckle rests on bevel #3, and the heel pad rests on bevel #4.

Neutral Grip

3. Neutral Forehand (or Continental Forehand) A versatile grip used for a variety of shots. The index knuckle rests on bevel #2, and the heel pad rests on bevel #3.

Adaptability and Evolution

Top players often use multiple grips during a match, adjusting their grip to achieve the desired effect for a specific shot. As equipment and playing styles have evolved, so too have tennis grips. The Eastern grip, for example, became popular during the grass-court era due to its ability to control the ball's bounce. As equipment and playing styles have changed, so too have grips, with many players using more extreme grips like the Western grip on clay courts.

Conclusion

Understanding the different tennis grips is crucial for improving your game. By experimenting with various grips, players can find the best option for their unique playing style. Remember, it's essential to keep your hand relaxed on the handle for each grip, and it's generally recommended to avoid the Continental and Hawaiian forehand grips, which may prevent players from reaching their full potential.

Learn about the different tennis grips for forehand, backhand, and neutral shots, including their history, usage, and impact on playing styles. Discover how top players adapt their grips to optimize control and power during matches.