This video explains the technical definition of a grip and how to find the different grips. You will learn how to position the heel pad and index knuckle on the tennis racket and where they rest for each grip.  We also look at how the different grip affect how you hit the tennis ball.  Beginners should start here.  Understanding the tennis grips helps you understand the nuances of the sport.

The term “grip” refers to how you hold the racket in your hand. The grip is the foundation for every shot you hit and it’s extremely important to understand the different grips for playing tennis.

Your grip is important for several reasons. How you hold the racket in your hand affects how you swing up to the tennis ball that will influence the type of ball you hit. For example, some grips make it easier to swing directly through the ball. When you swing through the ball, you produce a shot that is hit hard but doesn’t have much topspin on it. Other grips make it easier to swing up across the back of the ball. Swinging up across the back of the tennis ball puts more topspin on the ball.  These factors, and many more, make it important to know what type of grip to use and how it will affect your game.

One grip is not “better” than the next but grips will influence your style of play.  When selecting a grip is think about how that grip will fit into your style. For example, Roger Federer is an attacking player and he uses a more conservative Eastern grip for his forehand. This allows him to swing through, drive the ball, stay on the attack and dictate play. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal uses a more extreme grip, the Western, for his forehand.  With this grip, he generates a ton of topspin which keeps the ball in play and grinds out the points. Both of these forehands/grips are effective.  Choose the one that is correct for your style.