Get a Grip! Tips for How to Hold a Tennis Racket
John McEnroe. Daria Gavrilova. Serena Williams. Jimmy Connors. What do they have in common, besides being champion professional tennis players? They’ve all thrown fits on tennis courts.
You just want to say to these titans of tennis: Get a grip! In a sense, they already do: They all know how to hold a tennis racket very well (although some of them may have actually thrown their rackets when the calls or plays didn’t go their way).
But beyond the flying tennis rackets, the anguished calls for sports justice and the big tears, how do you hold a tennis racket? Here are some tips to keep that racket firmly in your hand and to make your tennis game worthy of … most tennis pros.
We first have to visualize the tennis racket (or pick up one if you’re reading this and have one available). The handle has an octagon shape. Each of the eight sides is called a bevel. Each bevel is assigned a number. No. 1 is the top side and the numbers go clockwise for right-handed players and counter-clockwise for left-handers. The way a player holds a racket during play partly determines how a ball is served or returned.
For the sake of simplicity, we will explore the three most common and basic grip styles.
- The Continental Grip is best for beginners. Place your index finger’s knuckle base on the No. 2 bevel. A V-shape is then formed by the thumb and forefinger. This grip can be used for most types of shots and generally provides the most power and control.
- The Eastern Forehand works especially well for forehand shots. Your index finger’s knuckle base goes on bevel No. 3. This grip gives players some versatility with going easily and quickly to other grips. It also works for topspin forehands and flat shots.
- The Two-Handed Backhand is effective for beginners attempting backhand shots. Players who haven’t yet developed adequate wrist and forearm strength can use shoulder muscles to help with their swings. Your strong hand holds the racket in a Continental Grip while the base knuckle of the other hand goes over the No. 6 bevel.
Although beginners usually start with the Continental Grip before moving to master the forehand and backhand grips, racket grips vary with players and during games. Experienced players often switch grips throughout games, using the Western Forehand grip or the Semi-western backhand grip.
Get a Grip at Golden Ocala
Now let’s jump into Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club’s wonderful tennis amenities.
The Tennis Club has six Har-Tru® Hydro-Grid courts, the finest clay surface available and all lit for night-time play. Our tennis professionals provide you with the expertise to bring your game to the next level (without any emotional outbursts).
Take a look at what you get at Golden Ocala:
- Private tennis lessons with our tennis professionals.
- Youth tennis programs.
- Champion tennis leagues.
- Tennis Pro Shop offering the latest in tennis fashion and gear.
- Custom racket stringing.
Ready to learn more about how to hold a tennis racket and other skills? Contact one of Golden Ocala’s tennis professionals today. Keep up with all of the latest news from Golden Ocala by following us on Facebook and Twitter.