Tennis Basics: Grips

Grips are numbered by which bevel of the octagonal handle your index knuckle sits on.

Continental (bevel 2)

• Serves, volleys, overheads, slices.
• Feels natural when you "shake hands" with the racquet.

Eastern forehand (bevel 3)

• Flat, drivey forehand.
• Good starting grip for juniors.

Semi-Western forehand (bevel 4)

• Modern topspin baseline forehand.
• Contact point out in front and slightly higher.

Western forehand (bevel 5)

• Extreme topspin. Contact very high.
• Rare on grass, popular on clay.

Eastern backhand

• Flat one-handed backhand.
• Also used for the kick serve.

Two-handed backhand

• Dominant hand continental, non-dominant hand eastern forehand.
• Compact, stable, great for returns.