Tennis is a sport that requires proper technique and the correct use of equipment in order to be successful. The grip of a tennis racquet is one of the most important elements to consider when playing the game. Different types of tennis grips can be used to achieve different effects when hitting the ball. It is important to understand the different grips available and how they can be used to your advantage.
The professional tennis players have mastered the art of using the different tennis grips to their advantage and this article will explore the different tennis grips that the pros use.
The Different Types of Tennis Grips
Tennis grips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to provide a different result when hitting the ball. The different types of tennis grips are:
Continental Grip
- This is the most widely used grip by professional players. It is used for all strokes and is easy to master.
- It is also known as the “hammer” grip due to the way the hand is held on the racquet.
- The hand is placed on the handle of the racquet in a way that the index finger is pointing away from the body.
- This grip is primarily used for serves, volleys, and topspin forehands.
Eastern Forehand Grip
- This grip is also known as the “shake hands” grip and is used for topspin forehands.
- The hand is placed on the handle of the racquet in a way that the index finger is pointing towards the body.
- This grip is primarily used for forehands and slice backhands.
Semi-Western Forehand Grip
- This grip is similar to the eastern forehand grip but the hand is placed slightly lower on the handle of the racquet.
- This grip is primarily used for forehands and slice backhands.
Western Forehand Grip
- This grip is similar to the eastern forehand grip but the hand is placed further down on the handle of the racquet.
- This grip is primarily used for powerful forehands and backhands.
Two-Handed Backhand Grip
- This grip is used for two-handed backhands and is a combination of the eastern forehand grip and the continental grip.
- The hand is placed on the handle of the racquet in a way that both the index and middle finger are pointing towards the body.
- This grip is primarily used for two-handed backhands.
The Grip Used By Professional Tennis Players
Professional tennis players use a variety of different grips when playing the game. Some players may prefer one grip over another depending on the type of shot they are trying to hit.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is known for using the continental grip for his serve and volleys. He also uses the semi-western forehand grip for all of his groundstrokes.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is known for using the semi-western forehand grip for all of his groundstrokes. He also uses the continental grip for his serves and volleys.
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is known for using the eastern forehand grip for all of his groundstrokes. He also uses the continental grip for his serves and volleys.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is known for using the semi-western forehand grip for all of her groundstrokes. She also uses the continental grip for her serves and volleys.
Benefits of Using the Different Types of Grips
The different types of tennis grips can be used to achieve different results when hitting the ball. Here are some of the benefits of using the different types of grips that the pros use:
Continental Grip
- This grip is great for hitting serves and volleys due to the way the hand is placed on the handle of the racquet.
- It also allows for great control and spin.
Eastern Forehand Grip
- This grip is great for hitting forehands due to the way the hand is placed on the handle of the racquet.
- It also allows for great control and spin.
Semi-Western Forehand Grip
- This grip is great for hitting forehands with more power due to the way the hand is placed lower on the handle of the racquet.
- It also allows for great control and spin.
Western Forehand Grip
- This grip is great for hitting forehands with even more power due to the way the hand is placed further down on the handle of the racquet.
- It also allows for great control and spin.
Two-Handed Backhand Grip
- This grip is great for hitting two-handed backhands due to the way the hand is placed on the handle of the racquet.
- It also allows for great control and spin.
Conclusion
Tennis grips are an important part of the game and can be used to your advantage. Professional tennis players use a variety of different grips to achieve different results when hitting the ball. It is important to understand the different grips available and how they can be used to your advantage.
By understanding the different types of grips and their benefits, you can use the right grip for the right shot and improve your game.