Come to Grips With Your Racquet

November 1999

The tennis racquet is not a club-­-don't hold it like one!

If you're among the thousands of Sunday afternoon players who periodically take their tennis racquets out for a bit of fun in the sun, let's get at least one thing straight ­ the grip! You might as well learn to hold the silly thing right. Who knows, maybe you'll improve and take the whole business a little more seriously. (Don't worry, it won't spoil your fun).

First you must understand there is more than one grip.There are two (basically). A forehand grip for the balls played on your right side (right handers) and a backhand for the ones on your left. It helps tremendously if you always make the proper change. When you are standing around trying to look cool, hold the forehand grip. To find it, put the butt of the racquet in your belly button. Hold the racquet away from your body with your left hand. The strings should be perpendicular to the ground. Place the palm of your hand flush against the right-hand face of the racquet. Spread your fingers widely. Now slide your hand down the racquet handle until the heel of your hand reaches the butt of the racquet. Shake hands with the racquet as you wrap your fingers around the grip. Make sure there is a slight spread between your forefinger and middle finger ­ This your forehand grip. To find your backhand grip, again cradle the racquet with your left hand and hold it at arm's length in front of you. This time the racquet should be parallel to your shoulders ­ you are looking at the face of the racquet. Place the palm of your hand on top of the racquet. Wrap your thumb around the racquet. Again check to see that there is a slight spread between your two fingers. That's it ­ your backhand grip!

The following tips grips are meant for players of all levels.

1. Change to the backhand grip. Unless you are a super star, don't use a universal grip. Change. This is the single most important reason why so many players can't hit a backhand. They don't change their grip. It is physically impossible to succeed without the correct grip.
2. Treat the racquet with respect. Don't squeeze it. This is one of the main causes of tennis elbow. Hold it like you would a little bird (the feather type) ­ not so hard that you crush it but tight enough so it won't escape.
3. Wiggle your fingers. Sometimes you get nervous, unconsciously putting a death grip on the poor racquet. Squeezing this object in your hand holds your whole body tight, making it impossible to relax and function naturally. In between shots and between points, spin the racquet in your hand or wiggle your fingers. Keep your cool!

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