Squeezing makes your arm rigid.
Relax your fingers between contacts while keeping the face controlled.
OPEN COURT SKILL STUDIO
Grip & racket-face control
Learn how your grip changes the racket face, then test it with slow, controlled contacts.
TENNIS · 10 minutes focused practice
1. View the handle from the butt end: the top bevel is 1, with numbers increasing clockwise.
Diagrams explain direction, not prescribed joint angles. Orange shows the ball or movement direction. Adapt your stance to the incoming ball.
Step-by-step technique
- 1
View the handle from the butt end: the top bevel is 1, with numbers increasing clockwise.
- 2
For an eastern forehand, a right-hander can place the index knuckle and heel pad on bevel 3; a left-hander uses 7.
- 3
A continental grip uses bevel 2 for right-handers or 8 for left-handers and is useful for serves and volleys.
- 4
Keep a relaxed hold and test face control slowly. A coach can adapt the grip to your stroke.
Common mistakes & fixes
Changing grip at the last instant.
Set the grip during preparation before making a compact swing.
Court drill
Try ten gentle upward taps with a forehand grip, then with a continental grip. Stop between attempts to inspect the face.
Self-check
Can you switch grips without looking at the handle and centre a slow ball on the strings?
Match application
Prioritise comfortable contact and control rather than copying an extreme professional grip.
