Grip Basics

If you're new to coaching, it's probably a good idea to add to your knowledge a basic understanding of the grips used on the forehand and backhand groundstrokes, as well as the serve, volley and overhead.

It's important to begin by understanding that there is no one, correct grip or type of stroke, or even one that is universally accepted as the "best" grip.

An understanding of what grips go with what strokes, and the best combination of grip/contact point and stance is a good place to begin.

The following information uses a right-handed player as the model. Simply reverse the information for left-handed players.

The easiest way to remember grips is to use the knuckle of the index finger as a reference point. Depending on which bevel of a racquet's grip the knuckle rests, that is which grip the player is using.

Diagram courtesy USTA's Coaching Tennis Successfully

The article continues with explanations of the following grips, and the stances and contact points that go with them.

Forehand Grips

Continental Grip

Eastern Grip

Semi-Western Grip

Western Grip

Backhand Grips

One-Handed Backhand

Two-Handed Backhand