How to Grip a Tennis Racket

To get started in tennis, you first have to pick up a racket, so here are some notes on choosing and using the right grip for your tennis game.

Eastern Grip

The eastern grip is popular with beginners and is widely used with forehands because of its comfort. The grip can also be used to hit backhands, serves and volleys.

• Hold the racket in front of you in your left hand (or right hand if you're a left-handed player).

• Rotate the racket so that the face (strings) of the racket is perpendicular to the ground.

• Lay the palm of your free hand flat on the face of the racket.

• Move your palm toward your body, down the shaft of the racket, until it hits the end of the handle.

• Wrap your fingers around the handle and space them slightly apart. Your thumb and forefinger should lie almost directly on top of the handle, forming a V that points toward your right shoulder (toward your left shoulder if you're left-handed). Your thumb should lie across the top of the handle.

Continental Grip

The continental grip is used by more advanced players in serving and volleying. Begin by forming an eastern grip.

• Ease your grip and turn the racket with your left hand (or right hand if you're a left-handed player).

• Turn the racket until it is perpendicular to the ground, or pointing to the "12 o'clock" position. Then, if you are right-handed, turn the racket to about the "1 o'clock" position. If you are left-handed, turn the racket to the "11 o'clock" position.

• Wrap your fingers around the handle and space them slightly apart. The V formed by the thumb and forefinger should point toward you, and the thumb should lie along the length of the handle. The bottom knuckle of your index finger should lie right on top of the racket.

Western Grip

The western grip is excellent in forehand play but feels awkward for beginners, especially when used for backhands, serves and volleys. Advanced players often use it to enhance their forehand play.

• Start by holding the racket with an eastern grip.

• Relax your grip and turn the racket counter clockwise until the top of the racket points toward the "11 o'clock" position. Left-handed players should turn the racket clockwise to the "1 o'clock" position.

• Wrap your fingers around the handle and space them apart slightly. The V formation should point to your right (or left), and your thumb should lie across the top of the handle