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With about 8 different grip variations for the 5 basic shots in tennis alone, it can be quite confusing to find the right one for every shot. The system we're going to discuss here, uses only 3 basic grips.

When you have a look at the end of your racket's handle, you will see a plactic cover. This is called a 'butt cap'. The manufacturer's logo is probably on it. The shape of the handle, looking at it from behind will be something like this.

What we're going to look at first, is where you put the palm of your hand. The part that goes from the base knuckle of your index finger, across your palm, all the way down to the heel of the hand, at the side of your little finger.

Let's see what the position of the palm of the hand would be for the forehand, backhand and serve.

Note: Start out using only these three variations! This is ALL you need to know! The rest of the information on this page is a little bonus, but you already have everything you need, to get started.

To summarize: for the forehand, the palm of your hand goes to the side of your racket. For the backhand it would be on top of the handle. For the serve it would go on the bevel in between.

Okay ... as far as the extra info is concerned, you may have heard about western, eastern and continental grips. There are pictures of some of those below. Basically, when you hold your racket there's a 'V' showing between your thumb and index finger, especially when spreading your fingers a bit apart. Like this:

For a continental, this 'V' goes on top of your handle, for an eastern it goes a bit more to the side, and for a western it goes even more to the side. Clockwise for your forehand and counter-clockwise for your backhand - assuming that you are right-handed.

Combine the proper position of the palm of the hand with a proper position of the 'V' to get it exactly right.

Let's check out some pictures.

 

Most beginners have some problems hitting their serves, volleys and smashes in a continental grip. If that's the case with you, it's okay to go a bit in the direction of a forehand grip for serves, forehand volleys and smash; and a bit towards the backhand grip for your backhand volley.

However ... keep experimenting with the continental, and try to get closer to it every time!

The good thing about holding your racket this way for a forehand is that the palm of your hand is behind the handle when you hit the ball, which gives a lot of support, control and feel.

 

As with the Eastern Forehand, there's a lot of support for this shot because the arm is behind the handle.

Some people have trouble getting the ball over the net when they hold their racket like this. While this is usually because their swing doesn't go from low to high enough, it can help them to use an alternative:

Eastern Backhand - can also be used for your backhand volley (although a continental is preferred)

For double-handed backhands it's probably most convenient to use a continental or eastern backhand for the hand lowest on the handle.

Maybe the following video clip from intosport.com can explain better.