LESSON 4 OF 8 • BEGINNER • 6 MIN
How to Hold a Tennis Racquet
The short answer
For forehands, start with the Eastern grip: lay your palm flat against the strings, then slide down the handle and "shake hands" with it. For serves and volleys, use the Continental grip, which feels like holding a hammer. These directions are for right-handers. Lefties, mirror everything.
What's a bevel?
The handle isn't round. It has eight flat sides, called bevels, and a grip is just a name for which bevel the base of your index finger sits on. Number the top flat side 1, then go clockwise: 2, 3, 4 and so on. That's the whole system.
The grips you actually need
Continental (bevel 2)
Hold the racquet like a hammer, with the edge of the frame pointing at the ground. This is the serve grip and the volley grip. It feels weird at first. Stay with it, because everything about the serve depends on it.
Eastern forehand (bevel 3)
Stand the racquet on its edge, set your palm flat against the strings, then slide down to the handle. Your hand now looks like you're shaking hands with it. It's the easiest grip to learn on a forehand.
Semi-Western (bevel 4)
One more step clockwise. It lets you brush up the back of the ball for more topspin, and many club players use it. You can move here later. There's no rush.
Eastern backhand (bevel 1)
For a one-handed backhand, rotate the Eastern forehand grip a quarter turn the other way. Two-handed players use a different setup, which we cover in the backhand lesson.
How tight to hold
Lighter than you think. Imagine holding a small bird: firm enough that it can't fly away, gentle enough that you won't hurt it. Most beginners squeeze hard, and a tense forearm slows the swing and tires the arm. Tighten up just at the moment of contact.
Common beginner mistakes
- Serving with a forehand grip. The ball will fly off sideways and the shoulder will complain.
- Death-gripping the handle with white knuckles.
- Changing grips mid-point without noticing, then wondering why shots feel random.
Try this at the court
- Practice the "palm flat on the strings, slide down" move ten times until it's automatic.
- Switch between Continental and Eastern forehand with your eyes closed. Check by feel which bevel your index knuckle is on.
Questions people ask
What is the Continental grip?
It's the "hammer" grip, with the base knuckle of your index finger on the second bevel. It's the standard grip for serves and volleys.
Which forehand grip is easiest?
The Eastern forehand grip is the easiest for most beginners. It feels like shaking hands with the racquet.
How tightly should I hold a tennis racquet?
Fairly loosely. A relaxed hand swings faster and is kinder to your arm. Squeeze a bit at contact.