The main tennis grips are the continental, used for serves, volleys, overheads and slices; the eastern forehand, for flat or moderate topspin forehands; the semi-western, the most common modern topspin forehand grip; the western, for heavy topspin; and the eastern backhand, for one-handed backhands. You find each grip by placing the base knuckle of your index finger, along with the heel of your hand, on a particular bevel of the racquet handle. Choosing the right grip for each shot makes good technique much easier, while the wrong grip can limit spin, control and comfort. This guide explains how the handle bevels work, each grip and its best uses, grips for two-handed backhands, how to switch grips, how to choose grip size and the mistakes players make with their grip.
Understanding the bevels
A tennis racquet handle has eight sides, called bevels. For a right-handed player, hold the racquet in front of you with the edge of the frame pointing up and down. The top flat side is bevel 1. Moving clockwise, the angled side at the top right is bevel 2, the right vertical side is bevel 3, the angled bottom-right side is bevel 4 and the bottom is bevel 5. Left-handed players number the bevels counterclockwise. Grips are identified by which bevel the base knuckle of your index finger rests on, along with the heel pad of your hand.
Grips and their uses (right-hander)
| Grip | Index knuckle | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Continental | Bevel 2 | Serve, volley, overhead, slice, defensive shots |
| Eastern forehand | Bevel 3 | Flat or moderate topspin forehands |
| Semi-western | Bevel 4 | Topspin forehands; the most common modern grip |
| Western | Bevel 5 | Heavy topspin and high balls |
| Eastern backhand | Bevel 1 | One-handed topspin backhands |
Continental grip
The continental grip is often described as holding the racquet like a hammer or shaking hands with the handle when the frame is on edge. It is the standard grip for serves, volleys, overheads and slices, because it allows the racquet face to open and close naturally and supports pronation on the serve. It is less suited to topspin groundstrokes, since hitting high balls with topspin is difficult with this grip. Learning to serve and volley with a continental grip early saves time later.
Eastern forehand grip
The eastern forehand grip places the index knuckle on bevel 3, with the palm roughly behind the handle. It feels natural for many beginners and allows flat or moderate topspin forehands. It handles low balls well and can be switched to the continental grip quickly, which helps when moving to the net. It is less effective for very high balls and heavy topspin.
Semi-western grip
The semi-western grip, with the index knuckle on bevel 4, is the most common forehand grip in modern tennis. It allows good topspin and handles high balls well, while still coping with lower balls. It suits the fast, whipping swings of modern baseline tennis. The trade-off is that very low balls can be harder, and changing to a continental grip takes slightly longer.
Western grip
The western grip places the index knuckle on bevel 5, with the palm largely under the handle. It produces heavy topspin and handles very high balls comfortably, which is why some clay-court players favor it. However, low balls and slices are more difficult, and switching to other grips takes longer. It is less common than the semi-western among recreational players.
Backhand grips
For a one-handed topspin backhand, most players use an eastern backhand grip, with the index knuckle on bevel 1. This places the palm on top of the handle and gives support behind the racquet at contact. Some players use a semi-western backhand grip for more topspin. For one-handed slice backhands, a continental grip is standard.
For two-handed backhands, a common setup is a continental grip with the dominant hand at the bottom of the handle and an eastern or semi-western forehand grip with the non-dominant hand above it. The non-dominant arm often drives much of the stroke, almost like a forehand with the other hand. Variations are common, and a coach can help you find a comfortable combination.
Step-by-step: finding a grip
- Hold the racquet with the frame on edge, perpendicular to the ground.
- Identify bevel 1 on top of the handle.
- Count bevels clockwise for right-handers, counterclockwise for left-handers.
- Place the base knuckle of your index finger on the chosen bevel.
- Place the heel pad of your hand on the same bevel.
- Spread the fingers slightly, holding mainly with the fingers.
- Keep the grip relaxed until contact.
- Check the racquet face angle to confirm the grip.
Switching grips
Players change grips between forehands, backhands, volleys and serves. The most reliable way is to use the non-hitting hand on the throat of the racquet, rotating the handle into the right position during the unit turn. Practice grip changes in shadow swings and during slow rallies until they become automatic. At the net, many players keep a continental grip for both forehand and backhand volleys to avoid switching.
Grip pressure
Grip pressure matters as much as grip position. Holding the racquet too tightly reduces racquet speed, feel and control, and can increase strain on the arm. Many coaches suggest a relaxed grip during preparation, firming slightly at contact. Holding more in the fingers rather than squeezing with the palm also helps.
Choosing grip size
Grip size refers to the circumference of the handle. Adult sizes commonly range from about 4 inches to 4 5/8 inches in eighth-inch steps. One common method is to measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. Another rule of thumb is that when holding the racquet, there should be room for about a finger’s width between your fingertips and the base of your palm. If you are between sizes, many players choose the smaller size and add an overgrip. A grip that is too small or too large can lead to excess tension and discomfort.
Grips for beginners
Beginners often start with an eastern or semi-western forehand grip for groundstrokes and learn the continental grip early for serves and volleys. Using a forehand grip to serve may feel easier at first, but it limits spin and power and makes it harder to progress later. A coach can help beginners find a comfortable grip and learn good habits.
Common mistakes
- Serving with a forehand grip instead of a continental grip.
- Squeezing the racquet too tightly.
- Holding in the palm instead of the fingers.
- Not changing grips for backhands and volleys.
- Using an extreme western grip on fast, low-bouncing courts without adjusting.
- Choosing the wrong grip size.
- Changing grips late without using the non-hitting hand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best forehand grip?
The semi-western is the most common modern choice because it balances topspin and versatility, but the eastern forehand also works well, especially for flatter hitters.
What grip should I use to serve?
The continental grip, which allows pronation and spin.
How do I know my grip size?
Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger, or check that there is about a finger’s width of space between your fingertips and palm when holding the racquet.
