There’s nothing like the feeling of holding a tennis racket for the first time. But what if you’re not sure how to hold a tennis racket correctly?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
It’s almost as if you’re holding the power to control the game in your hand.
Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!
The first step is learning How to hold a tennis racket, let’s find out…
How to hold a tennis racket?
You need to hold the racquet in your non-dominant hand and “welcome it with your other hand” – grip the handle as though you’re shaking hands with someone, wrapping it around from the side with your thumb on top.
It’s critical to have plenty of practice to get acquainted with your grip.
You probably want to know how hard should you grip a tennis racket, so keep reading…
How hard should you grip a tennis racket?
Hold the grip firmly enough so that someone would struggle to get the racquet out of your hands with some force. The racquet may still be pulled out.
Now, let’s find out how you relax a tennis racket grip…
How do you relax a tennis racket grip?
To achieve total relaxation, open the fingers on the dominant hand that grips the racket handle and release all of the tension from it.
Remember! At the end of the stroke, taking a break and releasing all the tension, allows you to lower tension throughout the swing.
What are the different strokes in tennis?
Now that you know how to grip a tennis racket, it’s time to learn about the different strokes.
There are six different strokes in tennis:
-The serve.
-The forehand groundstroke.
-The backhand groundstroke.
-The forehand volley.
-The backhand volley.
-And the overhead smash.
Each stroke is unique and has different purposes.
But don’t worry, we’ll go over each one so you can learn them all!
What is the serve stroke?
The “serve” is the most important stroke in tennis.
It’s the only stroke where you have complete control over where the ball goes.
That’s why it’s so important to learn how to do it correctly.
What is the forehand groundstroke?
A tennis forehand is a shot in which the palm of the dominant hand that is grasping the racket faces forward on the inner side.
What is the backhand groundstroke?
The backhand groundstroke is a shot that’s used to defend against a ball approaching from the opposite side of the paddle arm.
What is the forehand volley?
The forehand volley is a straightforward action in which you strike a ball with only one arm, without letting the ball touch the ground, with your dominant side.
What is the backhand volley?
Your hitting arm is bent in this position, and your elbow is positioned between your shoulders.
What is the overhead smash?
The overhead smash is a powerful and very difficult stroke.
It’s used to finish off a point when your opponent has hit the ball high into the air.
To do this stroke correctly, you need to hit the ball at its highest point.
This will give it the most power and make it more difficult for your opponent to return.
Now that you know the different strokes, it’s time to learn about the 4 different types of racket grips…
What are the 4 Types of Tennis grip?
The 4 types of tennis grips are:
-The Continental grip: The Continental grip is the most popular choice.
It’s appropriate for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced players who want to take their game to the highest level.
It has a secure grip that allows for precision and mobility in short and in long games.
-The Eastern grip: The Eastern grip is a good choice for intermediate players because it gives you more power and control over your shots.
-The Semi-Western grip: One of the major advantages of employing the semi-western forehand grip is that it increases your margin for error considerably more than other tennis grips.
-The Western grip: is the most difficult to master but can give you the most power and spin.
Each grip has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
Now, it’s time to know how some professional players hold their rackets…
How does Nadal hold his racket?
Nadal holds his racket in a semi-western grip.
How does Djokovic hold his racket?
With a continental grip, Djokovic grasps his dominant hand with his non-dominant hand he uses an Eastern grip.
How does Serena Williams hold her racket?
Serena Williams holds her racket in an Eastern forehand grip.
This grip gives her more power and control over her shots.
What are the European grip sizes + Us grip sizes in inches?
A European size no.1 = Us 4 1/8 inches.
A European size no.2 = Us 4 1/4 inches.
A European size no.3 = Us 4 3/8 inches.
A European size no.4 = Us 4 1/2 inches.
A European size no.5 = Us 4-5/8 inches.
A European size no.6 = Us 4-3/4 inches.
What is the most common tennis grip size?
The most common size is 4 3/8 (size 3).
The average grip size for women is a 1, 2, or 3. Men will generally have a 3, 4, or 5.
In conclusion
Remember, there is no one perfect way to hold a tennis racket.
The important thing is to find a grip that’s comfortable for you and that allows you to play your best game.
experiment with different grips and strokes until you find the combination that works best for you. 🙂
Do you have any questions or comments about How to hold a tennis racket? Let us know in the comments below!