WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GRIPS?



A few decades ago, coaches made a big deal about the grips a player used.  The first step in any lesson usually involves learning the correct grip.  Back then the grip was god.

The grip's primary function for beginners and intermediate players is to provide strength and stability between the hand and racquet. For advanced players, the grip's primary job is to allow the racquet head to perform its function. This article addresses eliminating contamination that can occur when a faulty grip prevents the racquet head from performing its intended function.

If a certain forehand grip doesn’t allow the racquet-head to hit a high-bouncing ball cleanly, that player has a weakness that can be exploited by their opponent. He/she must find a new grip position or a technique that helps them better adapt to high forehand balls.

Often, tactics that help you beat an opponent are based on the opponent's inferior grips, which fail to adapt to speed and height. Extreme western grips have difficulty with low balls. Continental grips struggle to hit high balls cleanly.

If the racquet-head can’t pass through the contact zone for an appropriate length, contamination will occur. The contact zone can be affected by either an incorrect racquet-head angle or a too-short contact zone. This contamination can be caused by poor technique, balance or a faulty grip position.

If the overall goal is to eliminate contamination of the racquet head caused by a faulty grip, the best method I have found is to use the non-racquet hand or the opposite hand to change grips. If you are a right-handed player, then consider using your left hand to prepare the correct grip.

Use the finger-tips for greater sensitivity


Between strokes, the opposite-hand dominates the racquet-hand

Here’s how to use the opposite hand…

  • Between strokes and during stroke preparation, the player’s awareness is fixed on the opposite hand (not the racquet hand).

  • Allow the racquet-hand to relax. Dominate with the opposite-hand!

  • Prepare the racquet head with the opposite hand, using it to take the racquet back (backswing) and set the correct angle of the racquet face.

As you do this, allow the racquet-hand to change grips and into its natural position. If the ball is high, allow the opposite hand to rise to the height of the contact point, while allowing the racquet hand to change position. At every height, the opposite hand will assist the racquet hand to find its natural grip position.

    Holding the racquet at the shaft is also acceptable as long as
    grips are     changed and angles are set

  • Once the stroke is finished, re-establish the opposite-hand back up on the throat of the racquet.

By creating accurate grips and following these "Opposite-hand" steps, you will be able to improve the quality of contact, arguably the most fundamental aspect of tennis.  Any time you improve contact quality, you also:

  • improve a player's feel and control of the ball
  • Create more ball penetration at the other end
  • Become much more efficient with your stroke production

It is therefore well worth eliminating the source of the poor contact by “cleaning up” the grips through the use of the opposite-hand.

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