How to Grip a Tennis Racket: Every Grip Type Explained
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How do you grip a tennis racket? It's one of the first questions every beginner asks — and one of the most important technical decisions in the game. The wrong grip limits your shots, reduces power, and can cause injury. The right grip unlocks consistency, spin, and control. This guide covers every tennis grip type with images and exactly when to use each one.
How to Hold a Tennis Racket: The Bevel System
Before learning the specific grips, understand the bevel system. A tennis racket handle has 8 bevels — 8 flat sides numbered 1 through 8. Your grip is determined by which bevel the base knuckle of your index finger rests on.
- Bevel 1: Top of the handle — Eastern backhand grip
- Bevel 2: Continental grip
- Bevel 3: Eastern forehand grip
- Bevel 4: Semi-western forehand grip
- Bevel 5: Western forehand grip
1. The Continental Grip (Bevel 2)
The continental grip is the most versatile grip in tennis — also called the hammer grip or chopper grip. Base knuckle on bevel 2. Imagine holding a hammer.
Best for: Serve, volley, overhead, slice backhand, drop shot.
Why use it: Allows full pronation on the serve, natural slice on the backhand, and a neutral face angle at the net. Every player should master this grip first.
Limitation: Not ideal for heavy topspin groundstrokes from the baseline.
2. The Eastern Forehand Grip (Bevel 3)
Base knuckle on bevel 3. Place your hand flat on the strings, then slide it down to the handle — that's the eastern forehand. Natural and comfortable for beginners.
Best for: Flat forehand, moderate topspin, all-court play.
Why use it: Easy to learn, works on all surfaces, produces a clean flat ball. Ideal for players who like to hit through the ball.
Limitation: Less topspin than semi-western. Struggles with high balls above shoulder height.
3. The Semi-Western Forehand Grip (Bevel 4)
Base knuckle on bevel 4. The most popular forehand grip on the modern ATP and WTA tours.
Best for: Heavy topspin forehand, baseline play, high balls.
Why use it: Produces natural topspin with a brushing motion. Handles high balls well. Used by Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and most modern professionals.
Limitation: Harder to hit flat. Requires a grip change for volleys and serves.
4. The Western Forehand Grip (Bevel 5)
Base knuckle on bevel 5 — almost underneath the handle. Produces extreme topspin.
Best for: Extreme topspin, clay court play, very high balls.
Why use it: Maximum topspin. Effective on clay where high bounces are common.
Limitation: Very difficult to hit flat or low balls. Not recommended for beginners.
5. The Two-Handed Backhand Grip
Dominant hand uses a continental grip on the lower handle. Non-dominant hand uses an eastern forehand grip above it.
Best for: Two-handed backhand — more stability and power for most players.
Why use it: Extra stability, power, and disguise. The top hand does most of the work. Used by Djokovic, Murray, and most modern professionals.
Tennis Grip Comparison Table
| Grip | Bevel | Best For | Topspin | Contact Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | 2 | Serve, volley, slice | Low | Any |
| Eastern Forehand | 3 | Flat forehand | Moderate | Waist–shoulder |
| Semi-Western | 4 | Topspin forehand | High | Waist–above shoulder |
| Western | 5 | Extreme topspin | Very High | Shoulder and above |
| Two-Handed BH | Continental + Eastern | Two-handed backhand | High | Waist–shoulder |
Which Grip Should Beginners Use?
- Forehand: Eastern forehand grip (bevel 3) — comfortable, natural, easy to learn
- Backhand: Two-handed — continental + eastern forehand
- Serve: Continental grip (bevel 2) — essential from day one
- Volley: Continental grip — no grip change needed at the net
As you improve, transition your forehand to a semi-western grip for more topspin and better handling of high balls.
Tennis Made Easy – Drills, Footwork, Mental Game & Training Guides
Take your tennis to the next level with our complete collection of digital training guides — footwork, mental game, drills, and more.
Shop the Collection →Frequently Asked Questions: How to Grip a Tennis Racket
How do you grip a tennis racket for beginners?
Beginners should use the eastern forehand grip (bevel 3) for groundstrokes and the continental grip (bevel 2) for serves and volleys. These two grips cover most situations and are the easiest to learn correctly. Looking for a beginner racket? Check out our top picks: Wilson, Babolat, or Head.
What grip do most professional tennis players use?
Most professionals use the semi-western forehand grip (bevel 4) for their forehand. For serves and volleys, virtually all professionals use the continental grip.
Should I change my grip between shots?
Yes. Grip changes between shots are normal and necessary. Practice grip changes until they become automatic during rallies.
What is the continental grip used for?
The continental grip is used for serves, volleys, overheads, slice backhands, and drop shots. It's the most versatile grip in tennis — base knuckle on bevel 2, like holding a hammer.
Does grip size matter in tennis?
Yes. A grip too small causes the racket to twist. A grip too large reduces wrist flexibility. The correct size allows a small gap between fingertips and palm. Most adults use L2 (4 1/4") to L4 (4 1/2"). Top racket brands like Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and Tecnifibre all offer multiple grip sizes to find your perfect fit.
