The Perfect Grip

         There are many grips that people can use like the Eastern, Western, Semi Western, etc. The grip that is most commonly used is the continental grip. With this grip it can be used for many different techniques in tennis. In the book “The Top 100 Things That You Can Do to Greatly Improve Your Tennis Game”, by Ace McCloud it talks about the continental grip as well as other techniques. The book says, “[The continental grip] is also perhaps the most multipurpose of all grips as it can be used for a whole range of shots. As well as ground stroke, the Continental grips allows you to play serves, volleys, overheads and slices, as well as reacting quickly to defensive shots.” So in other words this is a very useful grip that can improve your game, since it has so many useful techniques you can use with it.

     For the continental grip I like to think of the handle as a clock, but I will go more into detail of that later on. When you hold the racquet to where the strings are faced horizontally, you will then have the handle faced up at you and you will see 8 sides on the handle. These are referred to as bevels according to Ace McCloud’s book. I apply the idea of a clock based on these bevels. The first bevel is the one facing up at you, however I refer to that as 12 O ‘Clock. There aren’t 12 bevels like a clock, but I believe it is still easier to think of it this way. Anyways, for the grip you need to have your index finger knuckle on the 3^rd bevel on the right (2 O ‘Clock). Then you need you thumb knuckle rest on the 1^st bevel (12 O ‘Clock). You will notice at first that it may be an uncomfortable position for you, but once you begin to play on a regular basis you will get used to the grip and won’t notice the uncomfortableness and that you automatically form the grip while you play.

After I used this grip, I noticed that it gave me a powerful hit with a strong base and I didn’t have to change the grip I had on my racquet that much compared to other grips. With the continental grip I also noticed how it is very useful for volley’s, which is another technique in tennis, but I won’t go into detail about it in this blog. However, if you have knowledge about or experiences with a volley you would understand how the continental grip is great to use as a blocking motion or act as a “wall”, since the grip is very sturdy and strong. Basically, the continental grip serves multiple purposes in tennis and helps you have a strong and sturdy racquet. Also I prefer this grip over all of the other grips used in tennis for a beginner.

Question: If you have tried any other grips besides the continental grip, which one do you prefer and why do you believe that grip is better than the other grips used?