The grip is the foundation of every tennis stroke. Before you refine footwork, power, or spin, you need to know how to hold the racket properly for the shot you're making. While there are advanced variations, four core grips form the base of nearly every stroke in the modern game.
Here are the 4 foundational tennis grips—plus when and why to use each one.
Understanding the “Bevels”
Tennis rackets have 8 sides on the handle. Each side is called a bevel, and grips are taught based on where your index knuckle and the heel pad of your hand rest.
A simple way to visualize it:
Imagine the top flat part of the handle is Bevel #1
Moving clockwise (for right-handed players) assigns bevels 2–8
For left-handed players, the bevel positions are mirrored counter-clockwise.
1. Continental Grip (Bevel #2 or #8)
Best for:
✅ Serves
✅ Volleys
✅ Slices (forehand & backhand)
✅ Overheads
✅ Transition and net play
Why use it:
The continental grip keeps the racket face neutral and slightly open—perfect for:
Sharp slice control
Fast reaction volleys
All-purpose grip for shots in front of you
When you shouldn’t use it:
⛔ Not ideal for heavy topspin forehands or high-bouncing groundstrokes—the ball tends to float or sail.
Think of it like this:
The Swiss Army knife of tennis grips—most versatile, especially for attacking play and the net.
2. Eastern Forehand Grip (Bevel #3)
Best for:
✅ Flat or lightly-spun forehands
✅ Beginner to intermediate groundstrokes
✅ Low balls with clean contact
Why use it:
Promotes a naturally square racket face
Simplifies timing for crisp, direct shots
Extremely comfortable for players learning stroke mechanics
Ideal for players who:
🎾 Prefer driving the ball vs. brushing it for spin
🎾 Play on flatter courts or hit early on the rise
Limitations:
⛔ Generates less topspin than semi-western or western
⛔ Struggles on high bouncing balls because the grip angle closes late.
Think of it like this:
Classic, clean, dependable. Great for control and early contact.
3. Semi-Western Forehand Grip (Bevel #4)
Best for:
✅ Topspin forehands
✅ Modern baseline play
✅ Medium-to-high bouncing courts like hard or clay
Why use it:
This is the most common forehand grip in modern tennis because it:
Makes it easy to brush up the ball for controlled topspin
Naturally closes the racket face just enough to handle rising balls
Balances spin + power
Ideal for players who:
🎾 Play mostly from the baseline
🎾 Want to hit consistent topspin without switching grips constantly
Limitations:
⛔ Can feel awkward for very low balls
⛔ Less neutral for volleys (continental is better at the net)
Think of it like this:
The perfect middle ground. If you learn only one forehand grip well, make it this one.
4. Western Forehand Grip (Bevel #5)
Best for:
✅ Heavy topspin forehands
✅ Clay courts or high-bounce conditions
✅ Extreme angles and rally tolerance
Why use it:
Creates massive racket face closure
Encourages dramatic upward swing paths
Great against high balls, shoulder-height rallying, and aggressive spin play
Ideal for players who:
🎾 Love hitting heavy, high-margin topspin
🎾 Play on slow, high-bounce surfaces
Limitations:
⛔ Very difficult for low balls
⛔ Less natural for flat drives
⛔ Not recommended for serves or volleys (use continental instead)
Think of it like this:
Designed for spin-dominant players. Powerful tool—but specialized.
Which Grip Should You Learn First?
If you're new to tennis:
Start with continental (for serves and volleys)
Learn eastern or semi-western (for forehands depending on your natural swing style)
If you're unsure of your forehand style, semi-western is the safest long-term choice.
Final Takeaway
Your grip determines your shot potential:
🎾 Want to play at the net? → Continental
🎾 Want clean flat control? → Eastern
🎾 Want reliable spin and power? → Semi-Western
🎾 Want heavy topspin dominance? → Western
Master these four, and you have a grip answer for nearly every situation on court.