SQ
SwingIQ

Tennis Grips Explained: Forehand, Backhand & Serve

Quick answer

Tennis grips are named by where the base knuckle of your index finger sits on the handle. The practical starting points: a semi-western grip for a modern topspin forehand, an eastern or two-handed grip for the backhand, and a continental grip for serves and volleys. Your grip sets your natural spin and contact point, so getting it right is the foundation almost every other stroke fix depends on.

What is happening

The handle has eight bevels; which bevel your index knuckle rests on defines the grip. Continental, eastern, semi-western, and western move progressively "under" the handle, adding topspin potential but raising the comfortable contact point.

A grip that is too far one way fights you: continental on a forehand makes topspin very hard, while a full western makes low balls and volleys awkward. Most recreational players are best served by a semi-western forehand and a continental for serve and net play.

Backhands split by style: a one-handed backhand uses an eastern backhand grip, while a two-handed backhand typically uses a continental in the dominant hand and an eastern forehand in the non-dominant hand.

Diagnose it yourself

  • Find the bevel: hold the racket edge-on and lay your palm flat on the strings, then slide down to the handle — that is roughly a continental grip.
  • Check your forehand: if topspin feels impossible and balls fly long, you may be too close to continental; if low balls feel awful, you may be too far to western.
  • Check your serve and volleys: if you cannot slice the serve or punch a volley, you are likely using a forehand grip instead of continental.
  • Note grip changes: do you re-grip between forehand, backhand, and serve? Beginners often forget to, which limits every stroke.

What SwingIQ looks for

  • Contact point relative to the body for each stroke
  • Whether spin and trajectory match the grip you are using
  • Consistency of the grip change between strokes
  • Wrist and forearm position through contact

Beginner-safe drills

1. Grip-change shadow swings

Without a ball, cycle through forehand, backhand, serve, and volley grips, re-gripping each time. Build the habit of changing grips automatically before each shot.

2. Semi-western feed drill

From a semi-western forehand grip, have a partner feed easy balls. Brush up the back of the ball and feel the topspin; adjust the bevel slightly until the trajectory clears the net comfortably and dips in.

3. Continental serve taps

With a continental grip, tap serves gently into the box, feeling the edge of the racket lead so you can later add slice and spin. If the ball only goes flat and long, your grip has crept toward a forehand.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using one grip for everything — especially a forehand grip on serves and volleys.
  • Jumping straight to a full western grip before you can handle low balls.
  • Forgetting to re-grip between strokes during rallies.
  • Gripping the handle too tightly, which restricts the wrist and reduces spin.

When to work with a coach

A coach can confirm your grip on each stroke in minutes and spot grip changes that are hard to feel on your own. If you are battling a stubborn forehand or serve, a quick grip check is often the fastest win.

Your swing, decoded — coaching in your pocket. SwingIQ reads your data and hands you the one fix that matters most, with confident, data-backed guidance you can use today. Findings are heuristic estimates — smart reads that sharpen with every swing you add — and they pair perfectly with a coach for injury concerns or advanced technique work, so you show up to those sessions already ahead.

Grip changes are low-impact, but build up gradually to avoid wrist or forearm strain. Junior players should practice with adult supervision.

FAQ

What grip should a beginner use for the forehand?

An eastern or semi-western forehand grip is the friendliest starting point. Eastern is the easiest to control; semi-western adds the topspin most modern players want once the basics feel comfortable.

What grip is best for serving?

The continental grip. It lets you hit flat, slice, and kick serves from the same grip and is also the grip for volleys and overheads.

Do I really need to change grips during a point?

Yes. Different strokes need different grips, and changing automatically is a core skill. Practicing grip changes without a ball builds the habit faster than you would expect.

Ready to see your own swing?

Analyze My Strokes Free

No account required · Free · Private by default