Forehand Standard Grip

Pablo DJallad Asked 12 years ago

Hi, 

I am having a hard time trying to stick with a Standard Grip both for forehand and backhand. I am a beginner, former tennis amateur that decided to try tennis table and I am loving it. Unforfunately I am changing the grip between forehand and backhand and as the match becomes faster I end up out of balance and timing. 

My problem is that I feel quite uncomfortable if handling only 1 grip without making big adjustments.

Do you have some tips and or recommendations to stick to a standard grip for forehand and backhand?

Warm regards from Argentina

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

HI Pablo,

It is a common error for players.  I think you should start with a neutral grip and try to maintain this throughout the rally.  An easy way to practice this is to put a piece of card under your index finger.  If your finger moves the card will fall out.  Initially you will start by gripping the bat really tight but as you become more comfortable with it you will start to get the feel of keeping the grip in the right position.

The biggest problem is what you have found.  You just don't have enough time to change grips dramatically.  In training also practice a lot of switching drills between forehand and backhand.  This will start to get you used to the feeling of the grip for both sides.  You will start to develop the feel for exactly you want the grip to be to be comfortable playing both forehand and backhand.

You can find some ideas for switching drills in our free download of Training Drills.