Grip variations

David Rowe Asked 12 years ago

I have been watching your forehand topspin and backhand topspin instruction videos. I have noticed something about your grip. It seems to me that when you are playing the forehand you move your index finger from being along the bottom of the rubber to being more on the back of the rubber. And when you are playing a backhand you move your thumb from being at the top of the handle to be out on the rubber. However, coaches seem to always say to use the standard grip all the time. Please could you explain these grip variations, and which level of players they would be appropriate for.  With thanks, David Rowe.

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi David,

There may be slight variations in the grip between forehand and backhand as long as it doesn't take time away from the stroke.  The variations you see Jeff playing int he forehand and backhand are very small movements that can be made in a split second.

At the start focus on the same grip for both and then as you relax into the  stroke and get more comfortable you can relax your fingers and allow them to move naturally with the stroke.