Personal grip
Strokes and Technique
Randal Robertson Asked 9 years ago
So is it completely wrong to use a grip that isn't the 2 most common grips? I play with my four fingers in the handle and my thumb pointed up on the backside. This gives me a lot of power and awkward spins for my opponents who usually use a shakehand grip, and I've learned how to counter shakehand spins with my grip. I've tried the shakehand grip for myself, but it just doesn't feel as fluid and powerful as my own grip. People have also noted how hard my spins are on this style. Is it still better to go against all my muscle memory to try and go with a more standard grip, or should I continue developing my custom grip?
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Randal,
I think it is OK to have some individuality about grips and skills in general. I suppose you just need to work through and see if it is limiting you in any way. I think I understand that you point your thumb up the racket. If this is right, I think it is OK for backhands but may limit your forehand slightly. Anyway, see how it feels and how you are progressing with skills and see if you run into any areas where you find it difficult to implement skills.
Let me know if I have the interpretation of your grip correct.
Thoughts on this question
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Johan B Posted 9 years ago
Very interesting! Perhaps you could post a picture of your grip?
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
I think that having the index finger on the back of the bat for the shakehand grip is really important. It lets you sense the angle your bat is on which is much harder if all four fingers are around the handle. I'd recommend at least making this change as I believe it will be better in the long run.
Randal Robertson Posted 9 years ago
I'll post a picture of my grip soon, Johan B. My forehand is actually really strong with this grip and my backhand has a crazy amount of power. I'm on vacation right now and my bat is at my workplace, but my grip is pretty simple. Four fingers on the handle with the thumb pointed up on the backside, similar to the shakehand grip but with a thumb instead of pointer finger.