TENNIS GRIPS MADE EASY - Tennis Lesson

[@EssentialTennis]

Grab your FREE Action Plan here so you can follow a proven step by step path to improvement the very next time you step onto the court: www.tennispracticeplan.com/

[@rosexue1006]

Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players n

[@plantpower3048]

what's Novak's backhand grip?

[@kaodei3233]

I've only started playing tennis and when I actually play and not practice, my grips are all over the place. Sometimes I switch grips unconsciously while holding the racket. I also didn't know what the grips looked like and which ones they are best for but this vid helps out a lot. I only knew that the continental grip is the best option for a serve. It's midnight here so I'm gonna try the grips I chose while watching for the different hits and practice them in the morning. Also, do you have a video that can help me improve the consistency of my serve? Anyway, I'm so excited. I might be able to get more good hits now. Thank you.

[@r.p.7280]

Great video! I love that you use three different people for the different grips. I think this would make it easier to remember for beginners.

[@garrydhintz8017]

I've heard this explained so many times and this gal actually makes sense. 👍

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful, Garryd!

[@shootingfromthehip3600]

This is the best comprehensive guide on KZbin for grips - different presenters for different sections and going with pros and cons and examples. Perfect.

[@BAditya-mm4dc]

The most helpful video I've seen on KZbin

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear that, Aditya!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

The way you grip the racquet determines the angle of the strings when you make contact with the ball. This most definitely effects the spin and trajectory that your shot will travel upon impact. In my experience of coaching/ teaching most players/ students hit more consistently with the moderate grips / traditional grips described in this lesson. I have not coached a player who could duplicate what professional players like Nadal etc can do with extreme grips. Don’t be concerned with looking like you hit like them if you can not do it constantly. Personally I usually demonstrate or recommend RF ‘s style of grip to start. You have to be consistent and win points not just look good. If you want to imitate Raffa you can always dress like him and run like you have rockets in your shoes but hit with conventional grips.

[@harracks]

For continental grip I think it's important to emphasize the V-shape that should form between thumb and index finger which should be on the left edge of the bevel. If it's too round it's easy for grip to slide around, on the serve especially, even if it starts in correct position

[@aliceqqq7951]

So true!! thanks!!

[@ShaunSweeney71]

The only player I have ever seen use the western grip on the tour and was successful was Arron Krickstein. He was fun to watch play the game. I use a semi western and a eastern on my serve. I just started playing tennis again after an 25 year hiatus. I had two hip replacements and an plate in left shoulder. Believe it not, my service toss is the problem I am having because of my left shoulder, but I used your advice on the serve and I am getting it back after 10 basket of serves. So after about 700 serves and some ibperphen I feel better. Thank you for your great advice and videos my friend. GOD bless you and yours my friend.

[@carseye1219]

Good stuff. As an older dude (65) I was one of the first in my competitions to go semi western and a two hander with mostly open stances. It was even difficult to find coaches that didn't try to change me to eastern/one handed BH/closed stance. But I got a one year Bundesliga deal and almost everybody over there (on the red) played like I did. The Swedish Revolution was in full swing then (Borg, Wilander, etc). But I appreciate your breakdown of different grips. I never really thought about the bevels. I just knew who was Eastern or Western.

[@ekasingh7705]

I used to do an extreme western grip for 2 years then my coach realised and I was doing basics the next yr. It was so frustrating.

[@shaymaaelshazly2354]

When I see u I feel like I wanna travel and train with u . Good jop keep giong my lovely team

[@kennguyen2994]

Note to self: using any technique that the top pros used will not make you play like them

[@tennissenthil3019]

I love tennis

[@sunnypictures2136]

So I know this is not a grip and I probably shouldn’t do it, but i always place my index finger on the third side facing towards the head. My hits are actually very good and the grip works for all hits. Should I change the way I grip?

[@helloeveryone0123]

i think understanding tennis grips and concepts are important for players to be aware of. but not something they must follow so rigidly. after playing tennis for about half a year, many people asked me how am i hitting the balls so smoothly and how i grip my racket. and to be honest, i have no idea, but i tell them i grip it the most comfortable way my hand can hold the racket in order to return the balls. being so fixated in the textbook form will only hinder your learning of the sport. besides even if technically you are returning the balls with the so-called correct grip, but you dont feel comfortable hitting, you'll only injure yourself.

[@El_Guap]

Would love this translated to Pickleball. There is not a lot of good grip information out there for PB. I think the best thing to do is stick with continental with eastern/semi-western for top spin servers. Add a two-handed backhand with the off hand at eastern for good top spin two-handed. Handle the rest of the backhanded continental since you can slice from the baseline... but really can't change grips at the NVZ... you have too be too quick and continental is the best at the non-volley zone. Thanks for the quality content!

[@janamackova9849]

Hey guys, what about the size of the grip, can you make any recommendation to what professional women players use?

[@graysonboley2624]

Thank you! This is the most clear grip video out there! I will be using this method to teach my students.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alenx5455]

Great video, but Roger doesn't really use an eastern grip, he uses a modified eastern grip, on the edge of the beavel between eastern and semi western :P

[@EssentialTennis]

Do you have an image or clip showing that? Here's my analysis from a few years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3W7o3SPZq-tl6M

[@EssentialTennis]

Link 1: I hear what Greg is saying, but honestly don't think that clip clearly shows his big knuckle on the corner between bevel 3 and 4. If it was zoomed way in like the clip I used in my analysis we'd be able to tell for sure. Link 2: Says it in words but does not show it. In fact, the image he used looks pretty center of eastern to me....but really can't tell for sure looking at the front of his grip instead of the back. Link 3: This person is saying that his knuckle is on the bevel above number 3.....which means continental grip?! The opposite of what the first two links are saying. I respect Greg and Florian at OTI a lot, the fact that he thinks he uses different/stronger grips than Eastern definitely holds weight for me, but I've still yet to see a visual example that makes it really clear. All of the really clear, clean footage I've studied of Roger has him dead in the middle of bevel 3. -Ian

[@alenx5455]

Haha Ian I bet you are using an eastern grip and just saying that cuz u wanna be like Roger :P Just joking.. anyway too bad we can't ask Roger what grip he uses... :\ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2KbqGWufNCig9E

[@EssentialTennis]

Haha, that interview clip is hilarious! That's for sharing, I'm going to reference that in the future for sure. The pros are pros for a reason, they didn't get there by analyzing, but by executing. They learn, forget, and act on auto pilot. The worst person to ask about technique is a world class performer! RE my grip, I'm a full semi-western, quite a bit further than Roger. 😃

[@hafadaze9046]

@@EssentialTennis there’s a reason riger can generate so much topspin from a eastern it’s because some shots he shifts his base knuckle to a modified eastern otherwise all his shots would be pretty flat. Especially high balls is almost impossible to hit unless your racket face is some what down

[@brianbarrett192]

Good simple video. I am for clarity through nomenclature. How about we re-name the grips according to the bevel # the knuckle is on? For example, B1, B2, B3.5, B4, B5, etc.

[@deanc2000]

If you're just starting, eastern grip all the way for the forehand, and learn the one handed backhand.

[@manitennis164]

Very informative and helpful video . Keep rocking team!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you! Will do!

[@asgharchanna52]

Excellent explanation

[@denniscraig850]

Thank you! Finally get good instruction on this!

[@jonathanchen1026]

I'm having this very crisis right now.

[@subhashnitave7575]

Lovely very very good explanation, thanks!

[@nathanconstable6833]

Can you analyse Timea Bacsinszky's backhand? It's so good and I want to find out why.

[@EssentialTennis]

We'll add that to our list!

[@nathanconstable6833]

Does that mean yes? 😆 I play very like her, which is why I'm interested. Extreme western grip.

[@EssentialTennis]

Honestly can't say for sure, we have a huuuuuge amount of content always in the works here, can't always get to everything. We'll do our best :-)

[@goofydog2]

Finally a clear path to grips!!! Thanks...

[@noushinkananian5033]

Many thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jackrobinson2583]

GREAT VIDEO

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@ToughTofuAW]

Good video thanks guys

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, ToughTofu! Any particular points most helpful for you? -Ian

[@mario17-t34]

Thanks, can you show how Eastern FH should like from other side, I notice that my index finger goes under the thumb, is this correct ? @4.18 you can see similar picture to what I have but it's for Western FH grip. First youtuber who can cover this will be genius -)

[@marleiserashford396]

Thank you.

[@adage3256]

Excellent and simple to apply!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Firstfruits288]

Thanks

[@harrisonschwerman750]

Super helpful. THANK YOU

[@aliceqqq7951]

Very clear! Thanks, guys! You rock!

[@sebastiansantos5561]

In the forehand to become pro which one would you choose the eastern or the semi western?¿

[@SkeeterMcTavish]

The two best grips no one ever mentions: A semi-western index knuckle with an eastern pinky-side palm. And a more eastern or even semi-western index finger and a semi-western to western palm.

[@Nurg1982]

I have to say, the pro's don't stick to one grip in general. I see Federer move around eastern to semi western, depending on the shot he needs to make (baseline definitely eastern) but with low-half court balls he sometimes turns his grip slightly to accommodate for more spin. Nadal as well, he does full western and semi western. Haven't observed Nole's forehand too much to see what he does.

[@EssentialTennis]

Over the years I've heard people claim that top pros are changing grips many times, Frans. I've made public requests for evidence of it over and over and I've yet to see a single example for any player. Grips can change due to an off center hit and the racquet twisting in the hand, but different grips on the same type of swing (topspin forehand for example) before or at contact is something I've never seen proven in pictures or videos. Do you have any examples? -Ian

[@Shankar-Bhaskar]

Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players No they don't, even Federer says the forehand grip remains the same irrespective of the surface or shot executed unless you are going for the squash shot.

[@LuchoVena]

most adjustments are made by your body, getting low, or raising up to the level height they want to hit the balls

[@ILU-pw8rv]

What grip should I use on the net? Continental?

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely! Here's a volley lesson that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnOZd4qqe8lkr9U

[@flow3372]

amazing video, easy to understand

[@ttrdf]

I am always annoyed by people asking for grips, and observing what grips people use, I think people should worry more about things that are important like footwork and timing, improving bounce to hit time etc, don't worry about other people's grips

[@phengyang2639]

ahmad but then again your grip really determines how you hit, or range and limits

[@commondirtbagz7130]

Eastern is best for stepping in

[@christopherd.337]

Thanks for the pointers as always. I'm definitely go try some these for myself and my daughter cause she always seem hit one out park once an awhile. Lol... She 9yo and still learning, right now she hold at Continental so maybe turn her Knuckles over a few bevels might help. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[@rolandocabezas7040]

Felicitaciones por todo lo expuesto de tenis si embargo les sugiero hacer las explicaciones en Español, así nos facilita en aprendizaje, gracis

[@DanielS10291]

I don’t think they are Spanish

[@stevebatte1147]

I cant get an answer to this fundamental question. for a rh player, when changing grip from continental to semi western or any other. Left hand on the throat rh on the grip, does the lh support the racquet while the rh changes position keeping the face at right angles to the ground, or does the lh twist the rqcquet to the new position altering the angle of the face to the ground ? Im thinking this makes a big difference any advice appreciated.

[@rossmercer343]

Very secretive about the black painted Wilson Burn FST's.

[@EssentialTennis]

🤐🤐🤐

[@mayankshankar1950]

wooooohoooooooooo !!!!!!

[@YourUltimateGod]

As a pro player, depends on court surface, opponents, physical attributes, footwork, racket, and pace... You all should learn to utilize the 6 forms of grips. More weapons to utilize... 👍

[@claudioprado389]

Great video lads keep going, the way you teach even the dumbest can easily learn. Thanks a lot.

[@badaoff]

Should the heel pad always be on the same bevel as the base knuckle? I mean for me, with eastern forehand, I like it more if the heel pad is a little lower, almost at 4 but not totally. I suppose it depends on personal preference, I can find examples on the internet for both, but I am just curious what your opinion is :)

[@kevwev]

Hi I’m a tennis pro and i got this wrist injury using a semi western grip,but i am not going to start using an eastern grip,if there’s any way you guys can make a video on a forehand swing that does not use the wrist that much.would really appreciate it.

[@calvin9187]

Hi ET, didn't know if you saw my previous comment but can I ask what racquet model Kevin and Ian have? Btw all of your vids are great and provide detailed insight. Do you have a previous video on forehand drills to increase power? Thx

[@ayoubzouggari2141]

Really interesting ved

[@shawnewinter4295]

I'll play any of your coaches while using a western grip. I have stupid amounts of power. Literally learned that grip form an anime.

[@scottb9231]

Question do I have to put my grip on the low end of the grip or not? When I put my grip on the end of the grip my play is better but when I try your grips that is not at the end of the grip my performance is so bad

[@pellaco]

Which Racket Model is the one she using? (The black one)

[@thecat4272]

How come Jack Sock has such a big FH if the western grip is not really for driving the ball?

[@EssentialTennis]

Excellent question, Cat. You're right, he hits his forehand a tooooooon. He's able to get those results by using a really extreme load/lag starting at the beginning of his unit turn and then transitioning into his forward swing. Super powerful movement, but takes a great deal of athleticism and timing. Pretty unique to him. -Ian

[@Herman-ix7tv]

Im using the same grip and my forehand isnt bad. I can hit the ball flat with that grip easily

[@urosdjordjevic6060]

my tennis coach tells me that you shoud use grip with whome you can hit balls and get them in the court and that i dont nned to think a lot about grips , is he right about that? thanks

[@garrydhintz8017]

I would learn the different grips but use the one that feels natural. I didn't have to learn the eastern forehand because it was natural. I love Rafa Nadal and his game but the western forehand isn't natural or comfortable with me. I hope that helps you. Both Federer and Nadal are future hall of fame so there's no wrong answer. Find your comfortable effortless swing and grip is just the starting point.

[@bicmag5141]

You guys should look up Tennis Review Factory! They also have the same goal of informing people new to tennis about equipment and learning about the game. Come check them out!

[@Dcard07]

What kind of tennis racket is that matte black one y’all are using?

[@jonathanchen1026]

Kirby 😍

[@ared18t]

What racket is the black one the second and third coach are using? I want a solid color LOL

[@utube2anantha]

Where is shot? Milwaukee?

[@dustylover100]

One thing that helped me in the past was a wall to hit to. It allowed me to practice without another player. Too bad those are not really out there anymore.

[@kenmartinelli6134]

Question to Ian and team: Do you rotate the racket or your had when changing grips?

[@TOXRaizou]

Why not both ? You shouldn't think too much about it, just naturally take the grip you want.

[@skazi4625]

What is the grip you should use for forehand

[@phillipamthor9877]

NOvak Djokovic obviously uses the western grip not the semi-western

[@EssentialTennis]

I don't agree, Andreas. Here's a freeze frame I just grabbed: www.essentialtennis.com/novakgrip.png The bright white part of his grip is Bevel 3, where his index finger knuckle would be if he was in an eastern forehand grip. His big knuckle is one bevel over from that, definitely not all the way on the bottom of the grip. Here's the video I took that from: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6S4oa2Nnrx7mdk

[@phillipamthor9877]

Oh wow I saw it but I was so sure that he uses the western grip because his forehand looks different as Nadals or murrays although they use the same grip

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for being open minded :-)

[@paulorosa1481]

Semi

[@eyesOnJayda]

Interesting but isn't Novak's forehand grip bit spread across with the index flirting with bevel 5 and the pad on bevel 4. Not straight semi-western from just watching some slow-mo videos.

[@andrewnguyen1688]

Anyone know what racquet Kirby and Ian are holding?

[@XDR2201]

Federer is not using Eastern Forehand Grip. He's using a modified Eastern forehand grip aka Extreme Eastern Forehand Grip.

[@hafadaze9046]

Exactly that’s how he’s able to generate a decent amount of topspin without giving up pace

[@boarini2003]

What is that cool black racket she is holding?

[@chinura771]

Good grip

[@obaidfarghani9202]

Guys thanks for the share big fan and long time follower. Question when we hold the raquet shouldnt we expose little bit of raquet butt? some people go too low to hide it and i guess going too low can cause elbow issues - whats the best in your opinion ?

[@EssentialTennis]

I'd say that to a large degree its personal preference, Obaid. You'll see professional players that both choke up pretty far and drop their bottom hand down pretty low. I definitely don't have strong feelings about it one way or the other unless its really exaggerated. -Ian

[@obaidfarghani9202]

@@EssentialTennis Thank you, I feel better when the lower edge of dominant hand is little above the edge.

[@johnward8064]

More Kirby!

[@opencurtin]

Did McEnroe change his grip when the graphite big head racquets came in or did he continue with the continental grip ?

[@niltoncosta6222]

Cool

[@dangeorge1343]

What racquet do the guy with the babolat have

[@ClaptonRules64]

Should the line of my knuckles be parallel with the bevel, or slightly angled?

[@SammyEddie]

Claptonrules64 which grip are you wanting? Forehand or backhand? One hand or two if backhand? Left or right if backhand.

[@pranavkarve2494]

I find semi-western a bit more comfortable. I am still trying to switch to Eastern though, cause Federer 😂. Problem is, I don't always get the wrist roll at contact correctly, so my racket face is a bit too open and I end up hitting wild shots. This doesn't happen with semi western. Any tip on how to fix that?

[@opencurtin]

Pranav Karve you won’t get as much top spin I’m actually trying to go the opposite to you very hard to change I find !

[@pranavkarve2494]

@@opencurtin I think I would, if the technique is right. Look at Federer, he gets plenty of topspin. It's all about the wrist roll and the follow through

[@opencurtin]

Pranav Karve he has that grip since he was a kid he actually uses semi western as well to get more top spin for certain shots good luck with your transition .. :)

[@ml_gamer8344]

@@opencurtin Fed uses full eastern

[@christiancasaboza8608]

You want to change your grip to eastern just bc of Federer? Not a good idea

[@ahnluvjess]

Where did you guys get a all black pure strike?

[@EssentialTennis]

Top secret 🙂

[@balagtas1020]

Hi, I have a question. Is it practical to play with 1hbh and 2hbh? I tend to use 1hbh for slow balls and 2hbh for fast balls. When I 2hbh a slow ball, I tend to shank it or slam it to the net. When I do a 1hbh on a fast ball, my swing is too delayed.

[@EssentialTennis]

No, I really don't think its a good idea, Voltaire. They're completely different strokes, fundamentally. Nothing is the same. It's hard enough to become excellent at one backhand much less two at the same time! Does that make sense? -Ian

[@TheJJZeeman]

I do the same thing. If someone chips a defensive shot that bounces almost straight up, I find it easier to step into it with a one-hand backhand. If it's coming in fast with topspin I need my two-hand backhand. The footwork to cleanly punish "sitters" with a two-hand backhand is difficult, I guess it's something I've got to work on.

[@Urb4n0Ninj4]

at 4:06 she describes the "Skinny" side of the racquet...am I crazy? I thought Racquets were symmetrical?!

[@jonienglish3231]

what black racket is Kirby using ?

[@EssentialTennis]

Top secret.

[@jonienglish3231]

@@EssentialTennis WILSON BURN FST Pro Stock 95 - poss used by Del PORTRO about $400 bucks USD on ebay

[@okenghe5]

Hello which grip should I use for a slice? Thx

[@MelodyMaker]

Continental

[@walterarama]

Eastern for me

[@walterarama]

I thought djoker hit full western?

[@EssentialTennis]

That's not what I see! Here's a freeze frame I just grabbed: www.essentialtennis.com/novakgrip.png The bright white part of his grip is Bevel 3, where his index finger knuckle would be if he was in an eastern forehand grip. His big knuckle is one bevel over from that, definitely not all the way on the bottom of the grip. Here's the video I took that from: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6S4oa2Nnrx7mdk

[@jianweigao6236]

I kinda placed my index knuckle between 3 and 4 (edge between 3 and 4), is that okey or should I switch it to straight 3 or 4 sides?

[@michaele7636]

Depends on which shot you’re hitting

[@hafadaze9046]

That’s how roger plays

[@georgesun7472]

Why do i keep framing my backhand, when I try the pull and release? I do keep my head still at contact, even video showed it, but I keep framing shots. Why?

[@georgesun7472]

I have a double hander, by the way.

[@ttrdf]

You need to watch ball more and position well

[@cgoody9913]

Sp just grab it. Ok got it.

[@dianneelaine157]

What about if you have a two handed forehand?

[@TeamTennisfr]

Kirby, why that black Burn FST racket ? Wilson does not want to pay and you don't want to promote Wilson for free ? :)

[@Breadfan00]

How to continental grip: Put your racket under your left arm like in 1:16 Pull it out like a sword with your right hand. Done

[@Crypticnight2290]

is there a reason that your racquet is painted over?

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes....but I can't tell you...

[@TheAndrewNewman]

it's a prototype from babalon I was lucky enough to get one from a local pro who was moving

[@HOKALIco]

TENNIS TIPS - Learn the Hammer grip with this short tennis tutorial video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn2kf6Vvl8ejmLs

[@oleharder8490]

It's as if the one-handed slice doesn't even exist! Continental grip btw for anyone that was wondering.

[@axelw7323]

Ew a slicer

[@oleharder8490]

@@axelw7323: Haha, it's the difference between a good player and a great player. Nadal, Djokovic, Wilander etc. only became #1 AFTER developing a great slice when in trouble. Players like Berdych, Nishikori, and Zverev stagnated because they don't possess one. I can't even think of a mens #1 that doesn't have an excellent slice.

[@CaptainKenny696]

So the first guy says to use the Continental grip for backhand and then the third guy tells you NOT to use the Continental grip for backhand.

[@kenmartinelli6134]

Meant hand not had

[@Errk2G]

Different strokes for different folks...... sorry had to do it 😅