Use a forehand grip anytime you’re hitting on the right side of the court, in a position from 12 to 5 o’clock as if you were facing a clock.
- Address your racket like you’re going to shake hands with someone.
- Hold your racket toward the bottom.
- Your pointer finger should be up higher on the racket (with a slight bend in it) so you can use it for power.
- The bottom of the V your hand makes between your pointer finger and thumb should be on the corner just left of the top of your racket (11 o’clock position).
- Your thumb should lightly touch your middle finger.
- Hold it lightly – don’t over squeeze.
Use a backhand grip anytime you’re hitting on the left side of the court, in a position from 11 to 6 o’clock as if you were facing a clock.
- Shift your thumb so it’s on the flat part of the racket, on the same plane as your strings.
- You will use your thumb for power in the backhand grip.
- Shift your pointer finder down, so it’s opposite your thumb in a “pinching” grip.
- Hold it lightly – don’t over squeeze.
Here’s a good video from Coach Chandra on forehand and backhand grips.
Practice switching your grips on a net or in the air until you can do it quickly without thinking about it!