Western Grip

Explanation: This is another grip for the more advanced player, and is generally used on forehand and swinging volley shots.

The western grip allows for good power generation alongside topspin, but the amount of power and spin depends on how quick players can swing and brush up the back of the ball.

The disadvantages to this grip are that the racket face is closed, meaning facing down towards the floor, which makes it harder to get the ball up and over the net. The ball must be hit from low to high to counteract the closed face.

How: Again start using the eastern grip but then turn the racket in the opposite direction to the continental grip. So for the right handed player the racket should be turned to the right, and to the left for the left handed player.

Fingers should stay slightly spread, and the thumb should lie across the top of the handle. The grip should stay loose to create a smooth swing, but tighten when the racket makes contact with the ball.

Other Grips and Techniques: