Does it matter if you change the side of racquet you use between points?

[ben_friendz]

I do this but does it make any difference?

[WildVolley]

You actually pay enough attention to know which side of the racquet you are using? Both sides look the same on my racquet, and I just use whatever. Though, I don't compulsively spin the racquet in my hand prior to each point like many of the pros.

[Voltron]

The leather grip on my frames is grooved in such a way that I hit forehands and backhands with one side of the stringbed, and serves and volleys with the other.

[ionutzakis]

I always use the same side when serving, there's always a bump on one side at the end of the handle that I look to avoid

[dave333]

I can't because I make my overgrip so that it feels perfect on one side, not so good on the other.

[ZPTennis]

I pay no attention to what side im using.

[Zets147]

I always use the same side when serving, there's always a bump on one side at the end of the handle that I look to avoid

that bump is actually a staple, you can push it down if it bothers you.

[dacrymn]

You actually pay enough attention to know which side of the racquet you are using? Both sides look the same on my racquet, and I just use whatever. Though, I don't compulsively spin the racquet in my hand prior to each point like many of the pros.

Well, actually you should spin the racket. This is to ensure that you can quickly find a grip that you need for the next shot. I do this compulsively, and it makes things a lot quicker.

[ChocolatePie]

I usually spin my racket before my serve or before I'm about to return a serve. It's just a habit and it doesn't affect my play at all.

[EasternRocks]

i don't think theres any difference...does it really matter anyways?

[fuzz nation]

I guess it would only matter if you used an old wood frame that you forgot to leave in its press!

[AgassiFan12]

Well, actually you should spin the racket. This is to ensure that you can quickly find a grip that you need for the next shot. I do this compulsively, and it makes things a lot quicker.


That's a great point! I always spin my racket without even thinking about it, but it's good to know that it may actually be beneficial.

[FatCat]

I always use the same side for forehands and the opposite for backhands. I'm also a bit obsessive compulsive. It's gotten better; when I picked up ping pong a while ago I could only use the black side of the paddle (I'd just spin my arm/wrist at weird angles to hit things on my backhand side, but that doesn't work in tennis), at least now I can use both sides of the racket.

I notice both the difference in the way the grip feels and the way my shot feels when I hold the racket the "wrong" way. But then again, I'm a bit weird....

[Gugafan_Redux]

I only use the front, because the tension is better than the back.

;-)

[AJK1]

Yeah, you should use either side of the racquet between each point to make your strings last longer, you don't want to wear out one side before the other ;)

[Tim Tennis]

Yeah, you should use either side of the racquet between each point to make your strings last longer, you don't want to wear out one side before the other ;)

That's interesting. Used to get a lot of questions about using the Power V Grip and would it wear the strings out quicker if you hit on the same side for both forehands and backhands. When you think about it the inside surface of the strings always rub together just the same. It does not matter if you hit with the same side of your racquet for both forehands and backhands or alternate sides.

Best regards,

Tim Tennis
Tennis Geometrics

http://www.tennisgeometrics.com

[Golden Retriever]

Actually, if you have the time and luxury to care about which side of the racquet you are using and still come out as the winner. You should really get a better opponent.