Grip Positions

[River Hill]

I just found this website and it is a great resource, which I am sure most of you already know. I am new to tennis and I hope to start taking lessons in the next couple of weeks. I have played before, but it was mostly self taught, so I am sure I have many bad habits.

I have been reading up on grip positions and have realized I have been playing with a Eastern grip for everything. I am going to start using a Continental grip for my serves. Is there a guide or a chart that you could suggest on when to use which grip?

I have also just started trying to use a two handed backhand and I really would like a reference on how to position my hands on the racquet, as I have been just placing my left hand on top of my right. I do like the power that I am getting out of the two handed backhand.

[Bottle Rocket]

Here is the best grip guide around->

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/gear/general/general.aspx?id=649

It describes the advantages and disadvantages of nearly every grip. The positions are also shown very clearly, I think it will be very helpful to you.

Use a continental grip for all of your serves. Use a continental grip for forehand and backhand volleys. Use the two-handed backhand grip shown in the article. To begin with, an eastern forehand grip is perfect.

If you're going to start taking lessons, you should be in good shape if you're doing the things I mentioned above. You will eventually make some "natural" changes in your grips, even for your serve. In the meantime, read as much as you can. This board is a great resource, as are books like "Tennis Mastery".

Another website I like with some very short and simple instructional videos->

http://www.videojug.com/tag/tennis

[River Hill]

Thank you for the information. That is just what I was looking for.

[TennisParent]

www.tennisgeometrics.com for some good pictures and a particularly good training aid the Power V Grip.