gripping the racquet

[jeffreyfranz]

I have a very basic question. When gripping the racquet, should the butt always (or "normally") be in the heel of the hand? I tried choking up on the racquet today when hitting with a buddy. I got a lot more accuracy but lost power. I think most pros have the butt inside the heel of the hand, like Sampras used to do. But I have seen pics of pros (e.g., Hingis), who choke up. I wonder, how many of you out there choke up on the handle for the majority or all of your groundstrokes? Volleys?

Thanks a lot,
jeffrey

 

[samster]

You should probably post this in another section. To answer your question, a lot of this is preference. Hingis has a extended length racket and where as others use regular length. People using regular length racket tend to grip lower on the serve; ie. Sampras grip low (opposite of choking up) to get more reach and power on the serve. I also have been taught to choke up on the grip a little on the volleys especially with a XL racket for more control and maneuverability. Again, it is what you are comfortable with. I don't think there is a right or wrong to this.