There are three grip styles for grabbing a tennis racket: eastern, western and continental. The main difference between them is how you rotate your wrist and racket to hit the ball. The eastern grip is the basic style for grabbing the racket, and is good for beginners and hitting forehands. The western grip is another good forehand grab, but also is useful for backhand hits, volleys and serves. The continental grip is an advanced style for serves and volleys.
Eastern Grip
Step 1
Grab the racket with your dominant hand so that the edge of your palm is touching the end of the handle.
Step 2
Extend your arm in front of you so that the racket head is in a vertical position.
Step 3
Space your fingers so that there is a small gap between them, and the forefinger and thumb are close to the top of the racket handle. The space between the thumb and forefinger should create a "V" that points to your right shoulder if you're right-handed, and vice versa.
Western Grip
Step 1
Grab the tennis racket handle with an eastern grip.
Step 2
Extend your arm in front of you so that the racket head is in a vertical position. Rotate your fingers so your palm is underneath the handle.
Step 3
Verify that there is space between your fingers when they wrap around the handle, with the thumb and forefinger near the top of the handle. The "V" between the thumb and forefinger is on the right side of the handle with the western grip, or left side if you are left-handed.
Continental Grip
Step 1
Grab the racket using the eastern grip.
Step 2
Extend your arm straight in front of you so that racket head is vertical. Rotate your fingers so that the palm is on top of the racket handle, opposite of the western grip.
Step 3
Space your fingers on the racket and verify the point of the "V" between the thumb and forefinger is facing up and the bottom points to your body.
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