The way a stoke feels when you hit the ball, and the effect that the stoke has on the ball, largely depends on how you are holding your racket. There are four main forehand grips: Eastern, Continental, Western, and Semi-Western. Each grip can be changed slightly for comfort. Hold the racket with your hand toward the end of the racket.

This is a very natural grip used to hit the ball at any height, flatness, topspin, or slice. The "V" between your index finger and thumb should be on the right edge of the handle. Place your index finger higher on handle for more support. Make sure to keep the heel of your hand at the bottom of your support and to place your palm behind the handle for extra support.

Use this grip for your serve and low balls. This grip is one of the most difficult you will learn. Place the "V" made by your thumb and index finger so that it is slightly to the left of the center on the top edge of the handle.

This grip was developed in California where cement courts made the ball bounce high. Use a Western Continental grip for heavy topspin and to hit high bouncing balls. Move the "V" toward the high edge of your handle. Place knuckle of your index finger so that it is underneath the handle and wrap your thumb around the top. Your wrist will naturally bent backward by the Western Continental grip.

Use this grip for extra topspin and to hit high bouncing balls. The "V" between your index and thumb should sit on the right edge of your handle. The knuckle of your index finger should be on the lower right edge, and your thumb should wrap around the handle . It is difficult to hit low, wide balls using the Semi-western grip.

There are two ways of holding the racket for a backhand: one handed and two handed grip. Most people use the two handed grip. Mainly because the two handed grip gives you more support. Here are two major backhand grips: Eastern and the regular backhand.

Eastern backhand is used for slice and topspin. Place the "V" on the left edge of the finger on the upper left edge of the racket. Wrap your hand around the racket. Make sure your index finger is slightly up the handle for extra support.