Continental Grip

The continental grip is the only grip that you can use for every shot.  The continental grip is used mostly for serves, volleys, overheads, slices, and defensive shots.  To hold this grip, put your base knuckle on bevel 1 if you are  right handed, or bevel 4 if you are a left handed.

Eastern Forehand Grip

The Eastern Forehand Grip is considered the easiest grip to hold for the forehand, which is why many beginners are taught to use this grip.  It allows the player to use topspin, or flatten out the shot for power and penetration.  It is easy to switch to other grips from this grip, which makes is a popular with players who like to come to the net.  To hold an eastern forehand grip, if you are right handed, have your base knuckle on the right side, if you are left handed, have it on the left side. 

Semi-Western Forehand Grip

For a righty, the semi-western forehand grip is on bevel 2 and for a lefty, it is bevel 3.  The semi-western forehand grip allows you to apply more topspin to the ball, giving it more safety and control, especially on lobs and short angles.  You can still drive through the ball for a flat drive winner or passing shot.

Western Forehand Grip

The western forehand grip is held, for a righty and a lefty both on the bottom bevel.  This grip is very extreme, generating tremendous topspin.  This grip is very popular with clay court players, or players who hit with heavy topspin.

Eastern Backhand Grip

For the eastern backhand grip, both right handers and left handers, the base knuckle is on the top.  This is a versatile grip that provides good stability for the wrist.  With this grip, you can use topspin or hit through the ball for a hard drive. 

Two-Handed Backhand Grip

This grip is an excellent choice for players who aren’t strong enough for a one handed backhand.  It is particularly good for return of serve, due to it relying on shoulder rotation.  A two-handed backhand is also good on low balls.  For a righty, the right hand is on bevel 1 and the left hand is on bevel 3.  If you are a lefty, then your right hand would go on bevel 2 and the left hand would go on bevel 4.