1. Why Stance and Grip Matter
Your stance and grip are the foundation of every shot you play. Without a solid base and correct hand positioning, even the most powerful swing will lack control. Think of them as the roots of a tree 🌳 — strong roots mean a stable, thriving game.
2. The Basic Ready Stance 🏃♂️
The ready stance prepares you to react quickly to any shot:
- Feet shoulder-width apart 👣
- Knees slightly bent for quick movement
- Weight balanced on the balls of your feet (not your heels)
- Racket held in front, ready for either forehand or backhand
💡 Pro tip: Always return to the ready stance after each shot — it’s your “reset button” during rallies.
3. The Four Fundamental Tennis Grips ✋
A. Eastern Grip 🎯
- How to do it: Place the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel #3 of the racket handle.
- Best for: Flat shots and classic forehands.
- When to use: Great for beginners learning control and timing.
B. Continental Grip 🛡️
- How to do it: Place the base knuckle on bevel #2.
- Best for: Serves, volleys, and slice shots.
- When to use: Perfect for net play and defensive shots.
C. Semi-Western Grip ⚡
- How to do it: Place the base knuckle on bevel #4.
- Best for: Powerful topspin forehands.
- When to use: Popular in modern baseline play, especially on clay courts.
D. Western Grip 🔥
- How to do it: Place the base knuckle on bevel #5.
- Best for: Maximum topspin with a high ball trajectory.
- When to use: Favoured by aggressive baseline players in slow-court conditions.
4. Choosing the Right Grip for the Situation 🎯
- Low balls → Continental or Eastern for cleaner contact.
- High balls → Semi-Western or Western for heavy topspin.
- Serve & volley style → Continental for versatility.
- Baseline rallies → Semi-Western for a balance of power and spin.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- Holding the grip too tightly (reduces fluidity)
- Switching grips too slowly between shots
- Ignoring stance in favour of arm power
- Using one grip for every shot without adapting
6. Final Takeaway 💬
Mastering stance and grip isn’t flashy, but it’s the secret sauce to every great player’s success. Practice them until they become second nature, and you’ll notice immediate improvements in control, power, and shot variety.
🎾 Next step: Head to the court, try each grip, and see which feels most natural for different shots. The more comfortable you get, the more tactical options you’ll have in a match.
