The Eastern Forehand Grip

The Eastern Forehand Grip: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to tennis, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to hold the racket properly. One of the most common grips used by players is the Eastern forehand grip.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Eastern forehand grip is, how to use it, and its advantages and disadvantages.

What is the Eastern Forehand Grip?

The Eastern forehand grip is a grip that’s used to hit forehand shots. It’s called the “Eastern” grip because it’s one of the most commonly used grips in Eastern Europe.

With this grip, the base knuckle of the index finger is placed on the third bevel of the racket handle. The heel pad of the hand should be in contact with the handle as well. The remaining fingers wrap around the handle for support.

How to Use the Eastern Forehand Grip

Using the Eastern forehand grip can feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it will become more natural.

To use the Eastern forehand grip, start by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle. Your palm should be facing the net. Then, wrap your remaining fingers around the handle for support.

When hitting a forehand shot with the Eastern forehand grip, the racket face should be perpendicular to the ground, with the strings facing the net. The swing path should be a semi-circular motion, starting from low to high, and finishing across your body.

Advantages of the Eastern Forehand Grip

One of the main advantages of the Eastern forehand grip is its versatility. It allows you to hit a variety of forehand shots, from flat to topspin. It also allows for easy transition to the one-handed backhand grip.

Another advantage of the Eastern forehand grip is its power. When hitting a forehand shot with this grip, you can generate a lot of power, which can be useful when trying to hit winners or defensive shots.

Disadvantages of the Eastern Forehand Grip

The main disadvantage of the Eastern forehand grip is its lack of control. Since it’s a grip that generates a lot of power, it can be difficult to control the direction and placement of the ball. It also requires a lot of practice to develop a consistent swing.

Conclusion

The Eastern forehand grip is a versatile grip that’s commonly used by players of all levels. While it can take some time to get used to, it can generate a lot of power and allow you to hit a variety of shots.

If you’re just starting out, we recommend giving the Eastern forehand grip a try and seeing if it works for you. With practice and patience, you may find that it becomes your go-to grip for forehand shots.