A rarely discussed tip for finding the right grip explains why many top players will often have slight grip adjustments for hitting forehand and backhand groundstrokes at different heights. The principle is to set the racquet angle first, and then the grip will slightly adjust to the angle of the racquet face as long as you keep your hand in a neutral and comfortable position. Here’s a simple example: Hit a forehand at knee height from the baseline and check your grip. Then, nail a shoulder-height forehand from inside the service box and check your grip. Most players will find that the grip will be further towards a Western grip on the short high ball. Why? Because the racquet face will be more closed from that court position and ball height. The grip follows the racquet angle for the shot.








Joe Dinoffer has had an extensive "world class" career in the tennis industry, and has conducted clinics and exhibitions in over 50 countries. Joe also is also the owner of oncourtoffcourt.com and president of Oncourt Offcourt, Ltd., a company exclusively serving the needs of tennis, fitness, and physical education coaches with innovative training aids and educational tools. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Monika, and their daughter, Kalindi.