Private Lessons: Understanding The Backhand Grips

Modern one-handers like Roger Federer have the explosive firepower of the best two-handed players.

In comparison to the forehand, which can be hit with 4 or 5 distinct grip styles, the backhand grips are much
simpler. For the one-handed backhand there are just two options: the continental grip (see part 1 of this series) or the
eastern grip.

On the two handed backhand, the grip for the dominant, or bottom hand (i.e., the right hand for a
right-hander) should be a continental. This can be combined with either an eastern or a mild semi-western grip with the top
(or left) hand.

One-Handed Backhand

The one-handed backhand, once the standard in the game, is on its way back after years of being considered a
second-class citizen. Many of the top players have one-handed topspin backhands equal in firepower to the two-handed players.
This marks a major evolution in the modern game.

In years past, one-handers hit mainly with slice (continental grip). There were two reasons. One, the slice backhand was a great rallying tool. With wood racquets there was little danger of the opponent producing a lot of energy off a slower ball. Two, the slice was a great weapon in…