Years ago, Tennisplayer created a new system for identifying forehand grips. The usual verbal terminology was obviously too vague and inaccurate. Eastern, semi western, western?
What did those words mean and how did they compare with how top players actually held the racket? It was apparent that there were many variations not accurately reflected in the standard terminology. (For that groundbreaking article, Click Here for Part 1. Click Here for Part 2.)
We created this new system by numbering the bevels on the racket handle, and then identifying two key points on the hand. The bevels were numbered 1 to 8. The key points on the hand were the base of the index knuckle and the center of the heel pad.
Then we looked at how various top players matched them up. Where did the index knuckle and the heel pad connect with which bevel or bevels or the edges of the bevels?
Suddenly we had a far more precise way of identifying and labeling grips and could differentiate the grips of the top players. We could see several variations of eastern and also semi western. But none of the players we looked at were fully western with the hand fully under the handle.
The Other Factor
But there were two other factors we didn't address. The first was the trend for players to play with smaller handle sizes, 4 and 1 / 2 or even 4 and 3 / 8.
The second was how much of the hand was actually on the racket handle and how much was actually off the racket handle. It was tough to see even in the high speed video and to be honest, with the hand partially off the handle even the placement of the two checkpoints on the bevels seemed unclear at times.
But now we can take a much closer look thanks to the amazing still photography of Jim Fawcette. He put up images of most of the top forehands in the game last month, including zoomed closeup images of the grip. (Click Here to watch that whole slideshow.)
The close views and the level of resolution are incredible. They allow us to see more or less definitively how much of the hand is on the handle and how much is off. Jim's photos demonstrate that most of the top players have some of the hand off the handle. But 3 top players don't.
Grigor Dimitrov has a 3 / 3 grip in terms of the bevels and his entire hand is behind the handle. I would call that grip a classic shake hands with the racket Eastern.
Daniil Medvedev may have a slightly more conservative grip even than Grigor. His index knuckle may actually be partially on bevel 2, with the heel pad slightly off the handle. Is that a 2 and 1/2 /3?
So it might make sense that the more old school grips have more of the hand on the grip. But that wasn't universal.
Look at Novak. His heel pad looks like it is on the edge of bevel 4 and 5. But his hand is fully on the handle.
Then there is Roger Federer. Many words have been exchanged about his forehand grip.
Was it a true 3 / 3? Or did he slide his index knuckle down to the edge of bevel 4? Well in this photo part if his heel pad is definitely off the handle. And it looks like that part is actually wrapping around bevel 4.
Try it yourself. Start with a 3 /3 classic eastern and slide your hand partially off the racket. It looks different than Grigor with the hand more fully behind the handle but also like the handle is being cradled in the palm of the hand.
Now let's look at Alcaraz. He's on record saying he wants to play like Fed. It's a little hard to see even with Jim's magnification, but I think his grip is only slightly more extreme than Roger. And his hand is probably slightly more on the racket handle.
Jannik Sinner is of course the Alcaraz rival. His heel pad seems to be fully on bevel 4, with the rest of his hand and the index knuckle check point probably about the same or maybe slightly. It's similar to Novak except that his hand is partially off the handle.
When we look at Nadal, the most distinctive thing about his grip is how far off the handle his hand actually is. It looks like the butt of the racket is in the center of his palm.
When he came on tour his grip seemed very extreme - not so much today and compared to the other players we are looking at. Slightly more extreme than Djokovic - except for the hand off the racket?
The Meaning
So if nothing else this article should convince that the old 3 tier grip structure of eastern, semi-western and western is virtually meaningless. Also that no two of these players have identical forehand grips.
So what are the playing and teaching implications? Where would you start a junior? An adult? What about students that come to you that already have extreme grips?
And what does the hand partially off the racket actually mean—if anything? Honest questions and would love to see your thoughts/answers in the Forum!
