Two Different Grips

Rishab Kapoor

Last updated on 04-Mar-2012 11:53:44 AM

Sir,

I have been using two slightly different grips for my backhand and forehand.I know its not at all advisable to use two different grips. But now i have been using it for 3 years and never had much problem with it . But now i am playing with really good players who are extremly good at placing balls at both corners alternatively with great variations and this does not give me much time to change my grip and most of the times i mess it up.

There is not much difference in my grips except from that when i am playing with forehand the thumb is little outwards(touching the wooden part of the racket) and that allows me with the space to free up my arms and play an aggressive shot . But when i am using my backhand i tend to use my thumb little inwards touching the rubber part allowing me to take much better control while top spinning the ball and for other strokes such as chop.

So ,I would like to ask what grip should i use to develop my skills further. Should , I continue playing the way i am playing . Is it normal to have slightly different grips for forehand and backhand ?
OR should i use a single grip for both and try to master it .
Any help will be greatly appreciated
THANKS.

and Alois Rosario said...

Hi Rishab,

I think ideally it is best to have the same grip for both sides specifically for the problems you are starting to face now as the ball is travelling faster because you are reaching a higher level.

A small adjustment is possible with the thumb but if you find it is effecting your strokes then you should stay with the grip you are using for the forehand with your thumb down on the wood.

We have just filmed a video response to a very similar question so it will be up shortly for you to view.

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Comments on this question

Rishab Kapoor commented...

on the 03-Mar-2012 08:09:45 AM

thanks Coach for such a speedy reply.Thanks a lot.
Coach you told me to use the grip which i am currently using for the forehand. Actually i also thought a lot about it and practised with both grips taking one at a time. It really give me a hard time pondering over which grip should i finalise.And then for the last 3-4 days i hav been using my backhand grip and it has affected my forehand adversely and it will be same if i play with my forehand grip. I picked backhand grip as i was able to play more shots with the forehand incomparison to if i would hav picked the forehand grip.
(i would' nt have been able to play most of the shots which i play with backhand. )

Sir i really want to excel in this game. I have played many inter- college tournaments.So, i would like to ask which one is the more professional way of gripping ? Down the handle or up the handle ? Which grip most of the players used ? I would love to know which grip you personally use ? Finally, which grip should i use as i will have to work on both the grips equally . So i would like to know which grip will help me in future to excel and play more advanced shots.
I am eagerly waiting for the video as it will be of great help for me.
Thanks a lot.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills said...

on the 04-Mar-2012 11:53:44 AM

Rishab,

It sounds like you are starting to get the feel of what is right. It may take a little while for it to feel totally comfortable, but you will get there. With regards to holding the bat further down the handle this again is a matter of preference. More attacking players tend to hold the bat further down whereas players that rely more on control tend to hold the bat in closer.

I tend to hold the bat quite close in but have a very neutral grip as far as forehands and backhands.

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