Adjusting Grips in a Game

Fouad Hafnium Asked 10 years ago

Dearest Olympic coach Alois and dearest Olympian athlete Jeff,

I hold my racket in handshake style. I happened to notice the other day that I tend to change grips slightly as I switch from forehand to backhand, and vice versa.

When using backhand, my thumb is straight and presses somewhat harder on the rubber, and my index finger is pointed downwards and no longer parallel with my thumb like it is when I'm doing forehand topspins.

My question to you: do you think this is acceptable technique, especially if it seems to work for me? do you think that during a match, it can be costly time-wise for a player who adjusts grips the way I do?

Thanks a lot!

P.S.: Come back soon! I already miss being live on your show.

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Dieudonne,

A small adjustment with the grip is OK as long as it doesn’t take too long to change and it compromises your stroke.

In general though try to keep your grip as similar as possible for both sides.