[tennisbiz] Re: Questions about gripping the racket?

Here's a little different slant on the matter of grip firmness. A tight grip
produces a firm wrist. It's difficult to separate the two in terms of muscle
mechanics. Thus the tight grip is used in volleying, where firm wrist is
critical. But in serving, where wrist action is needed, the grip should be
loose. In ground stroking, different degrees of wrist firmness are
desirable--where the player is rushed or where a fairly fine degree of
precision is needed (as in low approach shots), then the firm wrist and firm
grip are better. But where the player is hitting all-out, as from deep or
where lots of court is open, then a looser grip and wrist should achieve
greater power. For returning a hard serve, the firm grip is absolutely
needed. But when attacking with power a second serve, then the loose grip
achieves more. For drop shots and lobs, I find a firm grip is better, giving
better racket control, but others probably do better with loose grip for
feel.

--Ray Bowers


  
Received on Mon Nov 03 2003 - 05:56:45 CST