A reliable tennis backhand starts with a grip that lets the racket face meet the ball cleanly. Whether you hit with one hand or two, small changes in hand position can affect your contact point, spin, and ability to handle a fast shot.
Here’s how to find a comfortable tennis backhand grip, check it on your racket, and adjust it for different shots. You’ll also find five popular overgrips to consider if your current handle feels slippery, too firm, or worn out.
What Is the Tennis Backhand Grip?
The backhand grip is the way you place your hand or hands on the racket handle for a backhand. It helps set the racket face at contact. A suitable grip makes it easier to hit with control and topspin, while a poor fit can leave the racket face too open or make contact feel awkward.
There isn’t one correct grip for every player. Your best choice depends on whether you hit one-handed or two-handed, how you swing, and what feels natural when you meet the ball in front of your body.
How to Find the Grip Bevels
A tennis racket handle has eight sides, called bevels. To check your grip, hold the racket with the strings facing away from you and the butt cap pointing toward your body. The bevel at the top is commonly called bevel one; the other bevel numbers go around the handle. Numbering can vary depending on how the racket is held, so use the bevel positions as a guide rather than a rule.
For a right-handed player, a common one-handed backhand grip places the base knuckle of the index finger near the top bevel. A common two-handed setup uses a continental-style grip for the dominant, lower hand and a more eastern or semi-western backhand grip for the upper hand. Left-handed players generally mirror the positions.
One-Handed Backhand Grip
Many one-handed players use an eastern backhand grip. It helps the racket face arrive in a useful position for a topspin drive, and it gives the wrist and arm room to swing through the ball. To find it, start with a continental grip, then rotate your hand slightly around the handle toward the backhand side.
Keep the hand relaxed rather than squeezing hard. A tight grip can make the swing stiff and limit racket-head speed. Prepare early, turn your shoulders, and meet the ball in front of your body. If contact feels late or the racket face keeps opening, check your timing and grip before trying to make a big wrist adjustment.
Some players use a more extreme grip to produce extra topspin. That can work, but it may make low balls and quick changes of direction harder. If you’re learning, begin with a moderate eastern position and adjust only if you have a clear reason.
Two-Handed Backhand Grip
With a two-handed backhand, both hands help guide the racket, but they don’t do identical jobs. The dominant hand is usually lower on the handle and helps stabilize the racket. The upper hand often supplies much of the swing and topspin.
A useful starting point is a continental grip for the lower hand and an eastern-style backhand grip for the upper hand. Try placing your hands close together, with no large gap between them. If your shot feels cramped, move them slightly apart; if the racket twists at contact, check that both hands are secure and your grip pressure is steady.
Players often copy a professional’s hand position without considering their own strength, racket, or timing. Use a coach’s advice or a short video of your stroke to see whether the racket face is square at contact. Comfort matters, but the ball’s flight is the best test.
How to Check and Adjust Your Grip
- Start with your usual hold. Place your hands on the racket as you would before a rally.
- Check your knuckles. Notice where the base knuckle of your index finger sits on the handle. For a two-handed backhand, check both hands.
- Hit a few easy balls. Aim for a smooth swing and a ball that clears the net with a safe margin.
- Change one thing at a time. Rotate your hand only slightly, then test the new position. Sudden, large changes can disrupt timing.
- Check the handle itself. A worn or slick grip can make a sound hand position feel unstable. Replacing the overgrip may solve the problem.
Grip changes can feel strange at first. Give a small adjustment several practice sessions, but don’t force a position that causes pain. If discomfort continues, ask a qualified coach or medical professional for help.
Five Popular Tennis Overgrips to Consider
An overgrip sits over the racket’s main grip. It doesn’t replace good backhand technique, but it can improve comfort and control. These options suit different preferences; feel and durability depend on how much you sweat and how often you play.
| Overgrip | What it’s like | Potential drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | A thin, soft option with a tacky feel. A popular choice if you want a close feel of the handle. | Can wear or lose tackiness with regular play, especially in hot conditions. |
| Tourna Grip Original | A dry-feeling grip often chosen by players whose hands sweat heavily. | Its dry texture may feel unusual if you prefer a sticky surface, and it can need frequent replacement. |
| Yonex Super Grap | A versatile, cushioned overgrip with a tacky feel, available in many colors. | May feel too thick or too tacky for players who want a very thin, dry grip. |
| HEAD XtremeSoft | A soft, perforated option that offers noticeable cushioning and a tacky surface. | Players seeking a firm, direct handle feel may find it too cushioned. |
| Babolat VS Original | A thin overgrip designed for a close, direct feel of the handle. | Its slim profile offers less cushioning than thicker options, and it may not suit players who want a padded feel. |
When choosing, match the surface to your hands: try a dry-feeling overgrip if sweat makes the racket slide, or a tackier one if you prefer a secure hold. Replace an overgrip when it becomes slick, torn, or noticeably compressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grip for a tennis backhand?
There’s no single best grip for everyone. A moderate eastern backhand grip is a common starting point for a one-handed backhand. Two-handed players often use a continental grip below and an eastern-style backhand grip above.
Can I use a continental grip for my backhand?
Yes. A continental grip can work well for a one-handed backhand, especially for slices, volleys, and lower contact points. Some players also use it as the lower-hand grip on a two-handed backhand.
How tight should I hold the racket?
Hold it firmly enough that it doesn’t turn in your hand, but keep your arm and wrist relaxed. Squeezing too hard can make it harder to swing freely.
Should I change my backhand grip if I keep missing?
Not automatically. Late preparation, poor spacing, and contact behind your body can cause misses even with a suitable grip. Check your timing and contact point first, then test a small grip adjustment if the racket face still feels difficult to control.
Final Thoughts
A good tennis backhand grip should help you meet the ball with a steady racket face without making your swing feel forced. Start with a moderate hand position, check your contact and ball flight, and make small changes only when you know what you’re trying to improve. If the handle slips or feels uncomfortable, the right overgrip may help you hold the racket with less tension.
