# Grips and the Ready Position · Tennis Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-3/grips-and-the-ready-position/)

Grips and the Ready Position in Tennis (Level 3: Pre-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: forehand grips; and more.

The bevels of the racket handle, the main forehand, serve, volley and backhand grips, how a grip is changed and held, and the ready position.

## Test 1: Forehand grips

- The handle is an octagon, and its eight flat sides are numbered as bevels. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The Western grip sits furthest round, with the palm well under the handle. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Rotating the grip under the handle closes the racket face, which helps brush up the back of the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Moving the hand round from Eastern towards Western gives the Semi-western grip. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The closed racket face is awkward on low balls and takes time to change for the backhand. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Grips are named by the bevel on which the base knuckle of the index finger rests. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The closed face works best when the ball is struck out in front and at a good height. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Continental sits on bevel 2, Eastern forehand on 3, Semi-western on 4 and Western on 5. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The palm-on-strings method gives an Eastern grip because the hand lands on bevel 3. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The index knuckle on bevel 3 is the Eastern forehand grip. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))

## Test 2: Serve, volley and backhand grips

- The Continental hold resembles gripping a hammer, which suits serves and volleys. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A net player rarely has time to change grips, so one hold covers both sides. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The turn of the forearm, called pronation, is easiest with a Continental hold. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The Eastern backhand grip rotates the hand over towards the top bevel. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- On an Eastern backhand the base knuckle rests on the top flat, bevel 1. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Too much tension stiffens the forearm and cuts the feel of the stroke. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The free hand at the throat steadies the racket while the hitting hand rotates it. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Holding the racket edge-on puts the hand on the bevel that feels like holding a hammer. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A quick look at the knuckle position confirms or corrects the hold. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- The index knuckle on bevel 2 is the Continental grip. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))

## Test 3: Holding and changing the grip

- A handle that is too small makes the hand clench, which stiffens the arm. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- A loose hold between points saves energy and keeps the arm ready. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A death grip stiffens the arm and dulls the feel for the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A gentle firming at contact keeps the racket stable as the ball arrives. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Watching the V helps a player repeat the same hold every time. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A net exchange is too fast for a grip change, so one hold is used for both sides. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Net play uses the Continental, so baseline hitters shift towards it. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Support the racket, turn the handle, check it and then get ready again. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- A relaxed hold between shots firms slightly at contact. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))
- Moving a bevel clockwise from 2 to 3 takes the hand from Continental to Eastern forehand. (Source: General coaching reference (grips and the bevel system))

## Test 4: The ready position

- Shoulder-width feet give a stable base from which to move either way. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Weight on the balls of the feet lets a player push off quickly. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Slightly bent knees let the player spring in any direction. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A forward racket speeds up the first move to either side. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Facing forward lets the player push in either direction. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A springy stance shortens the reaction time to the first step. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Being ready before the opponent's contact allows an immediate response. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- A player sets the base, the knees and the racket, then times a split step. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Readiness grows as weight moves forward and the racket comes up. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))
- Parallel feet, shoulder-width apart and facing the net, make the ready position. (Source: General coaching reference (groundstroke stances and footwork))

Sources: ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

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