The Eastern Forehand Grip: A Complete Overview

Tennis players, both amateur and professional, use the eastern grip, although its popularity hasn’t been as high as it once was.

A detailed analysis of the eastern forehand grip will be presented in this article, along with its pros and cons.

The Eastern Tennis Grip

Before the 1920s, most players used a continental grip for their forehands, which was gradually evolving into an eastern grip.

Players no longer needed to radically change the way they held the tennis racquet when they switched from the continental grip to the eastern grip, although the semi-western and western grips are both comparatively more extreme.

As the sport became more competitive, the eastern grip evolved as players wanted to make higher-risk shots while still keeping a high margin of error.

While it is still used by professionals and recreational players, the semi-western or western grip is becoming increasingly popular.

You can also read Western Forehand Grip

How To Hold An Eastern Forehand Grip

Eastern forehand grips are quite simple to hold. In tennis, it can be helpful to recognize that all tennis racquet handles resemble an octagon, or eight-sided shape similar to a stop sign, which has eight sides.

This diagram illustrates how we can easily identify the eastern forehand grip if we label each side with a number. You need to place the palm side of the index finger’s knuckle against the third bevel if you are a right-handed player, or against the seventh bevel if you are a left-handed player. Wrap your fingers tightly around the handle after placing the palm side of the index finger’s knuckle against the third bevel.

The easter grip is pretty comfortable for most players, especially beginners.

 Consequently, many instructors still teach the eastern grip when players first start, especially if the semi-western or western grips feel uncomfortable.

Advantages of an Eastern Grip

It can be beneficial for players to transition from a forehand to a volley and vice versa quickly with an eastern tennis grip because it is close to the continental grip. Changing grips when transitioning from the baseline to the net is very easy and quick, especially when hitting an approach shot.

As with returning serves, some players may be able to transition more quickly between the eastern and western grip when hitting a forehand or backhand.

If you have a two-handed backhand, for instance, and you are returning the ball, you can very easily switch from a traditional forehand to a two-handed grip if the ball ends up travelling in that direction.

The eastern grip may seem easier to switch, however that doesn’t mean switching grips with a western or semi-western grip is impossible. These grips are commonly used by players who use them.

Compared to players moving from an eastern to a continental grip, those moving from a backhand to a backhand will likely find it easier and more straightforward to switch grips.

Furthermore, players can flatten out the ball with the eastern grip, resulting in less topspin. For beginners, flattening the ball doesn’t offer much benefit, as it usually results in shots with little margin for error.

Nevertheless, when you are playing against highly competitive players, flattening out the ball can be useful for making passes or closing out a point with a shot that doesn’t bounce high, making it more difficult for your opponent to grab the ball.

Disadvantages of an Eastern Grip

Eastern grips are generally disadvantageous because they are harder to generate significant topspin. It might not seem like a big problem to some players. Players can, however, maintain consistency while hitting the ball aggressively by hitting with more topspin.

The ball can be aggressively hit by players with an eastern grip as well. As a result of topspin, players using a semi-western or western tennis grip will generate more topspin, strike higher over the net, and ensure the ball will drop back into the court.

It is therefore not uncommon to find big-hitting, grinding baseliners using western grips and not semi-western grips.

Is the Eastern Forehand Grip used by any players?

Some of the best tennis players have used the Eastern grip for decades to achieve success.

Before 2000, names such as Bjorn Borg, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, and Pete Sampras stood out. Among the women’s tour’s biggest names are Ashleigh Barty, Angelique Kerber and Petra Kvitova, while Roger Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the men’s tour’s.

Should I Use an Eastern Grip?

The eastern grip can be a good beginner’s grip, even though there’s no simple answer.

 In general, if you want to play in a certain style, this grip is comfortable.

In spite of this, the eastern grip remains a staple grip in tennis, albeit less prevalent than it once was. Being flexible with your grip as you advance in your game and your skill set increases is the best thing you can do.

Conclusion

As a result, the Eastern forehand grip is one of the most fundamental and widely used grips in tennis. Professionals and amateurs alike love it because it is versatile and balances power and control. With this grip, players can use effective topspin and adjust their shots to different playing conditions.

It is important to practice, to be patient, and to grasp the nuances of the Eastern forehand. The Eastern grip has the potential to help players improve their overall performance on the tennis court, demonstrating an ability to adapt well to a variety of circumstances.

Is there anything you would like to know about the eastern tennis grip? We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments.

You can also read  Best Tennis Overgrip For Sweaty Hands