Natural Grip - Hammer

The Natural Grip & Grip Improvisations

The Natural Grip The Hammer Grip 

The Natural Grip: Although not recommended, this grip feels strong, secure and comfortable. The forehand knuckle is reasonably level with the thumb knuckle. Whether the wrist is cocked or not the racquet face will present slightly closed on the forehand and slightly open on the backhand.

The Forehand Open Racquet Face Grip: When the ball is positioned behind the player which often requires the player to boast, opening the racquet face presents the opportunity to hit the ball straight. Open the racquet face by rotating the handle in the fingers. The V will move anti clockwise while the face moves clockwise. The face presents open for the forehand. 

The Forehand Open Racquet Face Shortened Grip: This often occurs when the player’s swing is further restricted  when hitting the ball off back wall. The player not only opens the face but shortens the grip by climbing up the racquet shaft with the fingers.

The Forehand Open Racquet Face Extended Grip: Again this occurs when the ball is positioned behind the player but the player is struggling to reach the ball.  The player not only opens the face but lengthens the grip by climbing down the racquet handle with the fingers. 

The Backhand Open Racquet Face Grip: When the ball is positioned behind the player which often requires the player to boast, opening the racquet face presents the opportunity to hit the ball straight.  Open the racquet face by rotating the handle in the fingers. The V will move clockwise while the face moves anti-clockwise. The face presents open for the backhand. 

The Backhand Open Racquet Face Shortened Grip: This often occurs when the player’s swing is further restricted  when hitting the ball off back wall. The player not only opens the face but shortens the grip by climbing up the racquet shaft with the fingers.

The Backhand Open Racquet Face Extended Grip: Again this occurs when the ball is positioned behind the player but the player is struggling to reach the ball.  The player not only opens the face but lengthens the grip by climbing down the racquet handle with the fingers. 

The Forehand Closed Racquet Face Grip: This grip is used when he ball is hit directly at the player. This allows the player to volley straight instead of reflexing cross-court. Normally only done on forehand as the player can gooseneck if the situation presents on the backhand side.
Close the face by rotating the handle in the fingers. The V will have moved clockwise while the face moves anti-clockwise   

The Forehand Closed Racquet Face Grip: The player can also also rotate the handle by moving the V anti-clockwise while the face will move clockwise.

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