The hammer grip in tennis

The hammer grip refers to a specific hand position on a specific part of the tennis racket handle. Players of any level can use the grip, whether introducing it to their game or perfecting it through competition. The hold adds handling ability and precision to both small and big moves. The hammer grip serves as a base for certain tennis strokes and is highly versatile.

What tennis strokes can one do with this famous grip?

Are you for the one-handed backhand?

This hold is ideal for executing backhand strokes in order to get a straight (clean) hit and to begin producing the lifted effect that will make your opponent play above the shoulder.

Or rather the two-handed backhand?

As well, the hammer grip can be used for two-handed backhands with a dominating right arm (that will have a greater effect than the left arm, serving as the backbone behind the strokes’ execution) for right-handed players. Or vice versa, for two-handed backhands with a dominating left arm (that will have a greater effect than the right arm, serving as the backbone behind the strokes’ execution) for left-handed players.

Like Rod Laver: Come to volley and smash!

This grip is interesting when attacking with a backhand volley. As well, it is the base hold for a powerful smash.

Serve at arm’s length

The hammer grip can be used to serve a flat hit.

Like Marco Cecchinato at Roland Garros : To create results!

It is interesting to use the grip for an underspin forehand or sliced backhand, as well as for a sliced smash or serve with sliced effect landing on the edge of the court and sidelines.

Like Richard Gasquet : Make the most of the little game

This grip is also wise to use when executing a drop shot/counter drop shot, preferably backhand, in order to break the rhythm and surprise your opponent.

Use the hammer grip to increase your game

Handle structure to refine your knowledge on the subject!

First, balance the end of the racket frame on the ground. Now it will be easy to take hold of the racket and get a feel for this grip.

A tennis racket handle is made up of different parts. It includes four planes and four bevels, known as edges. As a point of reference, the part of the handle that touches the ground when the racket is balanced on its end is the inferior plane. The superior plane is opposite the inferior plane. When taking a hammer grip, it is on this superior end of the handle that you’ll place your hand in order to reap the benefits.

Practical applications so that you can use it without difficulty!

A tennis grip depends on how the hand is positioned on the tennis racket. It is determined by where the hypothenar eminence (muscular projection formed by the little finger’s three short motor muscles on the palm’s interior) is placed on the racket handle. This point of reference is key when learning the hammer grip. To find it, place the palm of your hand on the ground then turn the right (or left) hand towards you in order to see the interior of the palm. Starting from the base of your small finger, descend towards your elbow. The hypothenar eminence is located at almost a right angle between the base of your little finger and the base of your thumb. It is slightly higher than the palm of the hand, towards the bottom left. Place this part of your hand on the superior plane of the handle. Feel where your hand and fingers are positioned on the handle.

To find it, little ones will need to place the racket on the ground on the edge of its frame. To practice, ask them to hold the racket in their hand in order to get used to the grip. They will progressively adjust to it.