Do you prefer a one-handed backhand?
This grip can be used when executing a one-handed backhand to make a flat (dry) shot along the line and to start producing some lifted spin to make your opponent play over the shoulder.
The hammer grip is a specific hand position on a specific part of the handle of a tennis racket. It can be used by players at all levels, from beginners through to advanced players and competitors. It provides manoeuvrability and precision in both small and large games. The hammer grip is used as a reference for certain tennis shots and is highly versatile. Take part in an intensive tennis course or tennis study programme at the Mouratoglou Academy to work on your racket grip.
What tennis shots can you do with this famous grip?
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Or would you prefer a two-handed backhand?
In addition, the hammer grip can be used to execute a two-handed backhand with the dominant right arm (which will have a more important action than the left arm, giving the sensation of a pillar in the execution of the shot) for a right-hander. Similarly, for a left-handed player, the hammer grip can be used to execute a two-handed shot with the dominant left arm (which will have a stronger action than the right arm, giving the feeling of a pillar in the execution of the shot).
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Like Rod Laver: volley and smash!
This grip is ideal for storming the net with backhand volleys. In addition, this grip is a reference for a powerful smash.
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Get to grips with your service
The hammer grip can be used for a flat serve.
Like Marco Cecchinato at Roland Garros: for spin!
It’s particularly useful for the sliced forehand/backhand and the slice shot, as well as for producing a sliced smash or a service with a sliced spin shot away from the court and the lines. -
Like Richard Gasquet: Play the short game well
This grip is also ideal for executing a bunt/counter-bunt, preferably on the backhand side, to break the rhythm and surprise your opponent.
Use the hammer grip to increase your game tenfold
The structure of the handle to refine your knowledge!
First of all, balance the tennis racket on the edge of its frame on the ground. It will then be easy to pick up the racket and feel the grip.
The handle of a tennis racket is made up of different parts. There are four flats and four chamfers , also known as edges. As a guide, the part of the grip that touches the ground when the racket is balanced on its edge is the lower flat. The upper flat is the part opposite the lower flat. When you take the hammer grip, it’s on this last part of the handle that you position your hand toexploit its benefits.
Practical applications so you can take it with ease
A tennis grip is shaped by the position of the hand on the racket handle. It is determined by the position of the hypothenar eminence (a muscular protrusion formed on the inside of the palm by the three short motor muscles of the little finger) on the grip of the tennis racket. This reference point will be decisive in understanding the hammer grip. To find it, position your palm towards the ground then turn your right hand (or your left hand) towards you so that you can see the inside of the palm of your hand this time.
Starting at the base of the little finger, work your way down towards the elbow. Thehypothenar eminence is at an almost perpendicular angle between the base of the little finger and the base of the thumb. It is higher than the palm of the hand, towards the bottom left. Position this part on the top flat of the tennis racket. Feel the position of your fingers on the handle.
To find it, younger children will need to put the racket down on the edge of its frame. As a rough guide, ask them to squeeze the racket so that they can get used to it. The adjustment will be made gradually.
What types of racket grip are there?
- Continental: Used for serves, volleys and smashes. Versatile but not very suitable for topspin.
- Semi-closed (Eastern): Ideal for flat shots with a little topspin. Good balance between control and power.
- Closed (Western): For straight shots with lots of topspin. Provides power but is less effective on fast surfaces.
- Semi-Western: Common grip for modern forehands with topspin. Powerful and adaptable.
- One-handed backhand: For flat or sliced shots.
- Two-handed backhand : Good control and power. Dominant hand for continental or eastern, non-dominant hand for backhands.
- Continental serve: Ideal for varying the spin of the serve (lift, slice, flat).
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