Tennis Grips

Eastern

To find the Eastern forehand grip, simply "shake hands" with the racquet. To
change to the Eastern backhand grip, turn your hand approximately a quarter circle
counter-clockwise. (If you're left handed, the reverse applies.)

Continental

This grip is halfway between the Eastern forehand and backhand grip. This grip is
virtually obsolete as topspin is severely limited. Any spin that is imparted is done
so exclusively with the wrist, which significantly increases the margin for error.

 
Western

The full Western is found by holding the grip of your racquet with your knuckles
pointing towards the ground. Although used by some players, particularly clay-
courters, it isn't a hugely popular grip because of the limitations it imposes on certain
shots.

For example, short, low balls are extremely difficult to counter, as are any shots
that are hit with real pace, particulary flat or sliced balls on faster courts. Forehand
returns-of-serve also pose a huge problem.

Service

For the service grip, the two most commonly used tennis grips are the Eastern
forehand grip and the Continental grip (and anywhere in between). While many great
champions have possessed great serves with various grips, the vast majority of
great servers have tended far more towards the Eastern forehand grip.

Volley

The grip most preferred by great volleyers is, like the serve, the Eastern forehand
"shake hands" grip. It's extremely practical to use this grip as it doesn't require a
grip change from forehand to backhand volley, and, in many cases, from the
serve or to the smash.

Tennis serves:

Flat serve, Cannonball serve, Topspin serve, Twist serve.