The forehand grip is used for most typical forehand shots, and for standing in the neutral ready position

Frame 1-a :  (A) The Index finger is slightly curled around the handle. Use the inside of the index finger between the knuckle and its' first joint to give the racquet direction during short push swings. This has been referred to as "Finger Power", and helps give dexterity in pushes, drives, & drops. Use this technique with mild pronation of the wrist. It is incorrect and unsafe to straighten this finger and keep it directly behind the racquet during shots.  

Frame 1-b :  (A) Neutral grips have the "V" in the grip. This is very similiar to a hand shake.

The Backhand grip is used for most typical backhand shots that are either beside or in front of the body during shuttle contact, and for standing in the neutral ready position when anticipating a backhand return.

Frame 2-a :  (A) The thumb is flat against the widest part of the grip, and the racquet head should face the player if held like in this picture. (B) There is a small space in the palm, as the hand does not fully surround the handle.(exception to the rule applies to younger athletes with smaller hands)

Frame 2-b :  (A) The thumb is higher up on the handle on most shots for greater control. (B) Fingers are slightly curled with fairly even spacing.

Frame 2-d :  (A) The handle is placed across the fingers when making a backhand grip. In younger athletes with smaller hands, the racquet will be much closer to the inside palm of the hand.

Frame 2-e :  (A) The space in the palm can vary among athletes depending on hand size, and personal preference.

Frame 2-f :  (A) This "U" shaped grip is known as the "Pan handle", and is not recommended as it:

• does not use the natural body mechanics of motion(especially in clears)
• limits the types of shots that can be executed
• could cause shoulder problems later in life with long term use

Frame 2-g : (A) Dropping the thumb this way just prior to doing a cross-court net shot is recommended, as this technique offers greater sideways wrist range on execution. Using this technique for all backhand lifts, straight drops, or drives are far less effective. If the thumb is not pressing on the handle, then more of the wrist is forced to take stress of the swing, resulting in less swing control.

 TECHNICAL NOTES

• With the backhand grip as described above, one should be able to rotate the racquet 360 degrees using the finger tips while standing in the ready position. The grip should be loose and relaxed until shuttle contact.

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