THE HAMMER GRIP

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 55, 6 March 1937, Page 23

THE HAMMER GRIP

In recent years there have been been many advocates of the English, Continental, or hammer grip (states an Australian lawn tennis writer). Prominent followers of .this style have been Henri Cochet and Fred Perry, both .of whom are endowed, with abnormal wrist strength. . . • Perhaps the best method of acquiring this grip is to. hold your racket like a hammer with which you desire to drive home a nail. With this grip it is not necessary to make any.change for "backhand1 and1 forehand strokes, or for the service, volley, and smash. This is an advantage when the play is from close quarters. A tight hold of- the racket is essential.' It is best to depend on. this by a firm pressure of the little and third fingers on the bottom of the handle. The second finger is slacker, and the first finger can be looser still until just before the moment of impact. Until that moment it can be used to guide the direction of the racket. • Be sure that the head of the racket is held above the level of the wrist. This will help you to bring your eyes nearly to the level of the flight of the ball, and give you a better chance of making a good return. It will also help you to avoid the. tendency to scoop the ball when it ■ should be driven. !