Racquetball Grip Technique (Backhand)
Similar to other racquet sports, the way a player holds the racquet for the forehand differs slightly than that of the backhand. This is because of where your hitting arm is situated for each type of stroke. On a forehand shot your hitting arm is closest to the back wall, while on the backhand it is closest to the front wall. However, the contact point for each stroke remains the same. When you hit a forehand shot your hitting arm has to reach all the way across your body in order to reach the contact point. But, when you hit a backhand the contact point is directly in front of your hitting arm. It is for this reason that the grip must change. Otherwise the angle of the racquet would be incorrect at contact point.
Many new players ask how it is possible to switch from the forehand grip to the backhand grip during a fast paced game such as racquetball. While it is not necessarily easy to do so for beginners, over time and with practice it becomes a very natural transition that you won’t even have to consciously think about.
The backhand grip is easy to learn but hard to master. First grip your racquet in the proper forehand grip as previously mentioned.
To properly grip the racquet in the backhand grip you need to turn the racquet 1/8 of an inch clockwise. This is done by slightly releasing your grip on the handle and rotating the racquet. Do not move your hand while doing this, only the racquet. Once the racquet has been turned 1/8 of an inch, reassume your grip on the handle.
If you hold out your arm to full extension the racquet will now be slightly angled toward the ground. This is the proper backhand grip.
Note: Some players find it beneficial to turn the racquet slightly more or less than 1/8 of an inch in order to keep the racquet square at contact point. This is just a general number that is used as a guide.
Did you already learn the Forehand Grip? Maybe it's time to learn about Stroke Mechanics.