back-to-basics-on-the-grip
Slicepong asked 5 years ago
Hi D and T, I realize I still have some beginner or basic issues. I have been holding the bat loosely, probably too loosely, as my index finger slips down and my accuracy and confidence suffers. So do you advise a loose wrist but quite firm in the area between thumb and index finger so my index finger will stay put? It’s a tricky combo. Also, do you firm up both the thumb on backhand and index finger on forehand for control? I’ve been inconsistent w/accuracy. Thanks.
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Slicepong,
That’s some really good point you bring up there. So firstly it’s definitely good to try and keep fairly relaxed overall grip, but as you mentioned try to keep the index finder stable and not let it drop down. The thumb and index finger should apply most of the pressure of the grip to the bat as you correctly said but it can be hard to maintain and overall loose grip and relaxed wrist.
Fore the forehand I would say you can keep the same amount of pressure with the index finger and thumb, but on the backhand the pressure of the thumb becomes more important to add stability and control, especially hen blocking.
It seems to me like you can go for slightly tighter grip to make it more stable and stop some of the inconsistency and accuracy issues you said. Try to focus on being comfortable with your grip and not changing it too much, the finger and thumb are important for stability but so is having a grip that works for your shots, everyone is slightly different and one of the main things is that you feel you can play your strokes well without compromise. Hope that answers your query and gives you some more consistency!
SlicepongTom, That’s a big help and lets me know I’m on the right track. Also, I want to thank you for your advice on using less lat on the forehand. All of a sudden I’m whipping the forehand much more effortlessly. Often, my brother and nephew don’t know how to handle it. Sweet! Thanks again.–Slicepong
No problem at all, glad I could help! Brilliant to hear about your forehand as well, it’s always nice when you can see and feel the improvements in your game!
