The grip favoured by most players in the Western world is known as the "shake hands" grip. Although there are alternatives, notably the "penhold" types used predominantly in the Far East (e.g. China and Japan), these will not be discussed here.
TASK - The purpose of the grip is to control the angle of the bat.
WHY? - The angle of the bat controls the:
- Height of the ball
- Depth of the ball
- Speed of the ball
- Type of spin
- Amount of spin
- Direction of the ball
HOW? - With the shake hands grip, the bat handle is held in the palm of the hand such that the start of the bat head fits snugly into the "V" shape formed by the thumb and the first finger. Each of these digits should lie roughly parallel with the straight edge of the rubber at the base of the bat head. In this position, they provide fine control over bat angle.
- Movement of the thumb and/or first finger to positions towards the centre of the bat head should be avoided, otherwise fine control will be diminished and there will be significant risk of impeding the ball. The remaining three fingers are wrapped round the handle to provide bat stability. The grip should be firm but not tight and the bat should form a near linear extension of the hand and forearm. The forehand and backhand grips are illustrated in Figure 2.1.
WHEN - All the time during play.
TEACHING TIPS
- Ensure that the thumb and forefinger lay flat in the blade of the bat.
- The three remaining fingers should be loose around the handle.
BAT (RACKET) ANGLES
The following are recommended as the optimum angles for specific shots (see Figs 2.2a,2b,2c).
a) With the bat held such that the head is in a vertical position, the angle is described as neutral.
b) With the striking surface angled downwards, the angle is described as closed.
c) With the striking surface angled upwards, the angle is described as open.
The angle is varied by rotating the hand and forearm.
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