Flat Shots with SW Grip?

[thefan]

I have been using the semi western grip when playing tennis for a while now. But I've realize that I dont have a power shot to put away the oppenent. The problem is, I find it hard to hit hard flat ball with the sw grip. Any advice on how I can achieve the hard flat ball like J. Blake with the sw grip?

Thanks

[drhopz]

I have the same problem. I use SW, and usually, i topspin. I dont get the speed at all. So it gives my opponents time to recover. I wanna learn how to flat efficiently with SW.

[35ft6]

I mean, the simple answer is don't drop the racket head below the ball as much. Like come at it almost at ball level, but still finish higher. Extend through the shot more. Think of it more as like a baseball swing instead of a top spin forehand swing.

[SilverBullet]

You can switch to a eastern grip(easier flat).

If that doesn't work for you I'd say watch James Blake in slow-motion while he hits flat with his semi-wetern and copy his form.

Another way to hit winners with semi-western is to hit sharp angle shots with topspin rather than a fast flat shot.

[TennezSport]

I also use a SW forehand grip and I can hit a very hard flat shot. The key is to swing though the ball more instead of only brushing the back of the ball. If you swing with your normal topspin shot but step into the ball more you will get the best of both worlds. Good luck.

TennezSport :cool:

[TennisKevin]

I also use a SW forehand grip and I can hit a very hard flat shot. The key is to swing though the ball more instead of only brushing the back of the ball. If you swing with your normal topspin shot but step into the ball more you will get the best of both worlds. Good luck.

TennezSport :cool:

he said it all. just hit in a straight line through the ball. i use a sw grip and with a putaway shot (that i rarely get) i load my weight onto my backfoot during my takeback, make sure i get a full shoulder rotation, and jump a little bit and explode forward, putting my whole body into the shot. go to tennis.com to the article instruction, and look at roddick's forehand

[LarougeNY]

well my solution is to start the swing higher, and to never let it go to my waist level. I have somewhat federer-esque strokes (without the beastly forehand, and my backhand is a 2hander) so imagine that but just start the swing higher and hit through the ball rather than swinging low to high. There is low to high movement but not much, and make sure you get a clean hit or it hurts like hell.

[cam2]

I hit with a full western and can still hit a flat hard shot with it.

You just have to try to understand the mechanics of what is happening during your stroke, you are probably brushing up on the back of the ball from underneath with a windshield washer motion and your raquet trajectory is upward. You can still do a windshield washer motion for a flat shot but your raquets trajectory must be forward instead of up.

[Ross K]

I have been using the semi western grip when playing tennis for a while now. But I've realize that I dont have a power shot to put away the oppenent. The problem is, I find it hard to hit hard flat ball with the sw grip. Any advice on how I can achieve the hard flat ball like J. Blake with the sw grip?

Thanks

Today's your lucky day then... See last page of 'Straightening the arm' thread (I think that's the title?) that's currently on page 1 of 'tennis tips' section. Tricky has posted quite BRILLIANT observations on the Blake fh (among other things.) Highly recommended!

[dave333]

When you are dropping the racquet, drop it so that its level with the ball and hit the ball with a more closed face.

You can hit flat with any grip, its just that for more western grips its easier to do so when the ball is higher up.

[Ross K]

Today's your lucky day then... See last page of 'Straightening the arm' thread (I think that's the title?) that's currently on page 1 of 'tennis tips' section. Tricky has posted quite BRILLIANT observations on the Blake fh (among other things.) Highly recommended!
Oops - forgot to mention there's also excellant Blake footage on same page.