Grip on 1 handed backhand?

[quest01]

I wanted to know what grip you people use when using a 1 handed backhand?

[habib]

I wanted to know what grip you people use when using a 1 handed backhand?

Eastern. That is, the backhand eastern grip, which is analogous to the forehand western grip.

[YonexDude]

i use extreme eastern, which is closer to being the same as a semi-western forehand grip.

i think it's a matter of preference. when i use an eastern grip i tend to leave the racquet face open, so i adjusted my grip and now it's easier for me to keep the racquet face square and hit through the ball.

[BreakPoint]

Eastern. That is, the backhand eastern grip, which is analogous to the forehand western grip.
Hmmm....I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.

Are you talking about using the same side of the racquet face for both your forehand and your backhand?

[es-0]

Actually he's right. If you hold your racquet with a western grip then rotate your hand till you see the back of your hand, it seems like you've got eastern backhand grip, right?

[aimr75]

yeah i thought he just meant adopt a western forehand grip and then rotate your wrist so that its in the backhand eastern position

[Andres]

Somewhere between Extreme Eastern, and Eastern. Depends on the shot. I have a very big gripsize, so little adjustements are quite easy to do, and different grips work better on the different surfaces.

I use Extreme Eastern in everything but synthetic grass (and some faster HCs)

[Bottle Rocket]

First off, everyone needs to agree on the location of each grip and what it is called. For that, check here--->

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/gear/general/general.aspx?id=649

I am not sure what habib meant, but if he meant that the way you hold the grip (the location of your hand relative to the bevels of the handle) for the eastern backhand and the western forehand are the exact same grip, then he is generally correct. In terms of spin and the "extremeness" of the shot, I won't agree with that.

The eastern backhand grip is by far the most popular. It probably the best to learn with and one of the more versatile grips. It is possible to hit top spin, flat, and even slice with that grip. Obviously it is not the recommended grip for all of those shots, but it can be done.

Then there is a the extreme eastern or the semi-westen forehand grip. Both are the same. Your palm is in the same location for this shot as it would be for a semi-western forehand. It is a more extreme backhand grip, better for higher balls, as well as heavier spin. I would assume it is becoming more and more popular, just as the semi-western and western forehand grips are.

I am really sick of BreakPoint's posts and arguments, but he does bring up an interesting point about switching grips between forehands and backhands. Since the western forehand and eastern backhand grip are the same, it is possible to hit both strokes without rotating the racket in your hand between shots. He will claim that is improper.

I claim that you can do whatever you want. I hit my forehand and backhand with the same grip and hit them without a grip change. I use something between a western and semi-western forehand.

At the end of the day, once you've had some sort of proper instruction, you've got to choose something that is the most comfortable to you. Only you will know what gives the best results. Just like any other stroke, there is room to make it your own. Also, just like other strokes, you will have to make adaptations depending on the bounce and things like that. Make sure if you go out and experiment without a coach that you've got a good technical book or something like that at your side. It is incredibly easy to pick up bad habits on the on-hander and the consequences to your wrist and shoulder can be fairly serious.

[habib]

what the hell are you talking about?

You've just confirned your ignorance publicly

Imagine that, had you waited just a few minutes, you wouldn't have to publically display your idiocy and lack of comprehension skills. Try not typing for a few weeks, maybe you'll actually learn something.

[habib]

Hmmm....I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.

Are you talking about using the same side of the racquet face for both your forehand and your backhand?

Not at all, although I don't see anything particularly wrong with it. All I'm saying is that the way you hold the racquet with the Western forehand grip and the Eastern backhand grip are identical, but simply with the arm oriented to the left vs to the right. In other words, hold your racquet in front of you in a western forehand grip. Now turn around so your right shoulder (if you'r right handed) is facing forward (ie: 1hbh stance) and bring your arm up - voila, Eastern backhand grip.

Of course, as Bottle Rocket points out, the Western grip is an extreme grip on the forehand side, whereas the Eastern grip is a classical grip on the backhand side, and I made no claims to the contrary. But the orientation of the racquet in your hand is identical.

[BravoRed691]

Just because i like pics!
This is my normal 1 handed backhand grip...
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2159/img6777yr0.th.jpg (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img6777yr0.jpg)

This is for balls that are higher bouncing and or im having trouble making contact below my chest/shoulders...

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1357/img6778qa9.th.jpg (http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img6778qa9.jpg)

BR

[Jonny S&V]

I use everyone of the backhand grips. Maybe thats why it is inconsistent. Hmm... Seriously, I use a western 1h-bh.

[BreakPoint]

Not at all, although I don't see anything particularly wrong with it. All I'm saying is that the way you hold the racquet with the Western forehand grip and the Eastern backhand grip are identical, but simply with the arm oriented to the left vs to the right. In other words, hold your racquet in front of you in a western forehand grip. Now turn around so your right shoulder (if you'r right handed) is facing forward (ie: 1hbh stance) and bring your arm up - voila, Eastern backhand grip.

Of course, as Bottle Rocket points out, the Western grip is an extreme grip on the forehand side, whereas the Eastern grip is a classical grip on the backhand side, and I made no claims to the contrary. But the orientation of the racquet in your hand is identical.
Sorry, but I still don't undertand what you mean.

The only way the Western forehand grip could be the same as the Eastern backhand grip is if you hold the racquet in a Western forehand grip and then rotate your wrist, and thereby the racquet, 180 degrees (so that the top edge of the racquet that's perpendicular to the ground is now the bottom edge). But this way, of course, you would be hitting the ball with the same face of the racquet on both your forehand and your backhand.

This is the way Bottle Rocket hits his groundstrokes and I think it's wrong. Nobody that hits his forehands and backhands with the same side of their racquet has ever become a great tennis player.

[Andres]

Don't try to be nitpicking, Gorilla, and Breakpoint.
He means the same side of the stringbed, not the same side of the racquet!

You're just arguing for the sake of arguing!! Come ooon, you guuuys!! :D

[BreakPoint]

He means the same side of the stringbed, not the same side of the racquet!

Huh? Isn't that the SAME thing? :confused:

[moist]

This is the way Bottle Rocket hits his groundstrokes and I think it's wrong. Nobody that hits his forehands and backhands with the same side of their racquet has ever become a great tennis player.

Do you think it's wrong only because no pro has done this? Is it simply the combination of a having western forehand and eastern backhand that makes this wrong? Would this combo be ok if you did a grip change to hit with the other side, but still using these grips?

I don't do this (sw fh, eastern bh), but I don't really see what's wrong with it.

[habib]

you actually said it was analogous to the western forehand, which means it's like the western forehand.

dumbass

Here, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/analogous, now go educate yourself. Though, frankly, I'm not at all sure what your point was (or if you even had one). The W forehand grip IS analogous to the E backhand grip because it's the exact same grip. I have no idea what the hell you're talking about, but that's nothing new since your skills in the areas of reading comprehension are lacking juuuuust a little bit. I suggest you stop trolling.

[habib]

Sorry, but I still don't undertand what you mean.

The only way the Western forehand grip could be the same as the Eastern backhand grip is if you hold the racquet in a Western forehand grip and then rotate your wrist, and thereby the racquet, 180 degrees (so that the top edge of the racquet that's perpendicular to the ground is now the bottom edge).

That's exactly what I'm saying, though as I mentioned, rotating the racquet like this also implies changing your orientation to the ball. But the point is that the grip itself - *the way you hold the racquet handle* - is identical.

But this way, of course, you would be hitting the ball with the same face of the racquet on both your forehand and your backhand.

Theoretically, yes, but why you're suddenly talking about this I have no clue, since my initial reply had to do with the grip itself, and not with necessarily the W forehand and E backhand at the same time AND maintaing the same grip throughout - though, again, I see no problem with that.

This is the way Bottle Rocket hits his groundstrokes and I think it's wrong. Nobody that hits his forehands and backhands with the same side of their racquet has ever become a great tennis player.

First, I don't think you can't really say this since many players (greats and otherwise) will twirl their racquet so much during play that it's hard to tell which side of the racquet they use when. Two, I'm having trouble seeing how this makes any sense. What's the difference between using the same side of the racquet, and different sides of the racquet? How does the former hamper you in any way with relation to the latter?

[BreakPoint]

Do you think it's wrong only because no pro has done this? Is it simply the combination of a having western forehand and eastern backhand that makes this wrong? Would this combo be ok if you did a grip change to hit with the other side, but still using these grips?

I don't do this (sw fh, eastern bh), but I don't really see what's wrong with it.
I think it's wrong because no pro would teach anyone to hit the ball with the same side of the racquet. None of the top pros do this. Federer would never do it.

I think you also put a lot more stress on your wrist and probably break strings much faster since you only use one side of the stringbed for all of your shots and also increasing the sawing back and forth of the mains.

I also just don't like the Western grip at all as you're just asking for wrist injuries. And, yes, a grip change is de rigeuer for "proper" tennis IMHO. :grin:

[BreakPoint]

First, I don't think you can't really say this since many players (greats and otherwise) will twirl their racquet so much during play that it's hard to tell which side of the racquet they use when. Two, I'm having trouble seeing how this makes any sense. What's the difference between using the same side of the racquet, and different sides of the racquet? How does the former hamper you in any way with relation to the latter?
Twirling the racquet and hitting with the same side of the racquet is not the problem. Hitting both your forehand and your backhand with the same side of the racquet is the problem. It's just not "proper" tennis. It's ugly, it can cause wrist injuries, and I don't think it gives you either the best forehand nor the best backhand. IMO, a proper grip change and hitting forehands and backhands with the opposite sides of the racquet is the best way to play tennis and the way it's "supposed" to be done. I think all the best players in the world would agree. :D

[habib]

Twirling the racquet and hitting with the same side of the racquet is not the problem. Hitting both your forehand and your backhand with the same side of the racquet is the problem. It's just not "proper" tennis. It's ugly, it can cause wrist injuries, and I don't think it gives you either the best forehand nor the best backhand. IMO, a proper grip change and hitting forehands and backhands with the opposite sides of the racquet is the best way to play tennis and the way it's "supposed" to be done. I think all the best players in the world would agree. :D

Well, my point with the twirling is that, as they're changing grips, many pros turn their racquets so far that they often end up with the same side of the racquet facing the ball, or at the very least, I wouldn't at all be surprised if this were the case, and it would be difficult to prove it one way or the other. Also, I don't think there's any documented evidence that this renders you more injury prone, and while the strings may wear faster, I'm not sure about that either since the wear should be the same, just coming from one side only. In other words, you're looking at a wear factor of 10 on one side, rather than a factor of 5 on both. In the end I would guess the effects are quite similar. Nor do I think it's necessarily ugly and, furthermore, I could see how it could be beneficial since it totally bypasses the need to change grips and could save you a lot of time - especially when under pressure.

[BreakPoint]

Well, my point with the twirling is that, as they're changing grips, many pros turn their racquets so far that they often end up with the same side of the racquet facing the ball, or at the very least, I wouldn't at all be surprised if this were the case, and it would be difficult to prove it one way or the other. Also, I don't think there's any documented evidence that this renders you more injury prone, and while the strings may wear faster, I'm not sure about that either since the wear should be the same, just coming from one side only. In other words, you're looking at a wear factor of 10 on one side, rather than a factor of 5 on both. In the end I would guess the effects are quite similar. Nor do I think it's necessarily ugly and, furthermore, I could see how it could be beneficial since it totally bypasses the need to change grips and could save you a lot of time - especially when under pressure.
As far as the strings wearing faster, also think about what happens when you hit topspin with both sides of the racquet. With the same edge of the racquet facing up perpendicular to the ground, the strings only move in one direction, and once they've reached their limit of movement, tend to stay there unless you pull them back with your fingers. When you hit with only one side of he stringbed, you have to rotate the top of the edge of the racquet to the bottom so when you hit topspin on both sides you are now moving the strings back and forth and thus sawing the strings much more.

As far as using the same side of your racquet for both your forehand and backhand, if there were so many benefits, the top pros would be doing it. Yet none of them do it. They all use one side for forehands and the other side for backhands. I really don't think switching grips is such a big deal. It certainly hasn't hampered Federer nor Sampras. :grin:

[Bottle Rocket]

habib,

It isn't worth it... Trust me... Just let him be.

[habib]

habib,

It isn't worth it... Trust me... Just let him be.

It's a silly argument anyway. :)

[The Gorilla]

THESARAUS

like

adjective

Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics: alike, analogous, comparable, corresponding, equivalent, parallel, similar, uniform. See same/different/compare.

http://www.answers.com/like


haha ;)

[Andres]

But, but.... that doesn't make sense!
Western forehand, and Eastern backhand hits with the same side of the stringbed, which is the normal way... while Berasategui and his hawaiian grip hit with the OTHER side of the stringbed, which is the un-usual !!

How is hitting with the same side of the racquet wrong at all? I don't get it. I have my racquet right next to me, and it's the same side of the racquet !!!

[z-money]

for a topspin shot i go eastern. for slice or a flat drive i use a continental. ive seen too many clips of sampras to not use a continental

[Andres]

But, but.... that doesn't make sense!
Western forehand, and Eastern backhand hits with the same side of the stringbed, which is the normal way... while Berasategui and his hawaiian grip hit with the OTHER side of the stringbed, which is the un-usual !!

How is hitting with the same side of the racquet wrong at all? I don't get it. I have my racquet right next to me, and it's the same side of the racquet !!!
Ahhh, I got it now!! I realized of it shadow swinging. It's true, when I finish my FH followthrough, I come back to continental, and I rotate the racquet the other way around. Different sides of the racquet.

My bad, my bad, my bad :p

[Breakaz54z]

Um, sorry to interrupt the slug fest.. but what's the most "user friendly for 3.0" grip for the one handed back hand? Eastern? What about for high balls? I'm not really tall so I get a lot of high balls and it's hard to get back on my backhand. I end up slicing a lot of them back.

[BreakPoint]

I'd be lying if I said I copied Federer's eastern 1HBH because I've been hitting that backhand since the mid-70's and when was Federer born? 1981? So obviously I couldn't have copied him, could I? Thus, since I was hitting an eastern 1HBH for well over a decade before he was, he must have copied me, right? ;) LOL

[Bottle Rocket]

Um, sorry to interrupt the slug fest.. but what's the most "user friendly for 3.0" grip for the one handed back hand? Eastern? What about for high balls? I'm not really tall so I get a lot of high balls and it's hard to get back on my backhand. I end up slicing a lot of them back.

The answer for your question doesn't really depend on your skill level. The bottom line is that learning the proper technique to start with is the only way to advance. So, everything in this thread applies to you as well.

[moist]

I think it's wrong because no pro would teach anyone to hit the ball with the same side of the racquet. None of the top pros do this. Federer would never do it.

I think you also put a lot more stress on your wrist and probably break strings much faster since you only use one side of the stringbed for all of your shots and also increasing the sawing back and forth of the mains.

I also just don't like the Western grip at all as you're just asking for wrist injuries. And, yes, a grip change is de rigeuer for "proper" tennis IMHO. :grin:

Well, not liking Western is one thing, and that's a different discussion then. So you're basically saying that if someone were to use this combo of grips, they should still fully rotate the racquet, even though they'd end up in the exact same grip, just different sides? Then you think this is acceptable? Sorry, just want to be clear on your position.

[habib]

THESARAUS

like

adjective

Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics: alike, analogous, comparable, corresponding, equivalent, parallel, similar, uniform. See same/different/compare.

http://www.answers.com/like


haha ;)
You're trying to prove your mental acumen by using a thesaurus to define a word? Look, just stop trying. Every time you attempt to make yourself look smart you end up sliding opposite of the intended direction. Moreover, although 'analogous' is certainly a synonym of 'like,' the definition and meanings of the words differ in a variety of ways. Finally, it doesn't really matter in the end, I could as well have said that a W forehand grip is LIKE a E backhand grip, and I would still be right, but 'analogous' is a much more precise word which carries connotations and implications that 'like' does not, and more accurately describes the relationship between the grips. Are you still in high school? It would certainly explain a lot.

[habib]

Um, sorry to interrupt the slug fest.. but what's the most "user friendly for 3.0" grip for the one handed back hand? Eastern? What about for high balls? I'm not really tall so I get a lot of high balls and it's hard to get back on my backhand. I end up slicing a lot of them back.

Probably the Eastern, since it's the 'standard' backhand grip, and probably the most versatile. As you get better, you can experiment with an extreme eastern, which is more demanding and is sort of the backhand's SW equivalent, if you want to look at it like that.

So, yes, I would suggest Eastern. High balls are always going to be an issue - I'm 5'8 myself. The safest mode of returning them that I've found is just to wipe upwards on them to loop back a deep, high kicking ball and neutralize any potential advantage.

[Jonny S&V]

Um, sorry to interrupt the slug fest.. but what's the most "user friendly for 3.0" grip for the one handed back hand? Eastern? What about for high balls? I'm not really tall so I get a lot of high balls and it's hard to get back on my backhand. I end up slicing a lot of them back.

I would first learn a semi-flat slice backhand (with continental) to start with and then as you get better (like 3-4 months of hitting just that) then you can hit more of a topspin backhand. If you have been playing with a one hander for longer then that, please just ignore the first sentence and use an eastern grip. ;)

[Breakaz54z]

The answer for your question doesn't really depend on your skill level. The bottom line is that learning the proper technique to start with is the only way to advance. So, everything in this thread applies to you as well.

Which is why I'm asking for the proper technique ;) My flat/topspin backhand doesn't even work in practice consistently. My backhand only works if I slice it.. Get by with my forehand.

Probably the Eastern, since it's the 'standard' backhand grip, and probably the most versatile. As you get better, you can experiment with an extreme eastern, which is more demanding and is sort of the backhand's SW equivalent, if you want to look at it like that.

So, yes, I would suggest Eastern. High balls are always going to be an issue - I'm 5'8 myself. The safest mode of returning them that I've found is just to wipe upwards on them to loop back a deep, high kicking ball and neutralize any potential advantage.

Thanks for the tip, I tried Eastern the other day against the wall and it seems to be better. Though, it's against a wall.. I end up slicing back high balls most of the time. I'll keep working at it though!

I would first learn a semi-flat slice backhand (with continental) to start with and then as you get better (like 3-4 months of hitting just that) then you can hit more of a topspin backhand. If you have been playing with a one hander for longer then that, please just ignore the first sentence and use an eastern grip. ;)

Thanks, that's actually how I started on my backhand though! I had to rework my slice when I got a new racket though. Eastern grip looks like it's gonna be the key. Now I just have to get around to hitting with someone to see if it helps the consistency.

[BreakPoint]

Well, not liking Western is one thing, and that's a different discussion then. So you're basically saying that if someone were to use this combo of grips, they should still fully rotate the racquet, even though they'd end up in the exact same grip, just different sides? Then you think this is acceptable? Sorry, just want to be clear on your position.
Apparently, that's what all the top pros do.

[iambt21]

Eastern. That is, the backhand eastern grip, which is analogous to the forehand western grip.

thats not right is it??? i thouguth backhand eastern would be analogous to the forehand eastern? or maybe a very strong eastern or almost a semiswestern backhand grip.

[es-0]

thats not right is it??? i thouguth backhand eastern would be analogous to the forehand eastern? or maybe a very strong eastern or almost a semiswestern backhand grip.

Use wise the E Backhand is similar to E Forehand, usually less topspin more flat but positioning wise.... The E Backhand places your knuckles on the very top bevel and the W Forehand places them on the very bottom so they are akin through being opposite.

[Tennis4203]

semi-eastern

[Jonny S&V]

Well, not liking Western is one thing, and that's a different discussion then. So you're basically saying that if someone were to use this combo of grips, they should still fully rotate the racquet, even though they'd end up in the exact same grip, just different sides? Then you think this is acceptable? Sorry, just want to be clear on your position.

Most pros go back to a continental or something less extreme (like an eastern forehand) after 99% of there shots.

[TennisProdigy]

Sorry, but I still don't undertand what you mean.

The only way the Western forehand grip could be the same as the Eastern backhand grip is if you hold the racquet in a Western forehand grip and then rotate your wrist, and thereby the racquet, 180 degrees (so that the top edge of the racquet that's perpendicular to the ground is now the bottom edge). But this way, of course, you would be hitting the ball with the same face of the racquet on both your forehand and your backhand.

This is the way Bottle Rocket hits his groundstrokes and I think it's wrong. Nobody that hits his forehands and backhands with the same side of their racquet has ever become a great tennis player.

If you consider me and my buddy Kohlscrieber a bad player then you are correct. Otherwise you are wrong.

[Bungalo Bill]

I wanted to know what grip you people use when using a 1 handed backhand?

Full Eastern

[watermantra]

Full Eastern topspin, Continental Slice.

[Djokovicfan4life]

My index knuckle is usually between bevels 1 and 8, so I guess that's extreme eastern.

[zebano]

Eastern with an occasional extreme eastern on high balls.

Why was this resurrected?

[baek57]

standard eastern grip.

[HAWKEYE]

Anyone here plays 1H BH with eastern FH grip?

[3lowdown]

Apparently, that's what all the top pros do.

So the argument here is: When switching from forehand to backhand (or the opposite) using W fh, and E bh, whether you should spin the racquet in your hand:
A. zero degrees
B. 180 degrees

??

[3lowdown]

[QUOTE=BreakPoint;1581141] and probably break strings much faster since you only use one side of the stringbed for all of your shots and also increasing the sawing back and forth of the mains.
QUOTE]
But if you spin the raquet 180 degrees, the same side of the racquet is always pointing up - getting all of those harmful UV rays which will weaken that side of the racquet. :) Couldn't resist..

[Rickson]

The extreme eastern or a near western backhand grip. I use a regular eastern for slices although I can slice with the continental. Open bh grips just feel wrong.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Anyone here plays 1H BH with eastern FH grip?

If anyone does they shouldn't be and neither should you. For the sake of your wrist and your game, switch to a Eastern or extreme eastern ASAP.

[Bungalo Bill]

Anyone here plays 1H BH with eastern FH grip?

Wow, I can just imagine your wrist position.

[TennisProdigy]

Anyone here plays 1H BH with eastern FH grip?

Wouldn't this be like people hitting a forehand with a continental grip?

Just for the record, the reason why people would want to hit with the same side of the racquet is because the way they apply overgrips on their racquet. For me, I layer the overgrip so that my fingers fit in between them which provides comfort and less slipping. The reason why I dont use the other side of the racquet even though I easily could is because if I did it would result in two situations 1. my pinky would be off the handle or 2. I would be gripping the racquet much higher on my backhand compared to my forehand.

[HAWKEYE]

If anyone does they shouldn't be and neither should you. For the sake of your wrist and your game, switch to a Eastern or extreme eastern ASAP.

Actually I use continental grip. But recently I tried just for fun to hit backhand with eastern forehand grip and it felt just fine. The advantage of continental and eastern FH grip on backhand is that you can hit late, thus giving yourself a bit more time to execute the shot. With extreme grips contact point must be well in front of your body.

[Rickson]

Actually I use continental grip. But recently I tried just for fun to hit backhand with eastern forehand grip and it felt just fine. The advantage of continental and eastern FH grip on backhand is that you can hit late, thus giving yourself a bit more time to execute the shot. With extreme grips contact point must be well in front of your body.

Why don't you try a semi western forehand grip on your backhands? You could hit the ball even later.

[seb85]

Actually I use continental grip. But recently I tried just for fun to hit backhand with eastern forehand grip and it felt just fine. The advantage of continental and eastern FH grip on backhand is that you can hit late, thus giving yourself a bit more time to execute the shot. With extreme grips contact point must be well in front of your body.

sorry but i cant really see how this can be a proper 'advantage'. THe only thing that hitting with an eastern forehand grip on the backhand side does is FORCE you to hit the ball late. Or hurt your wrist.

[HAWKEYE]

sorry but i cant really see how this can be a proper 'advantage'. THe only thing that hitting with an eastern forehand grip on the backhand side does is FORCE you to hit the ball late. Or hurt your wrist.

Eastern FH is not something I would reccommend for backhand, particularly because you cannot play slice with it, neither you can volley with it.
But I don't think that wrist safety is the main concern in choosing the grip with most players. Eastern FH grip on the forehand side is arguably the wrist safest grip but still who cares about it anymore. Spin rules!

[1337Kira]

If I hit a 1hbh I usually use a continental, or an eastern if it feels better.

[AznHylite]

The eastern backhand for sure. It gives the best balance of pace and spin for me.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Why don't you try a semi western forehand grip on your backhands? You could hit the ball even later.

SW backhand is for wimps, full western all the way!!!!

Have fun with no wrists, HAWKEYE!

[Rickson]

SW backhand is for wimps, full western all the way!!!!

Have fun with no wrists, HAWKEYE!

Yeah, but then he could turn the racquet the other way and he'll actually get a backhand grip.

[Fay]

I use the same grip for top spin ground strokes ... I guess it is nearest to what is called Semi-Western. I don't change going F to B to F. (the V stays near the flat part of the racquet, it is not exactly even, but slightly more close for BH and a teeny bit less for the FH but is not Eastern--hybred that fits my hand.) For serves and for volleys I use a Continental. If I am moving in on a short ball and am not at the net, and want to flatten the ball as I run forward, I use the Continental. If I get a ball landing on the baseline on my BH and I am out of position being too cramped, I will try to get my grip changed so that my eye sees the racquet angled to the desired path of ball ....darned if I can describe what that grip is ... it is just by feel, if that makes sense. For BH slice I guess it is more like Continental. But I am sure that is more info than required, LOL

[Djokovicfan4life]

I use the same grip for top spin ground strokes ... I guess it is nearest to what is called Semi-Western. I don't change going F to B to F. (the V stays near the flat part of the racquet, it is not exactly even, but slightly more close for BH and a teeny bit less for the FH but is not Eastern--hybred that fits my hand.) For serves and for volleys I use a Continental. If I am moving in on a short ball and am not at the net, and want to flatten the ball as I run forward, I use the Continental. If I get a ball landing on the baseline on my BH and I am out of position being too cramped, I will try to get my grip changed so that my eye sees the racquet angled to the desired path of ball ....darned if I can describe what that grip is ... it is just by feel, if that makes sense. For BH slice I guess it is more like Continental. But I am sure that is more info than required, LOL
So you use the same grip for forehands and backhands? I would strongly advise against that.

[Rickson]

I use the same grip for top spin ground strokes ... I guess it is nearest to what is called Semi-Western. I don't change going F to B to F. (the V stays near the flat part of the racquet, it is not exactly even, but slightly more close for BH and a teeny bit less for the FH but is not Eastern--hybred that fits my hand.) For serves and for volleys I use a Continental. If I am moving in on a short ball and am not at the net, and want to flatten the ball as I run forward, I use the Continental. If I get a ball landing on the baseline on my BH and I am out of position being too cramped, I will try to get my grip changed so that my eye sees the racquet angled to the desired path of ball ....darned if I can describe what that grip is ... it is just by feel, if that makes sense. For BH slice I guess it is more like Continental. But I am sure that is more info than required, LOL

That sounds like an eastern grip to me. The semi western will have the V on the next bevel to the right. The only grip that that can handle forehands and backhands without change is the continental. A forehand grip on backhands will cause pop ups and all kinds of backhand problems. You should get used to the grip change. We all do it and it's an essential part of tennis.

[Djokovicfan4life]

That sounds like an eastern grip to me. The semi western will have the V on the next bevel to the right. The only grip that that can handle forehands and backhands without change is the continental. A forehand grip on backhands will cause pop ups and all kinds of backhand problems. You should get used to the grip change. We all do it and it's an essential part of tennis.

Listen to this advice, Fay. My brother used to hit backhand slices with a semi-western forehand grip, don't think he'll be going back to that any time soon!

[Fay]

I am probably not explaining myself very well. One school uses the V in the hand to determine placement, another school uses the index finger knuckle.

When I tried to learn that way it wasn't comfortable and I couldn't change grip quickly enough. For what it is worth, and that is probably not much, I feel my racquet on the pad of my fingers. the FH hand feels a little different slightly than the BH as my fingers feel a little different on the racquet. I have tried to show people what I am talking about but the difference is something I feel that is comfortable ... and apparently is subtle enough that people don't understand ...

I tried the V approach location, easier than knuckle which I do NOT want to think about when I am playing as I focus more on the palm of my hand for the FH and the fleshy part under the V between index finger and thumb for the BH.

I gave up trying to listen to what people wanted me to do and started paying totally attention to what feels better. So my apologies if I am not explaining myself correctly. I have traveled to CA and to PHoenix to take lessons and have an excellent coach in Sedona ... none of the better coaches have tried to change my grip. I play as much modern movement as I can ... but I have had back surgery and have a torn tendon in my right shoulder (I am right handed) so I need to do what works for my body that causes me no pain ....

My FH is my main weapon and my BH, volley and OH of course need improvement. (My serve is no weapon but I rarely double fault, so that is coming along ..... I tried to hit the back fence today on the serve and can only do it if my serve is definitely long).

I look at videos of the pros and there are a number of different ways that people swing and their grips might change depending upon where the ball bounces or what they want to hit.

but I do know that when I tried to change my grip to what some suggested which I think would be termed an Eastern backhand (between continental and semi-western) I would tend to hit balls out more. I don't want to get in the habit of pulling my strokes or steering the ball so I went with slight changes in grip until I got the ball placement I wanted, if that makes sense.