Eastern vs. Continental backhand grip (1hbh)

[Max G.]

So, I've been experimenting with a one-handed topspin backhand for a while, and I've been using a continental grip. It's developed to the point where I can hit pretty good passing shots off of it occasionally; but my problem with it is that I can't seem to get any topspin on the ball on a regular basis. I've developed a halfway decent flat shot, which I can use for crosscourt passing shots, but for any other situation I can't seem to be able to hit it hard without losing control over it and having it sail long.

I've had someone suggest that instead of learning a 1hbh with a continental grip, I try learning it with an Eastern backhand grip.

Now, if it's possible, I'd rather stick with a continental. I'd get to use the same grips for my topspin and slice backhand, and currently my slice backhand with a continental grip is one of my best shots.

I'm still just starting to learn the 1hbh though, so if there's a good time to switch which grips I plan to use, it's now.

So, for you knowledgeable posters out there, I have some questions...

1) Is it necessary to switch to Eastern to develop a consistent topspin backhand? How much of a benefit would the switch give me? Do you think I should switch?

2) If you think that a continental one-handed backhand would be okay... what do I need to do to get topspin on it?

Thanks!

-Max

[edberg505]

Ok, I've often had trouble choosing between the two when I was little. It is possible to be consistent with a continental 1 handed backhand topspin. I use one at the present time. And you are right it is perfect for hitting flat shots. But it is also possible to hit it with topspin. Probably not as much as you would get with a eastern. I like using a continental because I also use it for my slice serve and volleys. In fact the only time I don't use a continental is for my forehand. So as far as hitting with more topsin on the backhand side with a continental I would say just make sure your finish is high and loosen your wrist up just a bit. That would give you a little more top on your shots. If I can, I will try to get some video of me hitting. Maybe that will help you out.

[Max G.]

Would I have to try to use my wrist to close the racquet face a little bit? Or just loosen it up and that'll give me some topspin?

[andreh]

With the continental you have to use your wrist to sort of curl over the top of the ball to generate topspin. I use something between a full eastern an a continental, if that helps.

I'm sure someone here can explain this better than I can??? Anyone.

[Tennis Ball Hitter]

I have the same kind of problem, I have come up with a theory which I have yet to try ...

When I hold the continental grip for a BH, my index finger is not touching the midde finger. I would think if you were to grip the continental grip with a closed fist like grip you could come up with more topspin.

[Exile]

i still have my thumb along the back side of the handle, laver style.

[mistapooh]

I tried hitting like 4 balls with eastern before, it was painfully awkward. I'm using full western for a 1hander, I don't understand how you would **** your wrist back if you use eastern. BUT then again, since the wrist isn't **** that much, I can see how it will become looser and more flicking motion you know? WOw, i'm going to mess around with this now, haha.

[Exile]

you do know that eastern BH grip is much more different than the easter FH grip right?

[erik-the-red]

If you ask me, do not use the continental grip to hit the topspin single-handed backhand like the old guard (e.g. Laver, McEnroe, etc.) did.

The eastern grip is more penetrating and easier on your wrist.

[montx]

Hi Max,

I remember those days where I played continental. Some pros still use the 1hbh continental but it has become more rare. It is lucky in a way that you have the opportunity to recognize a potential turning point in your tennis life.

Really I can't tell you for certain which is better but what the pros are doing today seems to be veering off from the continental grip unless they are flat serving or volleying or slicing.

Stefi Graff uses a continental 1hbh slice. I am sure some others use a continental 1hbh. But it seems to be losing populartity.

I don't know how old you are as well so its hard to make the reccomendation.

I play with an eastern sometimes semi western backhand. I tend to like keeping the eastern because it allows me to adjust to a 2hbh if i need to.

But I also find eastern easier for topsin and also easier because more of the palm is behind the ball giving your racquet more support.

I think a good coach might help you resolve those issues.

Good luck.

[Max G.]

I'm currently 18 years old. I already have a slice backhand for which I use a continental grip, it's one of my favorite shots. :)

I think I'm leaning towards keeping the same grip for topspin too.

[Prince_of_Tennis]

I'd recommend the Eastern Backhand

[Exile]

I'm losing my mind, tell me the diffrence from the eastern bh and the continental bh?

I dont know any more, i havent picked up a tennis racket in about a month. I NEED A HITTING PARTNER!!!

[paulfreda]

I dont think you need a topspin BH to play well or win.
Flat is just fine.
Adn I hit BH slice with my SWBH grip and love it.
So you can learn to slice with an Eastern BH.
I switch to Cont on very wide/low balls to make it easier to return deep.

[ambro]

I'm pretty sure Eastern Backhand is the equivalent to a Western Forehand grip. Grab it with a Western Forehand grip and just swing it like a backhand... That's an Eastern Backhand, I think.

[Max G.]

Well, now there's one other option thrown in - learning a 2h topspin and staying with my 1h slice...

When I get home on the 25th of June I'll go and get the ball machine from the club and spend some time playing around, see what feels most natural...

[Tennis Ball Hitter]

Well I tried the "hammer" gripping the continental the other day [as per my theory in a recent post] and it was a disaster.

In my game, when I had low balls I changed to an eastern BH grip, which worked very well. But most of my other BH, I did what I usually do and use a continental grip and it worked out ok. However I didn't play a strong player so I don't know how well I can use both concurrently.

[Rickson]

I'm pretty sure Eastern Backhand is the equivalent to a Western Forehand grip. Grab it with a Western Forehand grip and just swing it like a backhand... That's an Eastern Backhand, I think.
An eastern backhand is not the equivalent of a western backhand. I use the eastern on my one hand backhand and a semi western forehand. If the eastern bh grip were equivalent to a western fh grip, I'd flip the handle when going from fh to bh counterclockwise and use the same side to hit backhands, but I flip it clockwise because the distance is about the same but the transition is easier. If the eastern bh were the same as a western fh, I'd have to flip counterclockwise because the distance is so short. The eastern bh is in between a continental and a western backhand grip. I believe ambro was thinking of a western backhand.

[joe sch]

I bet your problems are in the windup, its soo important for a consistent 1hander
Keep the racket head up and windup close to the body. Keep your grip inplace during the windup and dont loose racket head feel anywhere in the windup. Its much diff then using 2hands

[Rickson]

Max, you can certainly learn to hit a topspin drive with a continental grip just like you can hit a topspin forehand with an eastern fh grip, but the eastern backhand grip makes the shot a lot easier for most people to hit a good topspin drive with. I used to use the continental for most of my backhands, but I found that I was looping my topspin backhands too high, but when I switched to the eastern, the shots had good topspin without the moonball effect. Experiment with both the continental and the eastern, and if you can develop a good topspin drive with the continental, then stick with it, but if you're not getting much topspin with that grip, you might consider switching to the eastern.

[Bungalo Bill]

So, I've been experimenting with a one-handed topspin backhand for a while, and I've been using a continental grip. It's developed to the point where I can hit pretty good passing shots off of it occasionally; but my problem with it is that I can't seem to get any topspin on the ball on a regular basis. I've developed a halfway decent flat shot, which I can use for crosscourt passing shots, but for any other situation I can't seem to be able to hit it hard without losing control over it and having it sail long.

I havent read the posts above so pardon me if I duplicate. I thought I would answer this based on only reading your information.

Topspin is created by brushing the ball in an upward motion We all know that. Therefore, you answered your own question about creating topspin with a Continental grip.

The continental grip will hit a flatter ball if you left your swing alone. This is very common for this grip on the onehander. In order to create topspin you have to swing the racquet up to the ball. Whatever you need to do to allow this to happen is what you need to practice. Most club level players hit the onehanded from an elevated position (not getting low enough). Lower your butt more and use the strength in your legs to step forward and release the swing brushing up and going through the ball.

I've had someone suggest that instead of learning a 1hbh with a continental grip, I try learning it with an Eastern backhand grip.

Now, if it's possible, I'd rather stick with a continental. I'd get to use the same grips for my topspin and slice backhand, and currently my slice backhand with a continental grip is one of my best shots.

The eastern grip makes it a bit easier to create topspin. But if you want to stick with the continental that is ok. Usually for a player that hits with a continental the wrist position can help as well. The wrist position for the continental does not make a krease in the back of the wrist area. It is straight. ALL GRIPS CAN CREATE TOPSPIN. Some grips are easier to do it with. You have to concentrate on getting lower and brushing up the back of the ball. The continental will still be a more topspin shot that will be less loopier.

I'm still just starting to learn the 1hbh though, so if there's a good time to switch which grips I plan to use, it's now.

So, for you knowledgeable posters out there, I have some questions...

1) Is it necessary to switch to Eastern to develop a consistent topspin backhand? How much of a benefit would the switch give me? Do you think I should switch?

It is not necessary. Lendl played with the continental grip as well as many others and could cream the ball. You just have to learn what the limits are (high balls) and learn that topspin is created from brushing up the back of the ball and make adjustments to do so.

When you first start learning a new grip is I think equally the same. Even when you become more experienced, learning a new grip is awkward. So pick your poison.

2) If you think that a continental one-handed backhand would be okay... what do I need to do to get topspin on it?

Thanks!

-Max

Get lower and brush up more. Today I would lean toward the easterns because of the amount of topspin and how high the ball bounces on todays coourts. Once upon a time courts were mainly grass and the ball bounced low. This was a good thing for continental players. But if you find it is difficult to hit with the Eastern and like the continental then stick with it. You can still slice the ball for low and high ones and drive the ones in the strike zone.