changing to continental grip

[orangejulius]

i recently have started using the continental grip for my flat serves. i changed from using an eastern/almost semi western grip.

is it common to be getting side spin on your serves after a grip change like this?

[Freedom]

If you're getting side spin on your 'flat' serves, you're not coming at the ball correctly with your racquet. Chances are you're carving aorund the outside of the ball and hitting slice. Just keep practicing, maybe film yourself serving so you can analyze it.

[kevhen]

You will get more slice with continental. Slice can be good. If you extend and hit hard, the ball shouldn't slice too much though with continental. If you go one notch over to eastern backhand you will get alot more slice!!!

If you toss the ball farther back and to the left and bend back more you will get more topspin instead of slice. You may lose some power though.

[rfprse]

I think you get the slice due to the lack of pronation.
Since you've been using eastern/semi western fh grip for serve, I guess there was no need for it. However, the same arm action as you had with your previous grip would naturally make the head meet the ball to get the side spin with your new continental grip.

Using the continental grip, try to practice service swing (arm action) slowly (with your racquet) with the relaxed shoulder, arm & wrist. Swing as if you are throwing the grip/butt cap/racquet (whichever works for you) up and foward to the imaginary ball. If you don't hold back the motion of your arm consciously (this does NOT mean that you have to swing fast. I would swing slowly. Just try not to stop the motion of the arm and let go), your (fore)arm will be twisted/turned inward (i.e., counterclockwise). This kind of motion (don't try to pronate too much consciously) would allow you to make the racquet head to meet the ball at the desired angle for the flat serve, instead of carving off the side of the ball too much.