Serving Grip Question

[AdvocateTDV]

Hello all...

This usually doesn't present a problem at my satellite matches, but I was just curious about a small detail regarding the twist serve and the flat serve for those of you who use both:

Do you choose to serve both types with the same grip, or do you serve each serve with a different grip?

I'm decently good at disguising my serve, so it's not a problem for me, but recently over lunch, a friend of mine was discussing the topic with me, and we found out that we have different approaches. I, personally, switch grips between the two serves.

[Andres]

You are the one playing satellites...
We should be asking you ... :rolleyes:

[AdvocateTDV]

Haha...I will have to be humble here: I am not winning at the satellite level in the overall picture. I'm a good player, but not a great player. You've got to be great to move on at this level...no...you have to be excellent. I don't devote enough of my time to conditioning and other practice routines necessary to become even better.

I'm asking because my friend (a much better player than myself) decided to note to me that I'm NOT in the norm by switching grips. Thus, I decided to throw the question at the board...For the record, his serving stats are better than mine. =)

[looseswing]

I used to switch grips but then I found it was hard to reswitch as I started to lean towards one grip. Now I just stick with continental for all serves. I have the same problem with my toss, so I have started to hit all serves from one toss.

[Tikiman53]

For my flat serve, I use something other than continental. I have this habit of starting with continental and then switching to some other grip at the last second. I get the feeling that's wrong, right?
It works okay for me, I mean, I got into the 90s once doing it that way, and that's the highest I've ever gone.

[jonolau]

For my flat serve, I use something other than continental. I have this habit of starting with continental and then switching to some other grip at the last second. I get the feeling that's wrong, right?
It works okay for me, I mean, I got into the 90s once doing it that way, and that's the highest I've ever gone.
You're probably switching to eastern. Most rec players with no formal lessons start with eastern and are stuck with it. Continental is the correct grip, and will seem awkward initially.

[Tikiman53]

Yeah, I'm in the process of finding a good teacher around who'll concentrate a LOT on my technique. But until then, I'm gonna do what works, because normally, I can't do flat serves at all.

[jonolau]

jjk707, there is only one sure-fire way to improve your serve ... practice, practice, practice until the serve becomes second nature. :)

[nickybol]

If you just want to spin your second serve in, an eastern grip is fine. If want much pace on your serve, and a little more risk, I`d stick with a continental grip.

[Tikiman53]

Yeah, I use continental on all of my serves except for flat.

[AdvocateTDV]

Interesting, so there does seem to be a variety of approaches people are using to hit these serves. I wonder how the pros at the ATP level approach their serves then. Oh well...I guess I'll never know! :)

[Andres]

Interesting, so there does seem to be a variety of approaches people are using to hit these serves. I wonder how the pros at the ATP level approach their serves then. Oh well...I guess I'll never know! :)
What do you mean you'll never know?
Of course you'll know! Pay attention to their hands!!! :D