S&V Style with an Eastern FH?

[munk3y]

S&V Style with an Eastern FH? (groundstroke)

I play a S&V style game with a SW forehand and an eastern 1HBH. Just today I was experimenting with an eastern FH grip and I found I could hit it nicely. Actually in some cases it felt better than hitting with a SW grip.

I just wanted to know what the advantages are for S&V if you hit with an eastern FH. Thanks for the tips.

*edit* I'm talking about groundstrokes, I know that sampras had an eastern FH aswell.

 

[ralphtifftennis]

The biggest advantage is you have a neutral grip. This allows a more consistant volley, especially if rushed, between the backhand and forehand sides. It is also a much better grip if you should have to take an overhead.

I have a semi western forehand and a one handed bh. Not sure exactly what that grip would be called. Your thumb is more on top with an Eastern, whereas mine is more so behind. It rotates forward from an Eastern to allow more topspin. Anyhow while at net I use an eastern grip for volley's. It is more natural on the backhand side but on the forehand side be sure to keep the racket head up.

 

[munk3y]

Ooops, I forgot to say I'm talking about "groundstrokes" and not volleys. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

 

[joe sch]

Munk3y,

Reads like your playing the SV game the way the greats of yesteryear played.
I also play this style and believe it is the optimal way to play allcourt SV 10s.
Eastern grips are best for blasting low put aways drives, they also make vollies and approaches easier since very little grip switching is needed. Glad to hear your improving you game towards the classic style.

Joe

 

[louis netman]

I see no reason to stick to a particular grip if you are competent at E and SW... Use your skills and variety to your advantage. Indeed, when S&Ving, it would be advantageous to use E or even C, however be ready to pound that SW FH if your opponent produces a sitter that bounces.....Further, these days we often find ourselves hitting a few from the backcourt and you can really throw off your opponent with some heavy, high-bouncing TS by using your more extreme grip... My advice is to never limit yourself...

 

[Yuki Kirihara]

Eastern is easier because it's less of a grip change as you move to net. Also, the balls you hit will generally be flatter (although it's still possible to generate huge amounts of topspin), which allow for better approach shots and more of an aggressive game, which serving and volleying builds on.

 

[ralphtifftennis]

OOPS,
I thought you were referring to volleys. The advantage to an eastern grip, with an aggressive net game, is that the ball stays lower. I also use it at times to chip or slice and then charge net. You really have to control the shot and look for placement. I always slice heavy on my backhand when approaching as much more difficult to hit a passing shot on a low skidding ball.

But like Louis Netman said. If you have those shots look to incorporate them.

Many times I choose to hit out with heavy topspin on an approach. I feel my pace alone will create a weak reply, if it is not an outright winner first off. Typically this will be off a sitter or with the opponent in a weaker position. THIS, IF MY GOAL IS TO WIN THE POINT AT NET.

Other times on a sitter I will go for the outright winner via a flatter stroke. But that shot is not necessarily an approach or net play mentality. My "rule of thumb" is to hit with more spin the further inside the baseline I am. It allows me to still swing away while maintaining room for error.