Semi-Western/Western Hybrid Forehand Grip

[M J]

I have been torn between Semi-Western and the Western forehand grips for a while and have been experimenting with both of them for the last few weeks. My favorite grip seems to be exactly between the two, with the base of my index finger right on the edge between bevels 4 and 5, and my fingertips all right on edges between bevels. When I hit with this grip, I feel like I keep the topspin I get with the Western, but can still handle low balls and flatten shots out like I can with the Semi-Western.

I have a couple concerns with this grip. The shape of the handle is in exactly the least natural position possible relative to the shape of my hand. My hand has a lot less surface area in contact with the handle than if I were in a pure SW or W grip. I think I compensate by trying to grip it tighter, and my hand gets sore after a while. Gripping it tighter than I need to can't be good for my stroke either, and I'm worried that I may be giving up some control since my grip is probably less stable.

I read in some other posts that many pros, like Roddick and Monfils, use a grip between W and SW. Is this the grip I am describing? Does anyone else use the grip I am describing? Basically, I am wondering if the concerns I have with it are a big deal and if investing in this grip is worth it. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[CleverLob]

I would try putting some overgrip on your racquet if you don't already, and maybe that would help "rounding" out the bevels? = more surface area to grip

 

[M J]

I like that idea. I think I wil try it.

 

[Bottle Rocket]

I have never understood how it is possible people just go out and hit EVERY SINGLE forehand with the same grip, say a semi-western.

Has anybody discovered these groups themselves? Nobody makes the natural changes necessary depending on the shot?

I think when people simply play with something they read about or are told to do, like the same grip for every shot, they may be pushing their improvement a little too much. These things come with time, just as power and consistancy does.

Certain things like discovering a grip between two well known grips should be happening a lot more often!

 

[boojay]

I have never understood how it is possible people just go out and hit EVERY SINGLE forehand with the same grip, say a semi-western.

Has anybody discovered these groups themselves? Nobody makes the natural changes necessary depending on the shot?

I think when people simply play with something they read about or are told to do, like the same grip for every shot, they may be pushing their improvement a little too much. These things come with time, just as power and consistancy does.

Certain things like discovering a grip between two well known grips should be happening a lot more often!

I agree. I change my grip depending on what kind of shot I want to produce and what kind of shot I'm receiving, however, it IS nice to have one grip that can do the job in case you can't respond in time.

 

[paulfreda]

I often play with a hybrid between the W and SW grip on FH.
It feels a bit funny but the results and options are worth it to me.
I get the best of both worlds.

As for changing grips, I adjust by using/rotating/snapping my wrist and forearm more, less or not at all depending on the shot.

For tough defensive balls I often switch to continental though.

 

[Chang]

It is a pretty nice grip. i use the hybrid for forehand and I use the hybrid western and full eastern for backhand.