Does anyone have the same grip for forehand and 1handed backhand?

[Vermillion]

I used to do this with a SW FH and Extreme Eastern one hander.

Felt alright for groundstrokes, but I was having problems with the return.

It's just SW FH and Eastern BH now. I edge a little bit to the right of continental while returning serve.

[Meaghan]

Originally Posted by FitzRoy

Just for some clarification, I don't really think continental is what the OP is talking about. Going continental on both FH/BH is very traditional in tennis, even relatively recently with guys like McEnroe.

The OP is talking about something like having a full Western forehand and an Eastern one-handed backhand, and hitting both of those without changing his hand's position on the racquet. Which means doing things like hitting a forehand, and then hitting a backhand with the same side of the racquet face. Which is, safe to say, much less traditional.

I agree with BB and others that this is an acceptable method. If it works for you, then why not?

Thanks fitzroy you're right, if you read my intro Im talking extreme grips here. Everyone learns to play continental, its no big deal.
Just to highlight the 'eastern' above, Ive got a FW forehand that is exactly on the same plane as my backhand.
Say you were holding the racket in a continental grip then keep the grip the same but move the racket face from parallel to the net to parallel the floor so that forehand and backhand are hit at the same angle either side.
I'll do some pics of it when I get chance......

[Bungalo Bill]

Originally Posted by FitzRoy

Just for some clarification, I don't really think continental is what the OP is talking about. Going continental on both FH/BH is very traditional in tennis, even relatively recently with guys like McEnroe.

Yes, and with a Continental you are hitting on both sides of the racquet face. With the Western/Full Eastern backhand setup, you would end up hitting on the same side as the racquet by sort of performing a "windshield wiping motion" to hit a forehand or backhand.

The OP is talking about something like having a full Western forehand and an Eastern one-handed backhand, and hitting both of those without changing his hand's position on the racquet. Which means doing things like hitting a forehand, and then hitting a backhand with the same side of the racquet face. Which is, safe to say, much less traditional.

Yes.

I agree with BB and others that this is an acceptable method. If it works for you, then why not?

The skuttle-butt response to this is that you end up shortening the lifespan of your racquet since you hit only on one side. So let us think about this statement for a second.

1. Who is to determine that even if I hit on the same side of the racquet on one rally that I do the same the next? If I turn the handle to the opposite panel on the handle, aren't I hitting on a different side?

2. Where is the study performed that hitting on the same side shortens the lifespan of the racquet? Even if there is, why would it matter? Are we that concerned about the racquets well being? Or can the player just go get another racquet new or used?

3. For those that believe the Continental is the more effcient grip (compared to Easterns) for volleys because it eliminates or significantly reduces grip changes during an exchange, why wouldn't it be okay for a player to not have to change grip during groundstrokes and return of serves?

[trenzterra]

well, if I did not intepret wrongly, the backhand in this case is the end of the forehand WW follow through right (at the point where the dominant arm touches the shoulder)?

[Bungalo Bill]

Originally Posted by trenzterra

well, if I did not intepret wrongly, the backhand in this case is the end of the forehand WW follow through right (at the point where the dominant arm touches the shoulder)?

In a nutshell and without getting picky and technical, yes.

[wyutani]

Originally Posted by trenzterra

well, if I did not intepret wrongly, the backhand in this case is the end of the forehand WW follow through right (at the point where the dominant arm touches the shoulder)?

yes i agree...

[limitup]

I do this a lot. Semi-western or full western forehand and eastern or semi western backhand. Just depends on the point, but I will often just flip the racquet over, make a slight adjustment and hit with the same side of the racquet. I do spin the racquet sometimes after I hit a forehand though so it's not always the same side of the racquet every time I hit the ball lol.

I started out this way because it was just easier for me to flip the racquet over then it was to twist the racquet and re-locate the correct grip. The habit just kind of stuck with me over the years. But like others have said, why switch grips all the time if you don't have to. It's just as easy if not easier to just keep the same grip, go to a neutral "ready" position, and then go back to your FH or BH side without moving your grip at all.

[Bungalo Bill]

Originally Posted by limitup

But like others have said, why switch grips all the time if you don't have to. It's just as easy if not easier to just keep the same grip, go to a neutral "ready" position, and then go back to your FH or BH side without moving your grip at all.

I have always wondered that myself.