Semi vs The Nadal/Djoko Grip: Which for me?

[JSouza]

Hi

I for the last few months I decided to use the 3 quarter western/semi western grip in which your index knuckle rests on the edge, I guess, of the bevels 4,5. I modelled my takeback on Novaks.

I found that this way of hitting a forehand was great for consistent cross court rally balls. I could absorb pace, and hit heavy balls back, from on or behind the baseline. However with this grip, and my lack of pro level racquet head speed, I struggled to finish points off of balls with NO pace that my opponent floated back. It was also, because of the lengthy takeback, difficult to move up, hit balls on the rise, and approach net. Low slices and half volleys, again, difficult.

Meanwhile previously I had used a true semi western, with a more compact takeback. i could hit flatter, with more pace and crack the ball easier, as you know. Half volleys. approaches on the rise and finishing points was easier. but my cross court rally ball was less consistent, had less spin, and i didnt absorb pace as well.

Its incredible that such a small change in grip makes this difference, but considering I'm not as strong or talented as novak or rafa, if i want to be able to do anything but defend at the rec level, do I have to go semi western and deal with more errors and shorter rallies? If anyone has gone through something similar or can offer some advice it would be much appreciated.

[Cheetah]

I have the same grip and same takeback.

You most likely have some fundamentals issues w/ that grip. Make sure you are making contact well out in front. More than w/ a straight semi. If you have a bent arm structure try extending your elbow further away from the body and a slightly straighter arm. Djoko has a bent arm but the bend is slight. Almost a straight arm. The straighter your arm the less you have to use internal shoulder rotation and the less the elbow goes up and down during the swing resulting in a smoother motion. Compare djoko's swing to nishikori who has the same grip. Nishikori has more of that elbow movement going on and his elbow is a lot closer to his torso.

You should be able to swing faster with that grip than a sw. Also you should be able to hit a flat ball too. I can hit a straight on flat ball for put aways w/ this grip but i've been using it for 2 years.

Make sure your racquet face is slightly closed at contact. If it's not then too much energy will be going in to spin production and not pace. Figure out how to get the face closed.

[BevelDevil]

I agree with what cheetah said about making the arm straighter.

I use a "strong SW" as you described but with a more-straight arm, and it helps a lot to hit it this way. Try keeping your arm pretty relaxed and use your legs and hips to generate most of the power. Pull the buttcap into the shot and let the rackethead swing through.

[rkelley]

You can hit flat and penetrating with the strong SW grip you have as Cheetah says (and he does), and you can also hit balls with more topspin and higher margin with the straight SW grip. I use a strong E. grip, almost SW, and I can hit very heavy topspin. There's this Federer guy that uses an E. grip and he's way better at producing spin than I am. The mechanics do change some between the grips, but both grips allow you to hit with spin and pace, and you can flatten them out when you want to.

I do think each grip has it's issues. Flattening out the strong SW is tougher. Getting the higher spin on the more conservative grips like mine tends to be the battle. I do like my grip for coming in, but again I think you can make the strong SW work with that too.

Basically, you have to pick your poison grip-wise and then make it work.