highschoolertennis
New User
So i was thinking about changing from a semi western to a western grip. When i tried it the swing was awkard and i couldnt make any power or spin. Any help on this on how i should properly hit with a western grip?
Changing from semi-western to western
- Thread starter highschoolertennis
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Djokovicfan4life
Legend
Why do you want to change? Just asking.
highschoolertennis
New User
Based on what a couple of coaches have told me that a western grip would suit my playing stable much more than a semi-wester.(baseliner)
marosmith
Professional
Don't do it.
Djokovicfan4life
Legend
I don't know, I'm not a fan of these "don't use X grip, Y is better". But I do know that plenty of "baseliners" use the semiwestern grip. OP, use the grip you feel the most comfortable using. Based on your last two posts it sounds like you're changing for the sake of changing.
How was your forehand when you were using the SW?
How was your forehand when you were using the SW?
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Remember, when you switch more towards Xtreme grips, you have to swing faster every stroke! Takes energy, take preptime.
And when you impart more spin, you LOSE ball speed, so you have to swing faster...again.
And you might hit high incoming balls easier, but lose out on low incoming balls, lose out in net play and volleying.
And when you impart more spin, you LOSE ball speed, so you have to swing faster...again.
And you might hit high incoming balls easier, but lose out on low incoming balls, lose out in net play and volleying.
Remember, when you switch more towards Xtreme grips, you have to swing faster every stroke! Takes energy, take preptime.
And when you impart more spin, you LOSE ball speed, so you have to swing faster...again.
And you might hit high incoming balls easier, but lose out on low incoming balls, lose out in net play and volleying.
And when you impart more spin, you LOSE ball speed, so you have to swing faster...again.
And you might hit high incoming balls easier, but lose out on low incoming balls, lose out in net play and volleying.
Try it!
Just try it to see how the change in grip feels for you. You choose the grip that is most comfortable for you.
Regardless of any opinions, SW is the most versatile grip, like a midpoint of eastern and western. So you might want to try hitting different types of shots.
For me, I had to struggle a lot to find the grip I wanted. I started playing tennis with SW, moved a little to western, moved back to between eastern and SW, and then now settled into EASTERN grip.
I think the most important thing is to find which grip makes you feel most comfortable. Forget about all power to spin ratio. You can work on that after you settle on to a right grip for you. You'll be able to hit any kinds of shots with any kinds of grips
Just try it to see how the change in grip feels for you. You choose the grip that is most comfortable for you.
Regardless of any opinions, SW is the most versatile grip, like a midpoint of eastern and western. So you might want to try hitting different types of shots.
For me, I had to struggle a lot to find the grip I wanted. I started playing tennis with SW, moved a little to western, moved back to between eastern and SW, and then now settled into EASTERN grip.
I think the most important thing is to find which grip makes you feel most comfortable. Forget about all power to spin ratio. You can work on that after you settle on to a right grip for you. You'll be able to hit any kinds of shots with any kinds of grips
Djokovicfan4life
Legend
Also keep in mind that there's no rule stating you have to use one grip for every forehand. The planets will not fall out of alignment if you use SW for knee/waist height shots and turn it slightly more western for high balls.
You can't just change your grip and hit the ball the same way. You will need to adjust your swing path and the contact point. IF you use the western grip for a while, you should get the hang of it, but you should know that most coaches are going away from teaching the western grip
Trust me on this one: stick with the semi-western. It's a far more versatile grip. I was taught a semi-western grip, but I love spin, so I changed to a full western when I started high school tennis. Just about 2-3 years ago my coach switched me back to a semi-western and it makes everything easier. I rely heavily on my serve to help setup points, so if I'm not at the net volleying, I'm usually approaching and hitting a low ball. A low ball is the western gripper's worst nightmare because to get enough forward movement, you really need to whip the snot outta the ball to make it an effective approach. With the semi-western, you can more easily flatten out the stroke to give it more depth and give your opponent less time to get to it.
Do note that there are uses for all grips in the game, but for example, if I'm pulled out wide and know that if I put the ball back in play that the entire court is open, I used to take advantage of my western grip and flick it cross court and short into the opposing service box with a large amount of top spin, making my opponent either go for a low percentage down the line, around the doubles alley winner, or hit it right back to me once I've recovered. You can do the same thing by using a reverse forehand with a semi-western and get the same results. So my advice, having gone from semi, to full and back to semi is to stick with the semi.
Do note that there are uses for all grips in the game, but for example, if I'm pulled out wide and know that if I put the ball back in play that the entire court is open, I used to take advantage of my western grip and flick it cross court and short into the opposing service box with a large amount of top spin, making my opponent either go for a low percentage down the line, around the doubles alley winner, or hit it right back to me once I've recovered. You can do the same thing by using a reverse forehand with a semi-western and get the same results. So my advice, having gone from semi, to full and back to semi is to stick with the semi.
highschoolertennis
New User
Based on what i've seen i think i'll stay semi-western, to be more specific i'm more of an agressive baseliner and i rarely come in to the net.
