Full western forehand grip

[shadower4]

do you bend your wrist back with this grip? i just net the ball when i do and im used to using a semi western grip in which i bend my wrist back and point the butt cap at the ball . So... should i just keep my wrist straight and when i take my arm back don't lay my wrist back?

 

[LeeD]

Relax your wrist on the takeback.
If you hit too low, into the net, swing more low to high, so the ball clears the net.
If you can't get it high enough, modify your grip towards SW a little. Western grip is not set in stone.

 

[ProgressoR]

out of interest, why go from SW to W

I switched from E to SW few months back and was slowly going towards W. So i went to W for a whole lesson and hitting, and coach said, no, my shot is weaker, not enough depth and pace compared to my SW, and my mechanics are not great, and W is less forgiving, so I went back to SW

everyone is different i know but what made you decide to switch?

 

[Ballinbob]

I have a weak- western grip on my fh and it is one of my strongest shots. So I may be able to help a bit.

You need a pretty fast swing speed with this grip to take advantage of the spin this grip offers. You really need to whip up the back of the ball from low to high, and you will be amazed at the spin you will get. Once you get the hang of this, you will be able to hit some great short angles.

Low balls are more difficult with this grip, and me being a taller guy at 6"3, I end up using the reverse forehand alot. Just make sure you bend your knees and use that spin to bring the ball up and over the net.

Also, just a question, why are you switching grips? ProgressoR has a point. For me and people like LeeD the western feels natural, but were a minority. The SW is a helluva grip, its not bad at all.

All in all, it just has to feel natural.

 

[Giannis]

do you bend your wrist back with this grip? i just net the ball when i do and im used to using a semi western grip in which i bend my wrist back and point the butt cap at the ball . So... should i just keep my wrist straight and when i take my arm back don't lay my wrist back?

You dont bend your wrist as much as with weaker grips, because that will make the face too closed.

 

[LeeD]

Is BallinBob back on the internet?
WELCOME BACK!
How's your game?

 

[ssonosk]

Let the racquet lay your wrist back

When i first did western I hit the net a lot too, you have to find that balance of flat pace and spin

 

[Ballinbob]

Is BallinBob back on the internet?
WELCOME BACK!
How's your game?

Haha Bob is back ! I moved from Colorado to overseas to Lebanon for 2 years, and they really have very slow internet. I just didn't have the patience for internet over there.

But yeahh I'm back finally. Game is good, especially the serve. I changed from a pinpoint to a platform stance a year ago, and the consistency is alot better. Biggest problem is still my one-handed backhand. I'm way to defensive, slice to much, and i think its stopping me from competing with 4.5 players......:???:

I have some footage on my video camera, I just need to find the cord to upload it. Desperately need input on the backhand and movement

 

[LeeD]

Cool stuff....
Yeah platform is great for taller players who have power, but want more control.
Maybe adopt a sorta strong Eastern backhand grip for topspins? Slice works great if they don't attack it.
So, how much did you fill out in Lebanese food? You still 6'3" and a bit?

 

[Ballinbob]

hahaha yeahh i filled up alot. I gained like 20 pounds of muscle over there. I figured if theres not much tennis, might as well get as fit and strong as possible. I"m still 6"3....been this height for awhile. I wanna grow more, not sure when its gonna happen. Serve is maxing at around 105-110 mph, you'll be proud haha. Could get more mph too I think.... racket head speed can always improve no matter how good one is.

And I was experimenting with the more extreme eastern grips for my backhand and they are great. Lots of good topspin, was impressed. I want to keep practicing this grip for sure