grip on slice and volley

[raiden031]

I read that the best grip for volleys (both fh and bh) is continental. This doesn't feel comfortable to me, but I prefer to use the same grip as my fh and bh slice shots. For fh slice I use SW, and for bh slice I use eastern backhand. Basically these are the same grips I use when hitting top spin too.

Anyone think this is a bad idea and that I really should be using the continental for volleys? Keep in mind that whats more important to me is better technique in the long run than what is comfortable in the short run.

 

[psp2]

I read that the best grip for volleys (both fh and bh) is continental. This doesn't feel comfortable to me, but I prefer to use the same grip as my fh and bh slice shots. For fh slice I use SW, and for bh slice I use eastern backhand. Basically these are the same grips I use when hitting top spin too.

Anyone think this is a bad idea and that I really should be using the continental for volleys? Keep in mind that whats more important to me is better technique in the long run than what is comfortable in the short run.

There was a recent thread that discussed (in depth) the continental volley grip.

 

[Geezer Guy]

You're right in that the Continental grip takes a bit of getting used to at the net. But, it's worth it. With the same grip you can handle EVERYTHING at the net that you're likely to get. Forehand volley's, backhand volley's, and the overhead are all best hit with a continental grip. Doesn't matter if you're digging out a low volley at your ankles, or swinging through a nice head-high volley that you can really pound. The Continental works for everything.

There will be occasions when you don't have time to change from one grip to the other.

 

[maverick1]

Not that I am expert, but I have read some things.

Continental is the most favored grip for FH & BH volleys, BH slice, and FH slices. A lot of players(I believe that includes McEnroe) used to play the game with just that one grip.

However, it was discussed in this forum a a couple of months ago that Vic Braden favors the Eastern FH grip for FH volleys, apparently because it is easier to guide the ball where you want. I am not sure what Braden's recommendation is for BH volley - probably eastern FH as well because it would be too difficult to switch volley grips when you are involved in an exchange of reflex volleys.
It was also mentioned that pros use a variety of slightly different grips.

Most likely SW is not used by any pro for volleys or slices. It is only good for topspin FH. Given your goals, I think you want to switch to something like continental.

 

[The Gorilla]

I read that the best grip for volleys (both fh and bh) is continental. This doesn't feel comfortable to me, but I prefer to use the same grip as my fh and bh slice shots. For fh slice I use SW, and for bh slice I use eastern backhand. Basically these are the same grips I use when hitting top spin too.

Anyone think this is a bad idea and that I really should be using the continental for volleys? Keep in mind that whats more important to me is better technique in the long run than what is comfortable in the short run.

continental,getting used to the grip isn't a big deal,just play with this grip as a pusher for about 2-3 hours and you will get a feel for it,just push the ball back,after an hour hit slice,no topspin groundies,when you feel comfortable then try playing at the net.

 

[TonyB]

Use the continental grip. Seriously. Any short-term benefits you may experience due to "comfort" with your regular FH and BH grips will be wiped away very quickly as you improve your game and face tougher opponents.

For example, if you're hitting with an eastern BH grip, you'll never be able to hit low backhand stretch volleys with that grip. Also, if you try to return a ball hit with severe underspin, you'll very likely just put it into the bottom of the net.

For BH volleys, I *SOMETIMES* shift slightly further towards a groundstroke-type of backhand grip, but only on very rare occasions when I am very close to the net and trying to "direct" the ball in the inside-out direction. And even then, it's only when I don't have time to properly position my body and turn my shoulders.

I guess the only time I ever shift my grip slightly towards the FH side is when I get a short floater that I have to reach forward to strike and want to hit it hard cross court.

But those are not "typical" shots. For 95% of the shots you'll encounter at net, you'll be using the continental grip.