Well I've read through some heated debate about grips ("Why your BH sucks?" etc) and was hoping for some advice.
I am changing from a 2h-BH to a single-handed backhand. The primary reason is for greater mobility and to become more effective at S&V/all court play.
I'm mainly using a slice BH from the baseline at this time. Initially, I used a continental BH grip for everything (b/c that was how I'd held the top hand when using 2HBH), but have found that I like the Eastern BH grip for aggressive slices (have been amazed by how tight the backspin is). From reading BB's posts and Rickson and others, this is acceptable grip w/out major restrictions.
On volleys, I find that I can hit most balls well w/ Eastern grip, especially crosscourt volleys. I have some awkwardness w/ DTL volleys and hitting high floaters? No major benefit (IMHO) b/w those 2 grips. I do use continental grips for FH. I note that there is some contraversy about changing grips, one website said all pros use or shold use continental, whereas I believe Bolliteri and Vic Braden say switching grips is not a problem.
So, as I'm basically starting over w/ this stroke, and don't want to mess things up, which would you recommend:
Eastern grip (at baseline)/Continental for returning serves(I usually chip/charge returns so I hold continental when returning for FH/BH) and volleys
Eastern BH grip for everything on BH side (including returns).
Continental for everything on BH side.
I have a hitting lesson also coming up. Pro said Continental was okay,and didn't try to change me; I will ask him though if I were a complete beginner that's what he would teach. I am wary though of trying to change grips/racquets as a placebo; I realize it will take time to develop a 1hBH, the plus side is that I've hit a few shots already that were better than my 2hBH ever was (crisp/cleaner) so that I am encouraged to stick w/ this transition.
Note, I tried going for a grip in between the two and didn't like it, the baseline slice wasn't much better than continental, and I still had to do a slight grip change for forehand volleys.
I apologize for length of this post and again am very greatful to those who can contribute their opinion!
I am changing from a 2h-BH to a single-handed backhand. The primary reason is for greater mobility and to become more effective at S&V/all court play.
I'm mainly using a slice BH from the baseline at this time. Initially, I used a continental BH grip for everything (b/c that was how I'd held the top hand when using 2HBH), but have found that I like the Eastern BH grip for aggressive slices (have been amazed by how tight the backspin is). From reading BB's posts and Rickson and others, this is acceptable grip w/out major restrictions.
On volleys, I find that I can hit most balls well w/ Eastern grip, especially crosscourt volleys. I have some awkwardness w/ DTL volleys and hitting high floaters? No major benefit (IMHO) b/w those 2 grips. I do use continental grips for FH. I note that there is some contraversy about changing grips, one website said all pros use or shold use continental, whereas I believe Bolliteri and Vic Braden say switching grips is not a problem.
So, as I'm basically starting over w/ this stroke, and don't want to mess things up, which would you recommend:
Eastern grip (at baseline)/Continental for returning serves(I usually chip/charge returns so I hold continental when returning for FH/BH) and volleys
Eastern BH grip for everything on BH side (including returns).
Continental for everything on BH side.
I have a hitting lesson also coming up. Pro said Continental was okay,and didn't try to change me; I will ask him though if I were a complete beginner that's what he would teach. I am wary though of trying to change grips/racquets as a placebo; I realize it will take time to develop a 1hBH, the plus side is that I've hit a few shots already that were better than my 2hBH ever was (crisp/cleaner) so that I am encouraged to stick w/ this transition.
Note, I tried going for a grip in between the two and didn't like it, the baseline slice wasn't much better than continental, and I still had to do a slight grip change for forehand volleys.
I apologize for length of this post and again am very greatful to those who can contribute their opinion!
