How to switch grips when receiving serve?

[James Reed]

I am a righty. I normally use a semi-western for the forehand grip. When receiving serve how do you hold the racquet and switch grips. I have been holding continental and moving my hand depending on whether I get a backhand(eastern backhand) or forehand serve(semi-western). Looking for your method especially against a fast server. Thanks

 

[TwistServe]

Well if I get a serve that I can set up in time, I'll use my western grip and nail it back hard.. If its coming too fast, or if my anticipation isnt accurate, i'll block it back (kind of like a volley) or slice it back.. the latter two would use eastern or contin grips, or sometimes western..

 

[jayserinos99]

I have a two handed backand and a western forehand so what I do is have my top hand (right hand) in an eastern grip and my bottom hand (left hand) in my western grip. I only have to turn my shoulder and meet the ball out in front. On my backhand, all I have to do is turn my shoulder and my bottom hand (left hand) will go into the continental grip (what I normally use).

 

[Rickson]

I just stick with an eastern because it's safe. If the serve is coming slow enough, I just switch to a semi-western, but for a blazing fast serve, the eastern is my grip of choice. BTW, I simply flick the handle counterclockwise and it only takes a split second. When the ball comes to my backhand side, I flick the handle clockwise unless the serve is superfast in which case I simply block the serve.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

A lot of advanced players wait in the forehand grip. If the ball comes to the backhand the unit turn along with the non-dominant hand switching the grip at the same time makes for a very easy grip change.

You can practice your grip changes in the mirror or watching TV. Try not to look at the grip while you change and see if you can do it without looking. Wait in the forehand grip then turn the shoulders while you switch grips. Repeat over and over.

One thing about grip changes, most club players change grips slowly because they hold on to the racquet handle to tight. Relax your hand while you wait for the serve.