Mastering the continental grip...

[K-LEG]

Alright so here's what's up. The continental grip is known as the universal grip. Why? Because it can be used on every single stroke in tennis. It is the proper grip for all services and volleys. That's where my problem is...

My grips...
Forehand: Semi-Western.
Backhand: Two handed Semi-Western.
Backhand Slice: Continental.
Overhead: Semi-Western.
Serve: Semi-Western.
Volley: Continental.
Lob: Semi-Western.

Okay so where's my problem? My serves and overheads. You may ask how I know that using the Semi-Western grip for both of these shots is a problem? Well my serve and overhead aren't exactly up to par so I need some help. I've tried adapting to the continental grip but it is just so akward for me. What is going on here? Tell me how to properly use the continental grip to hit a decent serve and overhead. By the way my favorite grip is the Semi-Western grip. Help please .

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Alright so here's what's up. The continental grip is known as the universal grip. Why? Because it can be used on every single stroke in tennis. It is the proper grip for all services and volleys. That's where my problem is...

My grips...
Forehand: Semi-Western.
Backhand: Two handed Semi-Western.
Backhand Slice: Continental.
Overhead: Semi-Western.
Serve: Semi-Western.
Volley: Continental.
Lob: Semi-Western.

Okay so where's my problem? My serves and overheads. You may ask how I know that using the Semi-Western grip for both of these shots is a problem? Well my serve and overhead aren't exactly up to par so I need some help. I've tried adapting to the continental grip but it is just so akward for me. What is going on here?

You simply need to take a lesson or get some drills you can personally execute and keep making the change. Keep practicing.

The continental grip is called the universal grip because of the history it has with tennis. It is not necessarily true today as much as it was in the past. However, there are a lot of strokes that use the Continental. Or should use the Continental.

 

[tricky]

I've tried adapting to the continental grip but it is just so akward for me. What is going on here?

Do you serve like a waiter? Just checking

Using a SW for the serve suggests that you don't use pronation at all in the serve. For now, just experiment with the continental grip motion where you finish the stroke with a "thumbs down" at the end. See how that feels.

 

[krz]

You're probably not pronating if you're using a semiwestern forehand grip on overheads and serves. That would be the first step in the switch.

 

[K-LEG]

Couldn't I pronate using the Semi-Western grip if I tried?

 

[jonline]

I used to use a semi-western grip on overheads, but changed to a continental. At first, I was really having trouble keeping the ball in the court, but then i learned to do stand more perpendicular to the net (I had to because all of my overheads wer flying left), and to put some body rotation into the swing. Now overheads are so much more effortless than they were before. They do not take anywhere near the oomph that I had to put into a semi-western overhead. Hope this helps.

 

[tricky]

Couldn't I pronate using the Semi-Western grip if I tried?

But, how? Your racquet face is completely open toward the ball; pronation in this context is nothing like the wiping action you see with a FH.

With a continental or near continental grip, pronation leads to a kind of dunking with the racquet onto the ball. You swing up on the ball, and then you dunk on it.

 

[K-LEG]

Just watched a video on youtube about pronation and now I get it, yes! I'm going to practice right now...this made my life so much easier.

 

[krz]

yup

pronating with a semiwestern would result in the frame of the racket hitting. while not pronating with a continental would result in a frame.

 

[paulfreda]

I agree that pronating with a SW and suppinating with a Cont are awkward and risky, but it can be done with practice. I do both with my strong SW so I can speak from experience. I have to make an effort to fully pre-suppinate [turn forearm clockwise opening the face] on the backswing. It gives me more shots to choose from and increases consistency for certain shots being able to choose; pronate or suppinate.

 

[raiden031]

I bet you can serve up a mean omelette with that grip!

 

[Tennismastery]

You can do a "reverse slice" or "reverse twist" serve using a semi western grip. That is, move the racquet from right to left (as a right hander) with that grip over your head and it will produce somewhat of a left-handers slice or even hybrid.

But, for top level servers, the continental and a slight turn towards a weak eastern backhand grip is the predominant grip.

There is nothing wrong with having a favorite grip for your forehand. The serve, just like a volley, backhand etc., will require the right grip for the right swing path and effect...at high levels. So you will have to learn the continental grip for the volley and overhead and the backhand slice.

Yes, you can get away with using some variations...but, the majority of top level players use the continental for the volley, serve, overhead, slice backhand, dropshot, and the dominant hand on the two-handed backhand.

Pretty important grip if you want to get good.

Drills: Up bounces: arm straight, racquet at a right angle to the arm, continental grip. Bounce about 8 inches up 50 to 100 times, several times a day.

Down bounces: same grip, kneeling down, bouncing with the continental grip. (Aim for a spot on the ground...this helps even more.)

Brush down bounces: Standing, continental grip, brush the outside of the ball (right side for right-handers), try to keep from going around in circles.

Catches: Toss the ball up, catch the ball on its way down on the strings by moving the racquet down at the same speed as the falling ball. Don't let the ball bounce as you catch it on the strings. Work both sides of the racquet.

There are dozens of other drills: all of which I have outlined and demonstrated in a series of feature articles found at TennisOne.com...(In the lesson library, look for "Rounding Out Drills" in under the heading of "Basics".)

Good luck to all!