Semiwestern 1hbh Help

[cg.tennis]

I need some help on semiwestern 1hbh technique.

I know for semiswestern forehand, during the course of racquet takeback, palm is facing the ground, racquet face is also facing the ground (closed). During the course of forward swing to contact, palm becomes facing the net, racquet face is perpendicular to the ground, which ensures a solid contact with the ball.

Here are my questions.

#1. for semiwestern 1hbh, during racquet takeback, where is palm facing? Is racquet face closed or open?

#2. during forward swing to contact, where is palm facing?

#3. Is there pronation in order to make racquet face perpendicular to ground?

Thx.

 

[Sublime]

cxw0106,

There is no "pat the dog" in a 1hbh (closed racket face before swing to contact) like there is for the FH. The racket face should be almost completely open during the take back and swing to contact.

You can change the amount of topspin you hit by the amount you allow the racket head to drop before your swing to contact. Your hand pretty much always follows the same path, but by allowing the racket head to drop below the ball more or less, you can control how flat or loppy the shot is.

Allowing the racket head to drop and then bringing it up to make contact does result in supination, but I wouldn't advice that you focus on it. Instead just focus on allowing the racket head to drop below the ball and then making contact. Trust your body/mind do the rest.

 

[cg.tennis]

thanks, Sublime.

Actually I can hit pretty consistent 1hbh using BH Eastern grip, as long as I don't miss the timing. I'm trying to switch to BH Semiwestern grip. But I am still not sure if I did everything right.

Anyone can help on what I should adjust in order to swtich from BH Eastern to BH Semiwestern grip?

One thing is that I feel a bit awkward that I have to turn my arm inward (pronate) in order to make the racquet face perpendicular to the ground.

 

[downdaline]

I use both depending on court positioning. I use the BH semiwestern when im approaching the net, to create a little extra topspin. I use the BH eastern when rallying from the baseline.

If you intend to switch from the BH eastern to the semiwestern, i would suggest focusing on hitting THROUGH the ball more. Too often, many people use the semiwestern and try to brush up too much and end up framing the ball, bcos the racquet face is much more closed than the Eastern.

Hope this helps.

 

[In D Zone]

I just started learning this grip (SW -1hbh).

One of the guys in our local court plays using this grip. This guy can really rip his bh and very consistency; its his lethal shot- most of which are flat shots.

I also played another guy who is a pusher - plays with the same grip and was also consistent.

I tried sw -1hbh - I was brushing the ball more and I noticed I was not able to control the ball unless you have the arm strength to hit with a windshield wiper stroke. The only thing I'm worried is getting a bad tennis elbow.

As Downdaline point out - hitting thru the ball would be the best option.

 

[In D Zone]

I use both depending on court positioning. I use the BH semiwestern when im approaching the net, to create a little extra topspin. I use the BH eastern when rallying from the baseline.

If you intend to switch from the BH eastern to the semiwestern, i would suggest focusing on hitting THROUGH the ball more. Too often, many people use the semiwestern and try to brush up too much and end up framing the ball, bcos the racquet face is much more closed than the Eastern.

Hope this helps.

I played a match yesterday and starting incorporating the SW bh shot. I took your advised and focus hitting through the ball rather than brushing up - results were very good. I am able to use this grip whenever I am late / using more open stance to hit my bh. I was striking the ball with a lot of pace. However, on the second match - I noticed my shoulder and arm felt kinda sore.
Have you had the same issue when you first starting playing with this grip?

I am just curious. I think its just coincident, could have been my body is exhausted from playing (played 4 days straight only prior week rested only on Monday)