Switching from eastern to semi western grip on forehand

[AnirudhVyas]

Hi,

So when finally i got down my forehand technique right, but now when i changed my grip from eastern to a semi-western grip (i use open stance usually to hit the forehand), i seem to be closing the face of the racket on the ball and it seems like my finish (follow through) is not high (seems to me like i am smacking the ball or putting the ball down); while it does generate that whip that i need; i also need my strokes to be:
1.) Consistent on any bounce (i keep or try to keep low with bend knees); which doesnt frequently work on low bounce balls (because my finish is not very high).
2.) fluid; It just looks like (from the way balls are hit) that i murdered the balls and theres a zip about the stroke ... but i am not sure if its the right technique.

Couple of more points (i dont have camcorder yet; i am looking for one) but i wanna mention that i focus on:
1.) Cross legged, shuffling footwork and try to get behind the ball reasonably quickly.
2.) I am trying to align the rackets bottom (base hexagon of the handle) with the ball before i hit it ... so in other words i open the racquet very briefly to whip the ball. (if racquet handle was a flash light, then the light from flashlight shines on ball .. took it from Bolleteri video).

My problem is that stroke looks hard or uneasy ... on eastern grip even though i dont murder the balls; i always get relaxed strokes right ... With sem-western i dont get that feeling (well to tell you guys the truth, this was my first day with the grip )

Is it time to get used to?
How do i bring my racket up naturally? (in follow through)
How to make stroke more fluid and relaxed?
What are the other professional players using ... I am interested in finding exactly what federer uses ... i cant tell ... i ask question around and everybody had different opinions

Regards
Vyas, Anirudh

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

You only tried this grip for one day? It took me weeks to really start feeling comfortable with the semi western grip. Just give it a little more time.

 

[ThA_Azn_DeViL]

I tried semi-western grip two days ago and i fell right in love with it, i was smacking balls that would land WHERE i want and DEEP. I'd suggest focusing on trying to be natural with the ball and try not to force the spin on the ball, it worked for me

 

[Number1BallBoy]

It took me a while to get the stroke down as well. So yes, it does take time and effort. Hitting on the ball machine (if available) is great. As many pros strokes look different, it's only cosmetics. If you ever look at the slow motion clips on youtube, their fundamentals are nearly the same. This just lets you know that once you have figured out how to hit the ball, your form will naturally look less forced. It doesn't matter how your stroke looks as long as it is functional. As for what many pros grip their racquest, the answer is it depends on what type of ball they are trying to hit. Please remember that they do have a set grip in which they play with. Majority of the pros use a semi-western, wheter it be mild or extreme. It is the most versitale grip since you can hit flat or topspin. I personally use a extreme semi-western. Fed uses a extreme eastern or to be general, a modified eastern. It is main for flat shot making but since Fed has his grip a bit over to the western side, he can generate more spin. As you get closer to the western grip, you are going to have to change your swing path. Just go out there and see what feels right for you. Just my 2 cents.