Volleying with a...semiwestern grip?

[Meat]

At my HS JV game today, I had the opportunity to play a doubles match against an awkward pair. Both used semiwestern grips on all forehands, including volleys, although they both had continental grips for backhand volleys. On another note, they were identical twins.

Although we won the match 6-3, most of the points they did get were from outstanding volleying. Although they both tended to produce errors at the baseline, and couldn't handle serves with lots of pace or spin too easily, they both poached effectively and had very good reaction time.

The SW grip seemed to produce flatter, more powerful volleys. They both had no problems switching grips to it, and replied that their selftaught ready position used their SW forehand grip and naturally switched to continental. Their reaction time made up for any problems changing grips, and volleys were easy for them to aim down the line or crosscourt.

Another quick note, they didn't mention any injuries or problems when I asked about it after the match.

So...would a SW grip on volleys possibly beneficial if it's comfortable? No underspin, just more pace. I know many pros and recreational players make their grip slightly Eastern for forehand volleys, but I've never heard anything on SW.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[alan-n]

My advice is this... Use what grip you are comfortable with now, develop the bad habits that will ultimately limit your ability. Regret why you learned the wrong technique which you will NEVER be able to unlearn.

Or learn the continental grip, proven by all 4.5+ players.... The reason why continental grip dominates nets is because of its versatility. You can orient the racket face easily to get to shots at your feet.. behind you. It easily produces angled volley winners. It is easy to put underspin on volleys to keep the ball low and out of reach. It is easy to feather touch shots.

Its just like serving, yes you can serve with the SW grip... It doesn't mean thats how it should be done...

 

[paulfreda]

My advice is trust yourself.
You saw these fellows use it successfully and then if you try it and it works for you, use it and find out what the limitations for this technique are.
But also bear in mind that there is a reason >90% of the good players in the world use the Continental. So you might want to continue using it once in a while too to compare.
My guess is that the SW FH grip for volleying (I myself use it on high floating balls and sometimes even on low overheads) would be difficult when you get a low ball at your knees or feet.
Oh yeah ..... don't pronate thru the ball with this grip. Push straight forward or even wrap around (suppinate) the outside right of the ball for control.