Which Grip do you use guys

[Vieira151]

i use a semi- western, but i find thats high balls give me trouble, any advice on fixing this?

Have you tried developing a jump shot? It can be effective, and it doesnt need to always be used on the attack. I use it a lot, cause there is a lot of high balls hit at my club Alternatively you could use a hop shot off a high shot to approach the net. Federer uses it pretty effectively.

I cant really describe them cause my techniques for each arent perfect, but im sure Al could give you tips on how to hit them.

[EquitiesindallasBANNED]

On court: semi western.

Off-court, it depends what hurts less

[Q. Reese]

Seems like semi-western is the most used grip guys!

[Coolhand Texas]

Thx chederer and vieira, djarvik could you explain what vieira was talking about?

[~BeRnArD-ToMiC~]

I use WESTERN GRIP

[Likos86321]

i tried yesterday the semi western grip and i found it very awesome!

I could produce a lot more topspin shots and when needed flat powerful shots! i am amazed by the outcome and i think i found the grip that suits me better!

[Sherlock 117]

I used to use a modified eastern (half between eastern and semi-western) and had huge problems. I've switched to the semi-western and am loving it.

[jayl0ve]

Thx chederer and vieira, djarvik could you explain what vieira was talking about?

He really just means jumping up in the air to hit a high ball. Federer does it very very rarely, usually only on balls that have just been called out, almost never in an actual rally...as for your problem with high balls, pretty much the only advice is simple but worth repeating: take the racquet back higher on high balls. This sounds stupidly simple but when I was taking lessons from a private coach, he pointed out that I seemed to take the racquet back at the same height no matter what height the ball was bouncing at. I didn't realize that. High balls are still going to give you trouble though no matter what you do- they are just tough to deal with. The best thing to do is move your feet to get in a position where you can take the ball at a lower height, even if this means backing up from the baseline a few feet. Oh, and no offense whatsoever to CHEDERER, but you definitely do NOT want to be 'not moving' when you hit ANY groundstroke!!! Just watch the pros, they move their feet and get good shoulder/hip rotation on EVERY SINGLE BALL, and you should too.

[Q. Reese]

Are you guys good at that? Every time I jump up to hit the ball, I cannot get it in the court, or it is just out. Plus too, my injury to the ankle makes me play more conservative now-a-days.

[djarvik]

Thx chederer and vieira, djarvik could you explain what vieira was talking about?

He really just means jumping up in the air to hit a high ball. Federer does it very very rarely, usually only on balls that have just been called out, almost never in an actual rally...as for your problem with high balls, pretty much the only advice is simple but worth repeating: take the racquet back higher on high balls. This sounds stupidly simple but when I was taking lessons from a private coach, he pointed out that I seemed to take the racquet back at the same height no matter what height the ball was bouncing at. I didn't realize that. High balls are still going to give you trouble though no matter what you do- they are just tough to deal with. The best thing to do is move your feet to get in a position where you can take the ball at a lower height, even if this means backing up from the baseline a few feet. Oh, and no offense whatsoever to CHEDERER, but you definitely do NOT want to be 'not moving' when you hit ANY groundstroke!!! Just watch the pros, they move their feet and get good shoulder/hip rotation on EVERY SINGLE BALL, and you should too.

Here you go Coolhand.

Generally you right, but, there are plenty of cases, especially in initial stages of training were you would ask a player to stop (slow down) when hitting. Usually very early and for players that are too hyper. We first ask the player to learn to stop properly and hit - then move thru the ball and hit. Someone who has no consistency in his strokes should try stopping and hitting....well actually its called setting up your feet, rather then stopping, you never completely stop. Running thru your strokes will result in a lot of frame shots. As for a shoulder and hip rotation, that is a must! You need to practice it early and often, every minute free between the points - swing into the air and make sure you making a proper swing, setting up your feet and turning your his and shoulders.....the more you do it, the more consistent the strokes will be. Do not under estimate shadow boxing. Do it after every out you hit, give 2-3 swings, try to catch yourself making a mistake.

As for jumping on any shots; if you have to jump then hit, you are not moving your feet. Get either closer to the bounce (not recommended) or move back. Don't confuse the off jump with the up jump. It's ok to slightly get your feet of the ground when you have time to setup a big shot, that is usually a jump as you hit, not jump to reach the ball.

[Coolhand Texas]

ahh the last part djarvik i think will help. Sometimes i know that i am jumping to reach the ball, when i should stay on the gorund.

@jayl0ve i wil also work on the position in which i take my raquet back, hopefully that will help too.

Thanks for the help guys, i will put this too good use

[Vieira151]

The only time i use jump is on high moonball/slightly topspin shots that are hit - frequently - and when i want to keep my position, like if i want to stay up on top of the baseline. Apart from that, i'll usually move back and hit the ball on the way down, or if im feeling confident i might have a go on the rise

[brgerflipr]

Hey Djarvik, i'm 23, i know its a bit late to start playing tennis now. But the thing is i started it for training and physical purposes only(to be more athletic), not to become the next baghdatis or something .

It's never too late. I'm 35 and started playing about 3 years ago when I joined a neighborhood league for fun. Now I'm addicted, I think you will be too.

Anyway back to our subject, i will post some photos videos next week if i persuade someone to come with me.

Taking a video is great idea, you'll see so many things that would've missed otherwise. Also, you'll get some good advice from a few pretty knowledgeable people here that should really help your game.

[Chederer]

Thx chederer and vieira, djarvik could you explain what vieira was talking about?

He really just means jumping up in the air to hit a high ball. Federer does it very very rarely, usually only on balls that have just been called out, almost never in an actual rally...as for your problem with high balls, pretty much the only advice is simple but worth repeating: take the racquet back higher on high balls. This sounds stupidly simple but when I was taking lessons from a private coach, he pointed out that I seemed to take the racquet back at the same height no matter what height the ball was bouncing at. I didn't realize that. High balls are still going to give you trouble though no matter what you do- they are just tough to deal with. The best thing to do is move your feet to get in a position where you can take the ball at a lower height, even if this means backing up from the baseline a few feet. Oh, and no offense whatsoever to CHEDERER, but you definitely do NOT want to be 'not moving' when you hit ANY groundstroke!!! Just watch the pros, they move their feet and get good shoulder/hip rotation on EVERY SINGLE BALL, and you should too.

what i meant was dont run through the ball....you must come to a stop and have your feet set...when you run through the ball it causes all kinds of problems...watch the pros when they miss it is the simple things that they screw up on....the high balls are simple dude seriously....just like jaylove said--make sure your moving your feet and make sure your backswing is level with the ball and make sure you come through it dont hit at it.....and jaylove cmon dude you know what happens if your still moving while trying to hit the ball....either its right into the net or it sails long

[Slazenger07]

I used to (up until about 6 months ago) use the Eastern (Sampras) forehand grip, but now I've moved to the Semi-Western grip and can't imagine using another grip. Of course I change to a continental for BH slices, serves, and volleys, and I use a continental right hand/semi-western left hand for my 2-handed backhand.

Semi-western is the way to go for your FH grip. Eastern is quite frankly outdated and inadequate unless you are playing against old-timers, and no offense but you are oficially in the 1800's if you're using a CONTINENTAL forehand grip

What are you talkin about m8? Federer uses an Eastern Grip on the forehand! I use an Eastern grip for the forehand and my forehand is my best shot. Its the most versatile grip because it allows you to hit really heavy topspin (my favorite shot) or flatten the ball out, western grips limit your ability to hit through the ball as easily, thus why I dont use them.