tennis question.......?

Question

my coach has taught me to use semi-western grip for forehand....but someone showed me eastern grip for forehand....i've been hitting the tennis ball very well with eastern grip....is it good to use eastern grip for forehand or should i use semi-western?

is there a disadvantage in using eastern grip?

Answer 1

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using an Eastern forehand grip. The biggest advantage for an eastern forehand is that it is easier to pick up low balls and keep the ball low over the net on the reply. With a Western and Semi-western grip when returning a low ball the added spin creates more arc and makes for a potentially easier volley. It is also easier for an eastern forehand player to drive a more penetrating shot deep in the court. However it is more difficult to bring the ball down, This means that the drawback is that to hit consistenly hard hit shots over long rallies becomes more difficult because of the lower margin for error. It is also more difficult to handle high and hard topspin shots because the timing required for a strong reply needs to be more precise. Ultimately it is more advantageous for a taller player because they have natural leverage when handling a higher bouncing heavy topspin shot. Usually serve and volleyers such as Pete Sampras and Stefan Edberg were quite well served with their eastern forehands. Since both of these players consistently attack the net, they were better served with a more penetrating shot off the forehand side which decreased their opponents reaction time. This of course made passing shots more difficult which is exactly the tactics a serve and volley player is looking to acheive.

Answer 2

It depends on the type of shot. Semi-western is very good for topspin shots, the most common type, while eastern is good for slice.

But really, it all comes down to what's best for you. If you don't care about spins and just like hitting, continue how you are. Most coaches, however are going to tell you to use a western grip for topspin.

A good thing to think about though is the angle of the racket when you meet the ball. If it's pointing up, the ball is going to go sailing up and if it's down, the ball might just bounce off the floor. If it's straight you'll have a good shot if you do everything else right.

Remember though, it's all about what's best for you!

Answer 3

There's advantages and disadvantages to all grips...I initially learned how to use, and still use, an Eastern grip, because it's the easiest to learn. The problem with that is that I generate a lot of power in my swing so if I don't stop my swing, I tend to hit a lot of balls out, because there's no spin to it. Now, I am trying to learn to use a semi-western since it puts more spin on the ball, and it's more effective in returning high balls. So basically, eastern = power/low margin of error, semi-western = spin/high margin of error.

But I think you should choose whichever grip is most comfortable for you to play with.

Answer 4

Use the one that you feel is the most comfortable for you, and the one that produces the most success. It can be a nag to have to keep changing grips and it does not make sense, so the best way is to stick with one grip for your forehand. What players do and what you could do is to find the one that is comfortable, but also learn how to play with that grip for all shots, all surfaces, everything. That's really when you'll know that that particular grip is meant for you.

Answer 5

i myself use the semi-western/ heavy western grip. I used to use the the eastern grip and then i was out of tennis for 2 weeks due to a wrist injury. when i came back my grip slowly started moving toward a semi-western now a heavy western grip. out of experience, the semi- western is just so much better than using eastern. eastern doesnt get as much spin as does a semi-western. However, i suggest using whats comfortable to you and then you may slowly start moving toward a semi-western as you get better. Usually your grip will move naturally (mine did, or maybe im just weird.......)

Answer 6

Well I think the tennis players on TV and Youtube have to be bigger because the people playing on those courts are pros and they can play on those sized courts. Or I think it might be from the angel and the height the camera is, so then it might make it look bigger when you watch it.

Answer 7

tell ur coach ur more comfortable w/ eastern grip and use the eastern ...

Answer 8

just use the one you feel more comfortable in hitting

Answer 9

use which ever one your more comfortable with