One of the big mistakes we make after we’ve just played an eastern or semi-western grip forehand groundstroke from the baseline is we get stuck with that grip after our shot and now have to use it for whatever comes back from our opponent on the next shot.
And most likely, our opponent is not giving us another shot opportunity or challenge that requires that grip.
If you’re getting a challenge situation from your opponent where you have to receive either difficult pace, exceptionally or high low shot trajectory, a shot that takes you out wide, or short, or wherever, you get the picture, that full eastern or semi-western forehand grip that you’re locked into just may be what you;d ideally like yo use.
On the other hand, your opponent may have just given you a major opportunity for an approach shot, drop shot, etc., and if you’re still locked into that eastern or semi-western forehand grip, guess what, opportunity lost.
So, I want you to take a few minutes this week, find some space inside at home where you’ve got enough room to swing the racket for a forehand groundstroke, and…
- practice going from a neutral position with a continental grip as if you don’t know if your opponent is hitting you a forehand or a backhand,
- and then as you’re turning as you normally would for a forehand, switch to a full eastern, go through your forehand swing all the way to the finish position,
- and then as you come back to your ready position for the next shot, make sure you’ve switched back to that continental grip.
A lot of players hold their extreme forehand grip as their neutral grip in their ready position because that’s what they’re hoping their opponent is going to give them.
If that’s your case, and you and I are warming up for a tournament or league match, and I see you holding that grip as your neutral grip, guess what, you’ll be getting a steady diet of low slices to your forehand, especially if you don’t like to switch to a continental grip.
Check out this video…
Brent’s Recommended Lessons For This Tip:
- Grips – What Are They and When & Where On The Court Are They Used? – Click here
- Topspin Forehand Groundstroke Drive – Click here
- Customize Your Own 3 Lesson Bundle And Get a 30% Discount - Click Here
- 40% Discount On Brent’s “All Lessons Package” which includes all future lessons at no cost -
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Brent,
I practice all the time in our big master bath with
big mirrors to view at all angles. It’s almost as good as a video. Great advice on going back to neutral after
each stroke and practicing in your spare time when you’re stuck at home or work.
No question Larry that practicing in front of mirrors is a huge benefit IF you know what to look for…
Brent – Brent’s Tennis Lessons
Brent, beware that, as you get relaxed on your practice, your finish position will meet with those portraits on the top of the shelf behind you! Watch out! There goes your mother-in-law in pieces!
LOL…! My lovely wonderful mother-in-law Aki…
Brent
Hi Brent,
I have a question for you if you would be so kind as to offer your opinion. I have played with the Babolat Pure Drive for about 5 years but have it strung with gut at 50 lbs to protect my elbow. I recently purchased the pure drive Gt roddick and experienced elbow pain. What I am wondering is am I giving up topspin generation by stringing so low ? Babolat have recommended I string at 48lbs on the new racket ? Thanks for any help you can give.
Steve
When you switch rackets, it’s not uncommon to experience some elbow pain.
I play with a Babolat oversize 110 that I string with a very thin 18 gauge at 62 lbs.
I can get a ton of topspin with a slight change in grips, loosen my grip tension, etc.
Brent’s Tennis Lessons
Dear Brent
Thank for your continuosly delivered mail for long time
Happy New Year 2010 Best wishes for you
Pich
dear brent, i do my shadow tennis in my front yard here in Cavite, Philippines where I reside. There are three big mango trees and under its shadow i do practice my swings. We dont have much rain in this place so I can do it outdoors. Thanks for the tips..I dont do the continental grip but now I know what to do while standing infront of my opponent.
When i started with your tips a few years back, also in you tube, i was really a beginner but now my old buddies could not beat me..you made me a better player than before and I owe it to you. Many thanks again!!
Love it…!
Brent
thank you , i will always be your great student
regards
manoj
Would’ve been more helpful if your video actually showed the various grips
Check out my grips lesson over at:
http://www.webtennis.net/tennis-grips-lesson.htm
Brent