TENNIS HELP (please)! About my grip...

Question

PLEASE HELP: Background: So I've been playing for semi-regularly for roughly a year now, and I'm about a 3.0 to a 3.5 (better than 3.0s I meet, but I lose to some 3.5s). I learned a forehand using the Eastern grip, and I like it. Particularly, I like hitting flat and I love that low balls are easy to drive through for a solid shot. I know it's less consistent, but I love hitting aggressive flat shots. However, in an effort to be more consistent and versatile, I've been trying a semi-western grip for more topspin and angles (I also like the open stance better) and it's good, but I miss putting the balls away with flatter shots. So here's my question (finally). Should I (and do other people) use both in a match? I was playing this morning and I would switch between the two. Is this normal? Is it okay? Do other people do this?

Answer 1

yes i tend to do that alot except im not that consistat with it if im iwnning a match i use the more flat and hard shot.... if im losing the consistant topspin one if im playing normallly i just switch off

Answer 2

Yes its okay because it works for you. If you want an easier grip to hit flat shots you could try continental grip, but its up to you. Whatever works for you and makes you feel comfortable is what you should go with. I switch grips for forehand and backhand.

Answer 3

Yes all of this is okay. You can switch grips. You just need to choose when to use either one. For example, when you get an easy shot that you can put away than you need to hit the hard flat shot. When you are just trying to keep the ball in play than you need to use topspin. When you can't decide what you want to do than you need to do which ever one you are more comfortable with.

Answer 4

Absolutely its normal to switch form eastern to semi western.  Just like its normal to use different grips for forehand and backhand shots.

the key is what ever makes you comfortable.   If your nervous about hitting low balls with the semi western grip chances are your going to miss the shot.  What you need to do is practice switching your grip during a match, so the transition is smooth and comfortable.