Tennis forehand grip?

Question

I currently use a eastern forehand grip but I want to try a western grip.

The western grip feels so unnatural, so do you think I should stick with the eastern or will the western benefit me in the long run?

Answer 1

keep the eastern grip you might mess up your forehand if you change your grip.

Answer 2

play with what works for you.. ask a coach or someone who can help you learn to play with a western grip of you really want to

Answer 3

Use semi-western. It is basically in the middle of your grip choices.

Answer 4

i'm a western grip guy, and for me the eastern grip feels unnatural...western is the way to go if you want to improve your game

Answer 5

do not switch to a western.  If you really feel u must switch, switch to semi western.  Western is not a good stroke.  It only allow you to get massive amounts of spin, and unless you are extremely talented you will not be able to hit the ball very well.  An eastern is what i play with.  I switched from western.  But if you really must switch.  Pick semi western

Answer 6

actually there is no right nor wrong in choosing which grip suits you most. you can hit your forehand with eastern or semi-western or full-western grip, whichever you feel comfortable. they said that adding spin can only be produced by using western grip, but if you search in You Tube for "topspin forehand" you can also find a video clip with the trainer showing how to hit topspin with eastern grip.

however, one grip may not be suitable for every kind of stroke. for example, you'd hit volleys better with continental or eastern grip instead of western. you'd also hit backhand better with backhand grip, and so on.

try to practice every grip and find which one suits you most for each situation. of course you will feel unnatural at the beginning, you are getting used to it.

hope this helps :)

Answer 7

Well, whenever you try to change your forehand it will always feel different. I would try the western and it will benefit you in the long run, by using both methods

Answer 8

I think you should change to a semi-western grip rather than a full western.  I used to use an eastern grip but had difficulty adding spin.  Then I changed to a full western but had a hard time flattening out my drive.  So, I've been to both extremes and feel that the semi-western grip has a nice balance between the two grips and can benefit both the drive and topspin forehand.