Which grip should I use? semi-western or eastern? (tennis)?

Question

i'm a total beginner.

Some people say that beginners "must" start by eastern or continental. but others say I should use semi-western since it's gonna be hard to change grip once I get use to it.

what do you think about this?

Answer 1

Good luck to finding the answer because im not sure

Answer 2

You should use semi-western grip, it's the best grip for your forehand, it's not too  extreme either way.  Also, changing your grip is nothing too hard to do, it takes only couple weeks to get use to the new grip or maximum 1 month.  You have to try it out to see which grip fit you better, but more important is know how to hit it right, know the right technique is much more importand!!

Answer 3

If ur a beginner try a eastern grip but if u have been playin for a while try the semi- western but u should start off with the eastern then progess your way up to full western if u want to

Answer 4

if your a beginner you should start with a semi eastern. if you feel you want to move closer to a semi western its fine, but according to the book beginners should start with semi eastern.

its true its hard to change a grip once you get used to it, but if you start with a semi eastern you can move down as much as you feel right for you.

for those of you who suggested using a western grip for beginners, its absolutely wrong. its a much harder grip, and the timing is extremely dificult.

and to Myrl P, who suggested you start with playing two handed forehand and backhand. unless your a three year old and cant hold a raquet, thats the dumbest idea ive heard.

the reason some coaches teach their students to play with a two handed forehand, is because their too week to hold the raquet with one hand. not because its good for your technique.

and for the record the clasical way of playing is one handed for both forehand and backhand. the two handed backhand came later on.

Answer 5

Most of the people are telling you to star with eastern grip. But that's not going to make it easier. If you don't give any instruction to a beginner, he will probably start with semi-western or full western grip after some time.

Try to start with semi western grip from the beginning. You will find out that it's not that hard...

Answer 6

i think you can use any kind of grip you feel comfortable. eastern grip is recommended to beginners because it is the most natural grip (like a hand-shake). try to hit forehands correctly with this grip. when you are ready, you can ask your coach about adding spin to your stroke. many players feel they can produce topspin more easily using semi-western or full-western grip. however, you can also hit topspin forehand using eastern grip. furthermore, learn to hit your strokes with either grip alternatingly (i.e., one stroke using eastern, next stroke using western and so on) so you can hit with the same accuracy. that way, you don't have to stick to one kind of grip for the rest of your life.

hope it helps :)

Answer 7

Okay.  I've taught in a clinic for the last few summers, and I've dealt with my fair share of beginners.  We always start our kids off with a continental grip (not eastern).  It's the easiest grip to learn with.  You can use it for every shot without switching grips between shots.  If you use eastern, forehands won't be too easy to keep in play.  If you use a semi-western, you'll have to change your grip to hit a backhand.  That's more than you need to worry about as a beginner.

We start to change the students to a semi-western grip after they have enough base knowledge to use it.  And generally, they seem to pick it up pretty quickly.  Now, if you learn continental, and get really good (at a competetive level) with it, it will be difficult to learn a new grip.  But if you are serious, you'll be switching grips before you get to that point.

So, I'd say start with the continental grip.  If you decide you want to play competetively, then you can learn the semi-western later.  And it won't be that hard to change.

Answer 8

Eastern or continental coz u r beginner.

Answer 9

start off using both hands for both forehands and backhands, and serves. It'll get your technique down.  bend your knees. eat a lot of bananas. oh, move your feet as much as possible, to the point of you looking stupid. these will all help in the long run. use semi-western after you get done with both hands.  after every shot, spin, this will help your balance in the longrun.

Answer 10

ok

if ur a beginner, then i suggest using continental for forehands. If u tried it for ages and ur still completely unco, try using any grip, but try and get back to using the continental grip. IF you want to use topspin, then u must use western or semi-western grip unluss ur gonna hitt the ball like some spanish players Only start topspin when u are fairly consistant with flat and slice shots.

For serves and ova heads, use continental grip ONLY. If u get used to this u will have a much better serve (it is faster, more accuate and generally better when u are really good) and it is easy to get into doing topspin serves.

Answer 11

I have also done some coaching, and I would start with an Eastern grip.   Forehand and Backhand.   Later, as you get better, you can shift toward a semi-western, but you do not have to.   Many good players have used and still do, the Eastern forehand.   Almost no one uses a Continental.   Why bother learning a useless grip?

Answer 12

Try all the grip styles. If after you have familiarized them all, get to choose the best for you where you win & score more points than the other. Use the one constantly, winning most games, to perfect it. The more grips you learn, the more different strokes you can make & use against different players with different playing styles. It is like having more weapons you have in going into a battle. That is an advantage too.

Answer 13

i like the semi western, it makes it easier to get topspin.  although some may argue that it might not be the best grip for backhand shots, i still use it and my backhand is above average.  i also like the semi western for when i am at the net. it makes is easier to angle my smashes.  good luck