The coaching is great but can we take a minute to talk about how good a tennis player this lad is! He's a hell of a player, can play all types of shots and it's pretty satisfying to see him lay those shots down!
I started playing with eastern grip when I was younger, but then I had problems with high balls, especially on clay so I learned to use semi-western grip. In the beggining it was pretty hard because you have to learn how to work with your wrist. But now I'm playing only semi-western and I think this is an ideal grip for modern aggresive tennis game.
OMG SAME. I couldn't have a medal with my eastern grip as I always lose to high strong balls when I started at 11 'til I changed to semi western at 18. If that never happened my 3 non-ranking championships (Toby's) wouldn't be possible!!!
My son, who is an advanced baseball player but only dabbles with tennis, actually discovered the secret to hitting flat with a full western grip. It involves emulating the top hand of a baseball swing for hitting the forehand, and specifically starting with a strongly flexed elbow that extends as the racquet approaches the contact zone like a pushing or punching motion -- something that real tennis players never do. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone but I just thought it was funny that he did this naturally, and it took me forever to figure out HOW (and why) he was holding the racquet in a full western grip but still hitting chest-high balls completely flat.
I'd say that most of the players that use the western have that sort of technique, bent elbow for closer contact and those high balls become easier, it is the lower balls they struggle with. Thanks for watching, Alex
Awesome video, now I know why I’ve been struggling to put away short balls haha. Counterpuncher is such an accurate description for Western grips, so hard to hit flat when opponents aren’t being aggressive enough
I always used the eastern grip, i found it easier to atack with it, and i could deal well with high balls, but with the semi western i could do those return of serve winners like Djoko, but it was much harder to atack my oponent during the point, and the grip change to volley was very hard
Thanks coach Simon. I recently switched from an Eastern to a Semi-western grip and started having wrist problems. As a recreational player, I guess I'd stick to my natural Eastern FH grip.
When I first started tennis, I used a semi-western. Over time I find playing with Eastern was much more natural for me and I play better with it. I also generate more spin with Eastern than semi-Western.
@@behradbavarsad7423 Uhm just naturally change it to eastern forehand, there's nothing complicated about it. Index knuckle is 3 o'clock on the handle (or 9 if you're a leftie). As for how long it took for me to be natural with it, well... honestly it took me 10 minutes. It just felt right off the bat.
I am very late to this conversation but this was the situation I was in too. I used semi western but I automatically changed to Eastern in a short time. Lol
I started with eastern and tried to switch to semi western to get more spin but it just didnt work. Semi western just felt too tight to the hand and I didnt get that much benefits from it. Eastern just feels so natural and relaxed to me. It just works
You really hit the points. i am changing my grip from semi western to western, and have met every problem u mention in this video including struggling with low balls and hard to find the timing. But i kinda prefer western grip cuz i am just a bit short so mostly i have to deal with higher balls.
Lol... I have opposite problem... I am 6 foot 5 inches tall and I use an eastern... I hit decent spin and am ok from baseline but I come to net a lot so western grips feel bad when changing grips to slice and approach grips (I use one handed backhand too)... I wish I felt good with western grips because I have many friends who play very week from the baseline with them
Your discussion of grips is right on. But as a player who loves to experiment and as a coach who actually encourages it, unlike most, I think you are just missing a lot of the joy of tennis if you are relying on just one "shot" for a forehand and one "shot" or type of backhand. To me, part of the joy of tennis is using the RIGHT shot for every situation. As you say, sometimes people struggle with a high ball with an Eastern grip. But if the ball is way up there, the right shot is not a normal forehand. Better to hit some type of punch slice, or a jumping forehand, or move your feet to take the ball lower, or synthesize some pseudo-overhead. A pseudo-overhead with a ton of side-spin is not difficult to hit once you get it down. It's fun to hit, and gives the opponent all kinds of trouble. The comment you usually get from the other side of the court is something like "that's not a real shot" or "lucky shot", but then they are calling the score with scowl right after and you can tell you are really in their head. After being burned twice they usually abandon the tactic of trying to spin the ball to give you a high bounce. At this point you have them exactly where you want them, playing YOUR game. The best players in the game have all the shots and have the ability to improvise more than robo-pros. Even if this was not the case, I would still advise most players to experiment, because learning and creating more shots will keep your love of the game flaming, and you'll practice more and more effectively if you have more weapons to practice. I challenge you to show me the budding pro who can go out there and hit his 800th practice forehand in his 3rd hour of training on a particular day, and not be bored to tears. You might be burning a few calories at that point if you are trying to lose weight or something, but you surely aren't learning anything or getting better at anything. But if you are working on a leftie forehand to add to your right-handed game, or adding a two handed backhand to your one-hander, or vise versa, or working on a killer forehand slice, (yes that's a real shot) you're having fun long after robo-pro has quit for the day, and lllllooooonnnnnnnngggggggg after the he has lost interest in the game, plateaued at age 16 and started declining, you are headed for glory. Tennis has so so so much more to offer than just learning to have one or two shots down 2% better than the other guy. Add more weapons, win more wars, and have LOTS more fun.
I agree on many of your points, but changing grips on your forehand on every second shot would just ruin your feel. Experimenting is great, but doing so intelligently is key
I do not recommend the western grip for younger players. I used it for a while, thinking spin was everything, but all of my shots landed short with lots or spin but almost no pace at all. An extreme western grip requires lots of wrist strength and leg strength that are not fully developed in children. Over this past quarantine summer , I just switched to a semi western and I’m really happy.
I've been struggling abt the pace of my shot since i've been using full western for a long time now since I was 14 when I started using full western. I haven't played tennis around 5yrs, and I'm trying to get back on track... I'll consider trying that semi western grip to add more speed and froce to my shots this time.
@@j0hnmer yea, and since you haven't played in a while, this is a great opportunity to just switch, because it might be a lot faster since you don't have those habits engrained into your muscle memory.
I've been struggling abt the pace of my shot since i've been using full western for a long time now since I was 14 when I started using full western. I haven't played tennis around 5yrs, and I'm trying to get back on track... I'll consider trying that semi western grip to add more speed and froce to my shots this time. Thanks to your video.this will help a lot.
I'm a shorter player and was simply taught by my mom who has a more eastern grip but mine is somewhat an extreme western because I grew up playing against adults. She was definitely able to create alot of pace that I struggled to generate, i would have to change the grip mid stroke to flatten it out. I could create power but it's not pace, alot of my junior matches came down to a grind if the player was fast enough to get to it.
I was shown a really weird grip at school in the 80s and early 90s that made the racket face point towards the sky. Index finger knuckle on bevel 8. Several PE teachers tried to get me to use it, repeatedly, but I was always so much better with my own grip and they all eventually said quietly to me, away from the other kids, that I was allowed to continue using it. My grip was and still is halfway between Eastern and Semi-Western and it always just felt most natural to me. At no point have I been able to hit with that weird grip the teachers tried to push on me!
As a club player whose gone to Nationals, every shot needs a different grip. Low fast flat slider incoming to backhand, gets a slice return. Where as, high deep bounce to forehand gets a wrist slap side spin return
I PLAY LIKE FEDERER! I always grab the racket with Eastern Grip! It is easier to hold and transmit FORCE to the racket and ball without slipping the handle. To be more precise It is a bit semi-Eastern kinda holding the racket like Eastern but you gently turn a bit to semi-Eastern!
I just recently graduated high school, but love playing tennis. I’ve been trying to play tennis more as of lately and have been finding myself loving the game of tennis even more than I did in school. I used to use an eastern grip; however, by my junior year of high school, I made the switch to semi-western and I haven’t looked back. It’s been great seeing my forehand get better over the years. I’ve been struggling with my serves and backhands recently, but your videos have made it more consistent. Thank you for the videos Simon! I appreciate all of the lessons you provide!
I haven't played for over 40 years....and I thought that there was only one grip. And it was NEITHER of these. I was taught to hold the racquet as if you were shaking hands. And when you strike a ball, your wrist is rigid! How times have changed!
Awesome. You have clarified my confusion regarding grips. Currently, I am using eastern grip and time to gradually transition to semi-western to produce more topspin and become versatile to play on any surface
Nice video, Simon. I think it’s also worth mentioning that the Eastern grip is probably better served with a heavy racquet. Versus the Semi-Western and Full Western which require more wrist snap and therefore benefit from a lighter racquet that is easier on the wrist. My opinion at least.
Here in 2022 mysteriously all along I knew I had a modern eastern forehand grip like Roger Federer whose my favorite since I use a One handed backhand but I noticed after shooting a video & someone taking pictures of me that I actually use Semi western or it slides to full western without even me noticing came back to your video to see the pros & cons of my western grip & how 2 improve 😢 the fact that my grip just slides simply shows I have Nothing I can do but continue with it I do generate allot of topspin & power & am kinda short so guess God just wanted me more consistent guess I will continue with the western Grip 🔥 I better start watching how Nadal whips the ball & also increase my racquet specs weight since I plan to play futures tournaments & turn Pro hopefully it's The dream after my Software Engineering course
Could you do a video about the pro-players' racquet preparation? What are the pros and cons of those and how to develop your own way to prepare the racket?
Maybe you can do a video on backhand grips? I always wondered why a lot of the pros use an eastern on their double handers while using a semi western on their forehands?
I appreciate your remarks on coaching kids. I try to encourage young players to experiment with grips and feel the bevels with their hands. Most coaches insist on the continental grip for beginners (it's convenient to avoid changing grips for the backhand) but it causes problems for kids who copy my forehand motion - balls go sailing for the sky. I notice that some young children will start hitting balls with a racquet that some big person has left lying on the ground. They pick it up and start whanging away with a natural semi western forehand. Then some grown-up comes along and interferes...
Man, I grew up in the 80's and I'm not sure how I learned a western grip as a kid, but I am paying for it now in my 40's because I want to change to a semi western to hit a flatter ball. Tough. Your videos have been very helpful.
If I'm not wrong, Nick Kyrgios also uses a full western forehand. And both Nick and Jack Sock have insane flat forehand drives. So I would disagree that it is difficult to hit flat and fast with a full western forehand grip. Also if memory serves me right, I think Federer uses a grip that is somewhere in between a semi-western and an eastern. Not sure if that is accurate but I recall hearing about it somewhere.
Kyrgios and Sock do use full western grips, and they’ve mastered the motion after 20+ years of training. So it’s definitely possible, but for 99% of players who play recreationally, there are far easier ways to hit a flat forehand. Federer uses a standard eastern, no modification, there are countless images proving that.
Hey coach are you still using the Dunlop CX 200 tour. I started using it because of you and I hate it at first but I love it now. Have you switched since then?
i'm mainly eastern but i can adapt depending of the shot i need to do. semi-western sometimes but mainly eastern. if you can read and anticipate well enough, you have time to prepare your grip for the coming shot. same for backhand. that's why for me, choosing only one grip is not really useful. people need to learn to be flexible in all situations. i come from Table Tennis and i used to rotate the handle a lot between backhand an forehand without losing time or thinking about it. it was natural. be flexible folks.
I like to hit flat and fast. In fact the faster my opponent hits, the better my return will be once I get past the mental intimidation part of it. I tend to have most trouble with high bouncing short balls where I have too much time to eff it up! I guess I need to switch to a semi western grip to deal with those!
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I have been watching tennis more than three decades now, but in practice I am beginner, so all your videos are truly helpful! I would like to ask you about the crips, how is possible to change the crip in the middle of the game or we do not change and we choose the one that fit us the most? Thank you!
Lindsay Davenport use to hit very flat with so much depth and power and she’s recognized as one of the of the best ball strikers ever to grace the planet of tennis. Was she using eastern forehand and backhand grip?
Western is definitely my grip, I really like to play like this, it's beautiful and a has a lot of topspin, and low balls in my opinion isn't a problem🇧🇷
Respect to you man! I swapped from semi western to eastern last year... I play a lot of net so having less extreme grips for me help with the approach (especially since I use one hand backhand and slice a lot)... i am jealous of your western as many of my friends have that grip and seem really good at the baseline
Disclaimer: Long Post Great Video! I'm a Italian amateur 5'7 player and now ive been playing since 7/8 month...mainly on clay courts. Ive started with a Semi and even full western grip (i know that sound absurd but i feel that form more natural for some strange reason), its good because of my height, ive to hit that high balls very often so that help, but when it comes to manage longer rallies ive a lot of problem generatin power and precision...Also my style is not a long grinding one...my serve very fast (for amateur level) so my first istinct is to attack the return inside with a power forehand, but in matches against stronger opponents i cannot do that...so im forced to play in a back position where my forehand starts to lack of consistency...i need to have the ball very close to my body so ive nightmares returning side shots! To compensate that im used to hit a forehand slice, but at that point im in the other player's hands... And to generate power i need to really do that swing with my arm, but when i miss a couple of shot im not so confident...so my forehand became very bad... So, of course isnt only the grip but also my bad footwork and stance, but considering my style, im thinking to change my forehand to a eastern grip...any opinions? Thanks!
I have naturally played with an E. Forehand all my life. And I really an hit all types of shots wid it. It's all about body positioning, knees tracking the ball vertically, using a Lil bit of ext. Shoulder rotation after pat the dog and a loose wrist always keeping the racket tip 45 degrees or so. I think E. Forehand is the most versatile shot in the book 💯🤞
It's curious how in Rafa's forehand the bottom of his racquet is inside his palm but, hitting a volley, he moves his hand toward the head of the racquet and you can easily see the butt cap under his pinky. Luckily you didn't mention the infamous “Hawaiian” grip. I saw Mayar Sherif using it. It looks like a continental grip but she hits the balls with the other face :) The nice part is she can deliver forehand drop shots without changing the grip... Anyway, great video as usual!
more control and handling simple as that. short = handling and control for net play, long = power and racquet speed for forehand and serves. nothing strange.
Love your videos but you need to start mixing the sound from your A rolls with the B rolls. For example, when you talk about the semi-western grip and you explain that the index knuckle and the heel pad are both on bevel four, when you say that, at the same time you need to show the B roll where you are holding the racquet with the semi-western grip. I believe this will make your videos more interesting. Keep up the great work.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thank you for the reply. Currently, I am working on my on-the-run shots. Do you have any tips on how to improve these shot and how to recover back in the middle of the court?
Hi I love watching your videos and being so passionat about it. I am a boxing coach (57y) and I fall in love with tennis. I have a question: which grip is less stressful for the wrist and ellbow? Semi Western Continental etc. thank you
I got an pretty solid western grip that I love, but I always get recurring wrist pain. Idk if I should switch to semi-western and if I do, how long it will take to relearn the stroke
When I played tennis young we had wooden racket with a small head. Very unforgiving so even a semi western grip would not work for me. My grip should be eastern grip as described. At that time Borg had woodern racquets but he stood out with his top spin. Can you tell me what grip McEnroe held as I don't recall he used too much top spin, but often slice and fine touch to control the ball, which seems quite a dying art for today. McEnroe also used woodern Wilson ProStaff racquets in his time.
I've been playing with western grip for 3 years but after watching the video I think it would be much better if I use the semi western grip ...so is it reasonable to change it now ?
Western grip gang! Apparently i have an extreme western grip. I hold it like an upside-down continental but i get some massive spin. I can flatten my balls out for some extra speed though! I do wish there were more western grip videos because some techniques dont work on western grips
What racquet is that beautiful all white racquet? I used to play with an eastern grip but then changed to a semi-western... Took some time but now I'm comfortably used to it. I wish I could hit consistently with all three grips as coach Simon does... It would really give much more variety to my game.
Just like to point out that Kei Nishikori was one of the biggest hitters on tour and he had a very extreme western grip. Hitting flat with a western grip is very possible. I use a Western forehand grip and have never experienced any of these issues. I'm a 5.0 high school player everything can be done with practice with a western grip. Part of the problem may be that western grips aren't super compatible with straight arm forehands.
I typically struggle with kick serves and higher balls. I may want to practice with a semi eastern since I naturally hit a flat ball anyway. This may give me more margin for error since I hit the tape more often than I feel I should.
Is it ok for me to have my thumb pointed upward and not wrapped around the racquet. It always feels so unsecured and uncontrollable when my thumb is fully wrapped. Same with my index in continental. I tend to serve with my pointer outstretched to stop pronation of the racquet. Idk if this is detrimental to my game or not.
It's an amazing video, I'm 100% agree with what you said, but I have a question: you said that the Western grip is not good for the low balls, but for me I'm finding my self very comfortable with the low balls which they are next to the line of service, and in the back I'm using the semi western, so do you think it's a good idea to change the grip according to the position of the ball, or I have to stay just on the semi western
It’s better to keep one grip and master that. You lose feel and control when you keep switching as the angle of the strings changes a lot between the grips. All the best Simon
Technically I am using the semi western forehand grip, but I am feeling I am not getting a solid enough contact with the ball...do you recommend I adjust the grip?
any player who interchange between the eastern and semi western forehand grip during rallies to utilise the stregths of both grips? Is it a good idea to do so?
I like the eastern due to its ability to hit with a straight arm. However with this grip you have to be fundamentally sound as you don’t have that same margin of error as a semi-western imo.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I think that’s why you don’t see very many pros using an eastern. The reason Federer is able to use this grip successfully is because of how fundamentally sound he is (keeping his his head still, exhaling through contact).
but nadal uses semi western and still hits a with a straight arm. if you are just saying that is “easier”, then I kind of get it. But we are #easternforehandgang.
I find it hard to switch from western forehand grip to backhand, especially when returning serves where I have to adjust very quickly. Is there a solution?
I’m 26 and have played on competitive Level my whole life with western, mainly on clay. I want to add the opportunity to become more aggressive on my forehand and make rallies shorter for when I become older, but I found it very hard to change the grip, I always go back to my comfort grip. Does it even make sense to change the grip at this point??
Being the same age but only playing tennis for 3 years i began as semi western and tried even full western but my consistency was an issue. Switching to Eastern grip about 6 months ago was painful to watch as I was nailing the back fence on almost every shot but after a few days i found it very comfortable. It’ll probably take you a lot more than a few days to get used to it but I believe it can be done with persistency as coach here said.
I am 57 years old and 164 cm tall. I play semi-western but I have problem with power. The balls are too slow. When I change the grip to the eastern, there is more power, but I have to hit less because the balls go out of the court. And I still have a problem which grip to choose to play with.
Not that much turns on it, but Fed's forehand is semi-western. You can tell by the way the racket head drops below the ball prior to impact. Rafa is between semi-western and western. Unless of course you think Connors had a continental grip :)
I’m sorry but you’re wrong on both accounts. Federer is eastern. Study images of his heel pad and index knuckle. Rafa is semi western. Again, please study his grip.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial You don't have to study his heel pad and index knuckle - Roger hasn't. It's deceptive because players have different sized hands and fingers. They used to say that it depended on which part of the handle the "V" formed by the skin between the thumb and first finger fell, which at least takes the size of the hand out of the equation. Sampras was eastern, and you'll agree that Fed is further around than him. Agassi was classic semi western, and Rafa further around than he.
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thank you coach simon, it helped a lot
@@Haazgamer p
The coaching is great but can we take a minute to talk about how good a tennis player this lad is! He's a hell of a player, can play all types of shots and it's pretty satisfying to see him lay those shots down!
Many thanks for the support
haha I was really enjoying him him on that hard court especially
I started playing with eastern grip when I was younger, but then I had problems with high balls, especially on clay so I learned to use semi-western grip. In the beggining it was pretty hard because you have to learn how to work with your wrist. But now I'm playing only semi-western and I think this is an ideal grip for modern aggresive tennis game.
The semi western is the best choice for the majority of players 👍
for me it feels harder to hit higher balls with the semiwestern grip rather than with the eastern (which is my grip).
@@Ilegatoryou have to get used to semi western first
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficialWhen ever I use semi western I use way too much too spin. Have you made a video about this?
OMG SAME. I couldn't have a medal with my eastern grip as I always lose to high strong balls when I started at 11 'til I changed to semi western at 18. If that never happened my 3 non-ranking championships (Toby's) wouldn't be possible!!!
Well done chaps. How I understand. I asked for this video 2-3 weeks ago and you did it. how absolutely marvellous of you!
Thank you for the support 👍
All the best
Simon
My son, who is an advanced baseball player but only dabbles with tennis, actually discovered the secret to hitting flat with a full western grip. It involves emulating the top hand of a baseball swing for hitting the forehand, and specifically starting with a strongly flexed elbow that extends as the racquet approaches the contact zone like a pushing or punching motion -- something that real tennis players never do. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone but I just thought it was funny that he did this naturally, and it took me forever to figure out HOW (and why) he was holding the racquet in a full western grip but still hitting chest-high balls completely flat.
I'd say that most of the players that use the western have that sort of technique, bent elbow for closer contact and those high balls become easier, it is the lower balls they struggle with.
Thanks for watching,
Alex
Awesome video, now I know why I’ve been struggling to put away short balls haha. Counterpuncher is such an accurate description for Western grips, so hard to hit flat when opponents aren’t being aggressive enough
I always used the eastern grip, i found it easier to atack with it, and i could deal well with high balls, but with the semi western i could do those return of serve winners like Djoko, but it was much harder to atack my oponent during the point, and the grip change to volley was very hard
Thanks coach Simon. I recently switched from an Eastern to a Semi-western grip and started having wrist problems. As a recreational player, I guess I'd stick to my natural Eastern FH grip.
Thanks for watching 🙏
Are there any lessons you would like to see in 2023?
When I first started tennis, I used a semi-western. Over time I find playing with Eastern was much more natural for me and I play better with it. I also generate more spin with Eastern than semi-Western.
Very interesting. That’s why it’s so important for players to experiment with different methods 👍
Can you tell me how do you change your grip and how long it takes ?
@@behradbavarsad7423 Uhm just naturally change it to eastern forehand, there's nothing complicated about it. Index knuckle is 3 o'clock on the handle (or 9 if you're a leftie).
As for how long it took for me to be natural with it, well... honestly it took me 10 minutes. It just felt right off the bat.
I am very late to this conversation but this was the situation I was in too. I used semi western but I automatically changed to Eastern in a short time. Lol
I started with eastern and tried to switch to semi western to get more spin but it just didnt work. Semi western just felt too tight to the hand and I didnt get that much benefits from it. Eastern just feels so natural and relaxed to me. It just works
Thanks!
Thanks for watching
You really hit the points. i am changing my grip from semi western to western, and have met every problem u mention in this video including struggling with low balls and hard to find the timing. But i kinda prefer western grip cuz i am just a bit short so mostly i have to deal with higher balls.
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Omg...same man
Lol... I have opposite problem... I am 6 foot 5 inches tall and I use an eastern... I hit decent spin and am ok from baseline but I come to net a lot so western grips feel bad when changing grips to slice and approach grips (I use one handed backhand too)... I wish I felt good with western grips because I have many friends who play very week from the baseline with them
*very well from baseline with them*
How about taking the ball early, before it has bounced high?
Your discussion of grips is right on. But as a player who loves to experiment and as a coach who actually encourages it, unlike most, I think you are just missing a lot of the joy of tennis if you are relying on just one "shot" for a forehand and one "shot" or type of backhand. To me, part of the joy of tennis is using the RIGHT shot for every situation.
As you say, sometimes people struggle with a high ball with an Eastern grip. But if the ball is way up there, the right shot is not a normal forehand. Better to hit some type of punch slice, or a jumping forehand, or move your feet to take the ball lower, or synthesize some pseudo-overhead. A pseudo-overhead with a ton of side-spin is not difficult to hit once you get it down. It's fun to hit, and gives the opponent all kinds of trouble.
The comment you usually get from the other side of the court is something like "that's not a real shot" or "lucky shot", but then they are calling the score with scowl right after and you can tell you are really in their head. After being burned twice they usually abandon the tactic of trying to spin the ball to give you a high bounce. At this point you have them exactly where you want them, playing YOUR game.
The best players in the game have all the shots and have the ability to improvise more than robo-pros. Even if this was not the case, I would still advise most players to experiment, because learning and creating more shots will keep your love of the game flaming, and you'll practice more and more effectively if you have more weapons to practice.
I challenge you to show me the budding pro who can go out there and hit his 800th practice forehand in his 3rd hour of training on a particular day, and not be bored to tears. You might be burning a few calories at that point if you are trying to lose weight or something, but you surely aren't learning anything or getting better at anything.
But if you are working on a leftie forehand to add to your right-handed game, or adding a two handed backhand to your one-hander, or vise versa, or working on a killer forehand slice, (yes that's a real shot) you're having fun long after robo-pro has quit for the day, and lllllooooonnnnnnnngggggggg after the he has lost interest in the game, plateaued at age 16 and started declining, you are headed for glory. Tennis has so so so much more to offer than just learning to have one or two shots down 2% better than the other guy. Add more weapons, win more wars, and have LOTS more fun.
I agree on many of your points, but changing grips on your forehand on every second shot would just ruin your feel. Experimenting is great, but doing so intelligently is key
I do not recommend the western grip for younger players. I used it for a while, thinking spin was everything, but all of my shots landed short with lots or spin but almost no pace at all. An extreme western grip requires lots of wrist strength and leg strength that are not fully developed in children. Over this past quarantine summer , I just switched to a semi western and I’m really happy.
Very well said Colin 👍
All the best
Simon
I've been struggling abt the pace of my shot since i've been using full western for a long time now since I was 14 when I started using full western. I haven't played tennis around 5yrs, and I'm trying to get back on track... I'll consider trying that semi western grip to add more speed and froce to my shots this time.
@@j0hnmer yea, and since you haven't played in a while, this is a great opportunity to just switch, because it might be a lot faster since you don't have those habits engrained into your muscle memory.
You are talented, great forehand strokes.
Thank you for the support 👍
All the best
Simon
I've been struggling abt the pace of my shot since i've been using full western for a long time now since I was 14 when I started using full western. I haven't played tennis around 5yrs, and I'm trying to get back on track... I'll consider trying that semi western grip to add more speed and froce to my shots this time. Thanks to your video.this will help a lot.
Thank you for watching and good luck with the semi 👍
All the best
Simon
I'm a shorter player and was simply taught by my mom who has a more eastern grip but mine is somewhat an extreme western because I grew up playing against adults. She was definitely able to create alot of pace that I struggled to generate, i would have to change the grip mid stroke to flatten it out. I could create power but it's not pace, alot of my junior matches came down to a grind if the player was fast enough to get to it.
That’s why they developed the mini courts, rackets and softer balls
What grip do you think is the best?
I would say semi-western but doesn't nadal sort of change close to a western on clay?
the one federer uses, between eastern and semi western.
Hawaiin 😂
Eastern.
@@colinbyer3018 😂
I changed my grip from semi western to western. I can hit flat balls with no issues and my down the line forehands are much more precise now.
how is your elbow now? because it will quit soon or late. don't abuse of western grip.
@@jiboo6850 yep, felt that. Went back to semi wester lol
@@viniciuscandido7133 western grip tends to give Golf elbow instead of the Tennis one.
Best tennis coach on RUclips
Many thanks for the kind words and support 🙏
All the best
Simon
I was shown a really weird grip at school in the 80s and early 90s that made the racket face point towards the sky. Index finger knuckle on bevel 8. Several PE teachers tried to get me to use it, repeatedly, but I was always so much better with my own grip and they all eventually said quietly to me, away from the other kids, that I was allowed to continue using it. My grip was and still is halfway between Eastern and Semi-Western and it always just felt most natural to me. At no point have I been able to hit with that weird grip the teachers tried to push on me!
As a club player whose gone to Nationals, every shot needs a different grip. Low fast flat slider incoming to backhand, gets a slice return. Where as, high deep bounce to forehand gets a wrist slap side spin return
I assume you mean using a slice, chip, block or drive shot?
Since changing actual forehand grips ruins timing and feel
I am almost a 4.5 level and I use the full eastern grip.
Nice 👌
Best Tennis Channel on YT, thks Simon
Thank you for the support 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Sergui Bruguera's extreme Western forehands was a thing to behold.
Favourite tennis players definitely are Fed and Simon, both seem like proper banter over a pint.
😂
I PLAY LIKE FEDERER! I always grab the racket with Eastern Grip! It is easier to hold and transmit FORCE to the racket and ball without slipping the handle. To be more precise It is a bit semi-Eastern kinda holding the racket like Eastern but you gently turn a bit to semi-Eastern!
Nice 👍
@Ian M Federer uses an eastern
I just recently graduated high school, but love playing tennis. I’ve been trying to play tennis more as of lately and have been finding myself loving the game of tennis even more than I did in school. I used to use an eastern grip; however, by my junior year of high school, I made the switch to semi-western and I haven’t looked back. It’s been great seeing my forehand get better over the years. I’ve been struggling with my serves and backhands recently, but your videos have made it more consistent. Thank you for the videos Simon! I appreciate all of the lessons you provide!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
I'm 15 with a western grip all my life I'm going to try to switch to a semiwestern now that I saw this video.
I haven't played for over 40 years....and I thought that there was only one grip. And it was NEITHER of these. I was taught to hold the racquet as if you were shaking hands. And when you strike a ball, your wrist is rigid! How times have changed!
Ah yes, the continental grip. What a massive shift in tennis you must notice
Awesome. You have clarified my confusion regarding grips. Currently, I am using eastern grip and time to gradually transition to semi-western to produce more topspin and become versatile to play on any surface
Thank you for watching
I hope the lesson will help you 👍
All the best
Simon
Nice video, Simon. I think it’s also worth mentioning that the Eastern grip is probably better served with a heavy racquet. Versus the Semi-Western and Full Western which require more wrist snap and therefore benefit from a lighter racquet that is easier on the wrist. My opinion at least.
An interesting observation, the eastern forehand players do indeed play with quite heavy racquets so you may just be right! All the best, Alex
i never thought about this, smart
Here in 2022 mysteriously all along I knew I had a modern eastern forehand grip like Roger Federer whose my favorite since I use a One handed backhand but I noticed after shooting a video & someone taking pictures of me that I actually use Semi western or it slides to full western without even me noticing came back to your video to see the pros & cons of my western grip & how 2 improve 😢 the fact that my grip just slides simply shows I have Nothing I can do but continue with it I do generate allot of topspin & power & am kinda short so guess God just wanted me more consistent guess I will continue with the western Grip 🔥 I better start watching how Nadal whips the ball & also increase my racquet specs weight since I plan to play futures tournaments & turn Pro hopefully it's The dream after my Software Engineering course
Could you do a video about the pro-players' racquet preparation? What are the pros and cons of those and how to develop your own way to prepare the racket?
Check out this lesson- ruclips.net/video/ipn0_ISQkPI/видео.html
Very comprehensive! I will be checking out your other vids. Thanks man!
Eastern is the best grip for long-term play into your 6-70s. It also looks the sweetest imo ala Federer
Great video - thanks for making it! Seems slightly strange holding a semi-western grip and western seems outrageous!
Western is outrageous 🤣
Maybe you can do a video on backhand grips? I always wondered why a lot of the pros use an eastern on their double handers while using a semi western on their forehands?
We’ll add it to the list 👍
I appreciate your remarks on coaching kids. I try to encourage young players to experiment with grips and feel the bevels with their hands. Most coaches insist on the continental grip for beginners (it's convenient to avoid changing grips for the backhand) but it causes problems for kids who copy my forehand motion - balls go sailing for the sky. I notice that some young children will start hitting balls with a racquet that some big person has left lying on the ground. They pick it up and start whanging away with a natural semi western forehand. Then some grown-up comes along and interferes...
Anyone teaching kids the continental grip for their forehand, regardless of levels, deserves to get bagelled by my left hand
Thank you for all the slo mo shots, very helpful
Man, I grew up in the 80's and I'm not sure how I learned a western grip as a kid, but I am paying for it now in my 40's because I want to change to a semi western to hit a flatter ball. Tough. Your videos have been very helpful.
Keep working on it, even tiny adjustments over time will help you 👍
Good luck with the changes
Simon
Best tennis channel ever!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Lovely video mate!
Thanks for the support 🙏
Great tips on the forehand grips
If I'm not wrong, Nick Kyrgios also uses a full western forehand. And both Nick and Jack Sock have insane flat forehand drives. So I would disagree that it is difficult to hit flat and fast with a full western forehand grip.
Also if memory serves me right, I think Federer uses a grip that is somewhere in between a semi-western and an eastern. Not sure if that is accurate but I recall hearing about it somewhere.
Kyrgios and Sock do use full western grips, and they’ve mastered the motion after 20+ years of training. So it’s definitely possible, but for 99% of players who play recreationally, there are far easier ways to hit a flat forehand.
Federer uses a standard eastern, no modification, there are countless images proving that.
Hey coach are you still using the Dunlop CX 200 tour. I started using it because of you and I hate it at first but I love it now. Have you switched since then?
thanks, I will use semi-western!
any drills on converting a junior western to semi western?
i'm mainly eastern but i can adapt depending of the shot i need to do. semi-western sometimes but mainly eastern. if you can read and anticipate well enough, you have time to prepare your grip for the coming shot. same for backhand. that's why for me, choosing only one grip is not really useful. people need to learn to be flexible in all situations. i come from Table Tennis and i used to rotate the handle a lot between backhand an forehand without losing time or thinking about it. it was natural. be flexible folks.
I like to hit flat and fast. In fact the faster my opponent hits, the better my return will be once I get past the mental intimidation part of it. I tend to have most trouble with high bouncing short balls where I have too much time to eff it up! I guess I need to switch to a semi western grip to deal with those!
I would stick to the same grip. Changing grips between various strokes can ruin your feel
Great lesson, thank you Sir
Thank you for watching 👍
Thank you coach for the detailed analysis!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I have been watching tennis more than three decades now, but in practice I am beginner, so all your videos are truly helpful!
I would like to ask you about the crips, how is possible to change the crip in the middle of the game or we do not change and we choose the one that fit us the most?
Thank you!
This is an excellent video. It answered all my questions. Thank you!
Thanks for watching 👍
Lindsay Davenport use to hit very flat with so much depth and power and she’s recognized as one of the of the best ball strikers ever to grace the planet of tennis. Was she using eastern forehand and backhand grip?
Iga Swiatek has extreme western grip, 4 grand slams at age 22. However 3 from the slowest surface, clay. It makes sense now 😅
Great video! Very informative.
Thank you for the support
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
amazing clarity
Many thanks 🙏
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial we got to have a game where r u now
Western is definitely my grip, I really like to play like this, it's beautiful and a has a lot of topspin, and low balls in my opinion isn't a problem🇧🇷
Respect to you man! I swapped from semi western to eastern last year... I play a lot of net so having less extreme grips for me help with the approach (especially since I use one hand backhand and slice a lot)... i am jealous of your western as many of my friends have that grip and seem really good at the baseline
yuck
I play between eastern and semi-western right on the corner. Best of both worlds
Semi western is a good grip to have, I play with a semi-western too!
Thanks for watching,
Alex
Please elaborate more on how RF manipulate the head to generate more spin.
Watch this lesson- ruclips.net/video/pLs30GcRlm0/видео.html
Very informative video
Many thanks 🙏
Very informative. thank you. from Texas
Thanks for the support 🙏
Excellent technique! Great explanation
Thank you for watching 👍
Tal vez la mejor explicación del forehand . Gracias
🙏
Disclaimer: Long Post
Great Video! I'm a Italian amateur 5'7 player and now ive been playing since 7/8 month...mainly on clay courts. Ive started with a Semi and even full western grip (i know that sound absurd but i feel that form more natural for some strange reason), its good because of my height, ive to hit that high balls very often so that help, but when it comes to manage longer rallies ive a lot of problem generatin power and precision...Also my style is not a long grinding one...my serve very fast (for amateur level) so my first istinct is to attack the return inside with a power forehand, but in matches against stronger opponents i cannot do that...so im forced to play in a back position where my forehand starts to lack of consistency...i need to have the ball very close to my body so ive nightmares returning side shots! To compensate that im used to hit a forehand slice, but at that point im in the other player's hands... And to generate power i need to really do that swing with my arm, but when i miss a couple of shot im not so confident...so my forehand became very bad...
So, of course isnt only the grip but also my bad footwork and stance, but considering my style, im thinking to change my forehand to a eastern grip...any opinions? Thanks!
I have naturally played with an E. Forehand all my life. And I really an hit all types of shots wid it. It's all about body positioning, knees tracking the ball vertically, using a Lil bit of ext. Shoulder rotation after pat the dog and a loose wrist always keeping the racket tip 45 degrees or so. I think E. Forehand is the most versatile shot in the book 💯🤞
👍
It's curious how in Rafa's forehand the bottom of his racquet is inside his palm but, hitting a volley, he moves his hand toward the head of the racquet and you can easily see the butt cap under his pinky. Luckily you didn't mention the infamous “Hawaiian” grip. I saw Mayar Sherif using it. It looks like a continental grip but she hits the balls with the other face :) The nice part is she can deliver forehand drop shots without changing the grip... Anyway, great video as usual!
Thank you for watching
Yes it is interesting how Nadal changes the way he holds it. For volleys it makes sense to control the racket in an easier way
more control and handling simple as that. short = handling and control for net play, long = power and racquet speed for forehand and serves. nothing strange.
Love your videos but you need to start mixing the sound from your A rolls with the B rolls. For example, when you talk about the semi-western grip and you explain that the index knuckle and the heel pad are both on bevel four, when you say that, at the same time you need to show the B roll where you are holding the racquet with the semi-western grip. I believe this will make your videos more interesting. Keep up the great work.
Noted! Thanks for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thank you for the reply. Currently, I am working on my on-the-run shots. Do you have any tips on how to improve these shot and how to recover back in the middle of the court?
Hi I love watching your videos and being so passionat about it. I am a boxing coach (57y) and I fall in love with tennis. I have a question: which grip is less stressful for the wrist and ellbow? Semi Western Continental etc. thank you
Semi-western or eastern are the best for the body 👍
I got an pretty solid western grip that I love, but I always get recurring wrist pain. Idk if I should switch to semi-western and if I do, how long it will take to relearn the stroke
When I played tennis young we had wooden racket with a small head. Very unforgiving so even a semi western grip would not work for me. My grip should be eastern grip as described. At that time Borg had woodern racquets but he stood out with his top spin. Can you tell me what grip McEnroe held as I don't recall he used too much top spin, but often slice and fine touch to control the ball, which seems quite a dying art for today. McEnroe also used woodern Wilson ProStaff racquets in his time.
McEnroe used a continental grip for all his strokes
I've been playing with western grip for 3 years but after watching the video I think it would be much better if I use the semi western grip ...so is it reasonable to change it now ?
Absolutely 👍
Super helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Western grip gang! Apparently i have an extreme western grip. I hold it like an upside-down continental but i get some massive spin. I can flatten my balls out for some extra speed though! I do wish there were more western grip videos because some techniques dont work on western grips
👌
Good info, thank you sir👍
Thank you for watching
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
I use a western grip for top spin shots , and an eastern grip for flat shots....And by the way low balls are very easy with a western grip.
What racquet is that beautiful all white racquet?
I used to play with an eastern grip but then changed to a semi-western... Took some time but now I'm comfortably used to it. I wish I could hit consistently with all three grips as coach Simon does... It would really give much more variety to my game.
excellent as always
Thank you for the support 🙏
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Thank you coach! Good explanation.
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the future?
All the best
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial - I can't think of any since you've covered a lot already. Thanks for all the excellent tips!
Just like to point out that Kei Nishikori was one of the biggest hitters on tour and he had a very extreme western grip. Hitting flat with a western grip is very possible. I use a Western forehand grip and have never experienced any of these issues. I'm a 5.0 high school player everything can be done with practice with a western grip. Part of the problem may be that western grips aren't super compatible with straight arm forehands.
And how many injuries has he had, especially wrist?
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial multiple, but I believe he has accredited his injuries to his serve technique
@@tannerbrinton9808 I'd have to disagree with his assessment. Extreme grips are one of the best ways to ensure injuries
I’m an Eastern fan here..6’4” i feel I’m in control of my racquet and can get down on low balls well….
I use an Eastern forehand too 👍
I’ve tried all the grips/techniques and found this to be the best overall.
All the best
Simon
I typically struggle with kick serves and higher balls. I may want to practice with a semi eastern since I naturally hit a flat ball anyway. This may give me more margin for error since I hit the tape more often than I feel I should.
Good luck with the improvements 👍
Amazing video, the grip i use isnt here, its almost vertical, to put as much spin as possible.
An extreme western grip?
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Just about that
Is it ok for me to have my thumb pointed upward and not wrapped around the racquet. It always feels so unsecured and uncontrollable when my thumb is fully wrapped. Same with my index in continental. I tend to serve with my pointer outstretched to stop pronation of the racquet. Idk if this is detrimental to my game or not.
What is ideal string Weight for Semi Western.
Your racket and strings play a more fundamental role in tension choice
It's an amazing video, I'm 100% agree with what you said, but I have a question: you said that the Western grip is not good for the low balls, but for me I'm finding my self very comfortable with the low balls which they are next to the line of service, and in the back I'm using the semi western, so do you think it's a good idea to change the grip according to the position of the ball, or I have to stay just on the semi western
It’s better to keep one grip and master that. You lose feel and control when you keep switching as the angle of the strings changes a lot between the grips.
All the best
Simon
Technically I am using the semi western forehand grip, but I am feeling I am not getting a solid enough contact with the ball...do you recommend I adjust the grip?
any player who interchange between the eastern and semi western forehand grip during rallies to utilise the stregths of both grips? Is it a good idea to do so?
Not a good idea, it ruins the feel and timing. Choose one and stick with it 👍
Nice video! What video editing software do you use if you don't mind me asking?
I like the eastern due to its ability to hit with a straight arm. However with this grip you have to be fundamentally sound as you don’t have that same margin of error as a semi-western imo.
Exactly 👆
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I think that’s why you don’t see very many pros using an eastern. The reason Federer is able to use this grip successfully is because of how fundamentally sound he is (keeping his his head still, exhaling through contact).
And immaculate timing.
There are a few pros who use it, Del Potro, Dimitrov is close, Tsitsipas
but nadal uses semi western and still hits a with a straight arm. if you are just saying that is “easier”, then I kind of get it. But we are #easternforehandgang.
@Abe - Nadal doesn’t make contact as far in front as Federer due to using semi western
I find it hard to switch from western forehand grip to backhand, especially when returning serves where I have to adjust very quickly. Is there a solution?
There is a question that has troubled me for a long time. What model is Simon’s white racket? She is so beautiful.
A prototype frame 👍
I've just looked at other sites that say an eastern grip is index knuckle and pad on bevel 5 not 3??! Wish there was some consistency on this.
Google the eastern forehand grip, you’ll see plenty of images of the bevels and pressure points
I’m 26 and have played on competitive Level my whole life with western, mainly on clay. I want to add the opportunity to become more aggressive on my forehand and make rallies shorter for when I become older, but I found it very hard to change the grip, I always go back to my comfort grip. Does it even make sense to change the grip at this point??
You can always change, I’ve worked with players who changed grips in their 60s and even 70s 💪
Being the same age but only playing tennis for 3 years i began as semi western and tried even full western but my consistency was an issue. Switching to Eastern grip about 6 months ago was painful to watch as I was nailing the back fence on almost every shot but after a few days i found it very comfortable. It’ll probably take you a lot more than a few days to get used to it but I believe it can be done with persistency as coach here said.
I am 57 years old and 164 cm tall. I play semi-western but I have problem with power. The balls are too slow. When I change the grip to the eastern, there is more power, but I have to hit less because the balls go out of the court. And I still have a problem which grip to choose to play with.
At the beginning of the video, were all those forehands with a semi western grip?
No, first is eastern, second western and third semi
awesome video!!
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
All the best
Simon
Hey Simon, what strings do you use when you play?
Is it possible to change your grip in that instant when you see the ball coming towards you?
Into your normal forehand grip, yes. I wouldn’t recommend switching forehand grips if that’s what you mean
Not that much turns on it, but Fed's forehand is semi-western. You can tell by the way the racket head drops below the ball prior to impact. Rafa is between semi-western and western. Unless of course you think Connors had a continental grip :)
I’m sorry but you’re wrong on both accounts. Federer is eastern. Study images of his heel pad and index knuckle.
Rafa is semi western. Again, please study his grip.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial You don't have to study his heel pad and index knuckle - Roger hasn't. It's deceptive because players have different sized hands and fingers. They used to say that it depended on which part of the handle the "V" formed by the skin between the thumb and first finger fell, which at least takes the size of the hand out of the equation. Sampras was eastern, and you'll agree that Fed is further around than him. Agassi was classic semi western, and Rafa further around than he.
Does it make sense to play eastern and use a semi western just for balls at shoulder level or higher??