I watched this video yesterday, and so far, it's the only one I've watched about semi-Western forehands. Trying them on my own previously, I was driving the ball right into the ground. With your tips in this video fresh in my mind, I went out and tried again today with my ball machine. The court I went to had no wind screens on the fences. Yes, the first few balls went right into the ground, but before the ball machine was empty, balls were on target and bouncing so high with such magnificent top spin that they were lodging themselves into the opposite fence at eye level. Awesome. Never have I gotten such a high percentage of balls to not only clear the net, but also land inside the baseline. I've been working on an open-stance forehand, and this video elevated my forehand to the next level in just one session. THANK YOU!
@Playyourcourt7 ай бұрын
Happy to help! Love receiving this kind of feedback. Thanks for watching and the kind note. 🙌
@htainlindwa805 ай бұрын
The key word is pronation
@lukey1210 Жыл бұрын
As a coach it’s so nice hearing other coaches explain stuff easier then I can thank you
@Playyourcourt Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words coach!
@Porkchop_Delight4 жыл бұрын
I didn't realize tennis tutorials could also have entertaining hosts till now. Great video. Have you ever considered combining your beards to make some type of Ultimate Mecha Beard?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Bahaha, love it...If Godzilla ever arises Ultimate Mecha Beard stands ready! Thanks for the comment, thrilled to hear you enjoyed the content!
@sunsioux444 Жыл бұрын
I am new to tennis, and a tennis instructor just showed me the semi-western grip. It felt very awkward at first and I kept putting balls into the net but soon I was getting it. I think I am sold but still need to go out and practice more! very good video, especially also about bending the knees and rotating hips. I am a golfer and we use the slot, the hips, and weight transfers a lot 😅
@Playyourcourt Жыл бұрын
Stay with it my friend! 💪
@johnchappell92323 жыл бұрын
Being a beginner there's lots of mind chatter but I like your explanations and think of your advice when I play, it's very useful to learn the terminology. Tennis seems so very physically and mentally testing that it's great to have some good advice. Thanks
@lorenzotrucolo56673 жыл бұрын
Im started to play tennis and one of my teachers showed me the estern grip, but i just keep using semi-western naturally(maybe the cause is my hand anatomy idk). Now i will try to improve with this tips.Tky, from a Brazilian guy trying to get better!
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi Lorenzo, if the semi-western grip feels natural than I would continue to use it. Keep battling out there!
@jackspradlin4183 Жыл бұрын
Even when I had eastern forehand grip my index was too close at times to 2nd bevel which made racket to open at contact. I have been playing with semi western about a week. At times just holding the grip is not comfortable and I don hold tight, not a beginner. Ball finishes a lot better with semi just be so happy when it begins to feel more natural. Glad I have a wall to hit at when not playing someone. Having heel pad on bevel 4 is huge and not just index finger.
@Playyourcourt Жыл бұрын
Adapting to a new grip can take a long time. When I was a teenager it took be almost 6 months to be fully comfortable when I switched from a eastern grip to a western. The wall is definitely a great choice to practice a the new grip. Keep battling out there!
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Want to meet new players & play more tennis? Try PlayYourCourt for free here: bit.ly/2HjZ0Gj Want more power and spin on your forehand? Grab our Forehand Mastery Course for free here: bit.ly/37mXTR6 Want to work with Scott & Nate? Check out upcoming live events and workshops here: bit.ly/36UGkXV
@BenPhanStudios3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much guys! I appreciate it. I signed up and have been playing with a lot of new people, thank you!
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
We love hearing that Ben! So glad you're enjoying the community! Thanks for taking the time to drop us some positive vibes!
@Gatorpsychosis3 жыл бұрын
This is an excellent instructional video on the semi Western forehand. Thank you.
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure, glad it was helpful!
@shariqbadshah3 жыл бұрын
Thank you sooo much for making such an incredible video about semi western grip...
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure, always happy to help! Thanks for the feedback!
@WaterfallWhispering3 жыл бұрын
As a newbie I switched to this, wanted to see if I could see a difference in spin and holy crap it took 1 practice match to get used to it....holy smokes what a difference!!!! I feel like I was cheated for the last 2 months not using this spin hack. Great vid...I used the net drills to start and my lvl jumped instantly. Crazy how simple this was to implement.
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Love that feedback Lorenzo, thrilled to hear the instruction helped!
@bashfpv62444 жыл бұрын
Great stuff! I’ll definitely be using these tips to coach my HS boys team!
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
BASH FPV glad you enjoyed it coach, always happy to help. 👍🏼
@snoutdip Жыл бұрын
❤ nice tip for semi western grip
@kartamap4 ай бұрын
Guy walks into a parts store and says, "I'd like a new gas cap for my Yugo". Guy at the counter says, "OK, that sounds like a fair trade". Thank you so much guys. I appreciate your videos.
@Playyourcourt4 ай бұрын
😂 😂 Thanks for the laugh.
@deenugent4733 жыл бұрын
You startled me at 10:57 as i was about to hit the KZbin button. You must be a mind reader as well 😂
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha, sorry about that 🤣
@wlouisharris3 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys. I learned back in the early 80's so I was taught a continental forehand. After that I picked up an Eastern forehand. I'm just not generating enough topspin with an Eastern grip so I'm going to try out a Semi-Western. I like the basic mental note to track during the swing and the tips.
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi, thanks for watching and the feedback. Although the semi-western can be difficult to learn in the beginning, the advantages incorporating it will be well worth it down the road. Best of luck with the grip change, keep us posted on the progress!
@opencurtin Жыл бұрын
I’ve switched to semi western from eastern to get more topspin but can go back to eastern at times for a flatter hit .
@divitisaiprasad96075 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for deep explaining and very useful for my daughter.......😊 Please explain how to Swing the racquet and how the wrist position while hitting the ball .... thank you
@Playyourcourt4 ай бұрын
Happy to help! We have a ton of vids for beginners on our channel. For additional tips be sure to check them out and search by the topic you're interested in!
@nitheshrameshe24572 жыл бұрын
Thanks bro this I'll be useful for me to improve~
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Always happy to help my man!
@opalpearl30513 жыл бұрын
occasionally my racquet twists in my hand on contact, however, I have been told to have a loosey loose grip on the racquet and not to squeeze it. By the way, that was a great video.
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi, glad you enjoyed the instruction. It's ideal to keep a loose grip in order to assist racquet head speed but as we begin to finish the stroke we want to exert a little pressure on the grip as the non-dominant side begins to hit the breaks on the body. This ensure we don't over rotate as well. A lot of the time the racquet twists due to poor contact and being late or early on the ball. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
@tuant024 жыл бұрын
Very helpful. Thanks!
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Tuan T 🙏🏻 thanks for watching!
@dandamerville Жыл бұрын
Nomination for the understatement of the automobile era: "The Yugo was a fairly unreliable car." Yes, and "Roger Federer had a moderately lengthy, fairly successful tennis career."
@Playyourcourt Жыл бұрын
haha..totally fair. Well played my good sir. 🤣
@niriraiaug215 ай бұрын
Thank you
@MrWhitianga4 жыл бұрын
Hey team, thanks for another great vid. I’m really focusing on using the semi-western now and it has taken my forehand to a new level but its taking time to get comfortable with the grip. Can you considering doing a video on the ideal grip for both hands on the racquet while in the ready position if you use a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand? What is the optimal way to hold the racquet in this position to switch to the forehand or two-handed backhand and what hand is turning the racquet to switch to these grips, thanks.
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Thank ya sir, happy to hear you enjoyed it! In the ready position it is best to start your bottom hand in the semi-western position. With it being your sword you want it to be plan A. If you need to switch to the backhand allow your top hand (non-dominate) to change the grip to the backhand grip. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
@markmih3 жыл бұрын
Love the yugo reference, great video i wish you/other guys would show grips for lefties too
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
That's gotta be our biggest sin when filming, always forgetting the lefty perspectice. Maybe it's subconscious because I had so many losses to lefties as a junior. Not quite over it yet. 😉
@Asator663 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the very informative video! One question I have though is concerning the pull back of the racket. In my first lesson I was told to keep the wrist right under the racket, keeping the racket vertical as i pull it back, but at the start you said to keep it horizontal when pulling back? It wohld be great if you could explain this thanks!
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi, glad you enjoyed the instruction. Ideally we're starting with the racket tip up on the unit-turn (take back). Taking it back horizontal is ideal when first learning the semi-western grip but ultimately you want to progress to taking the racket back with the head up. Sounds like you're on the right track! Thanks for watching!
@enriquemorin55694 жыл бұрын
Very good, thanks
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Enrique Morin thank ya sir, glad you enjoyed it!
@caaaiiiittllyyynn82603 жыл бұрын
Very helpful. Thank you
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure, glad it was helpful!
@Alr-ov3lc4 жыл бұрын
Great info here, thanks for sharing! So I just restarted training tennis after 15 years (I trained from 5-13 years old). But now I can't get my forehand right at all, it's either low on the net or really high and long (out). I may now have the opportunity to try different grips and see which one is better for me, being a baseline player. Semi western caught my eye and also full western (jack sock anyone?).
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! I would definitely give the semi-western grip a try. May be worth jumping into a lesson or two to work on the specifics of the grip and then practice, practice, practice. Thanks for watching!
@Alr-ov3lc4 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt Awesome, will definitely try it soon. Talked about it with the coach today and stated the same, LOTS of practice. Thanks!
@ericshine14 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thank you! I'm in between 3 & 4 like you mentioned below. I'm gonna push it over to 4 and see if I can make the adjustment. Also... If you want to give details on the scar, I'd love to hear the story (I think). :-)
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Eric Shine glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Let us know how the adjustment on the grip goes. As for the injury...shark attack....not really...but made for a great story at college parties. Unfortunately it was a the result of horse playing around a mirror. Nearly severed the arm right off, gnarly stuff. 🥴
@ericshine14 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt WOWOW!!! That's crazy!!! I can't even imagine! BTW, thank you both for this channel. It's a great resource and has been a huge help getting back into tennis after about 18 years of not playing.
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Eric Shine we really appreciate the kind words. Getting people in the game or back on the court is what it’s all about! Thanks for the support 🙏🏻💯🍻
@stephx1x2x33 жыл бұрын
Love the vid
@aryansinha73972 жыл бұрын
Can you please tell me how to modify this grip for hitting a one handed backhand ... much appeeciated :)
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Hi Aryan, a eastern backhand grip is preffered. Checkout the vid we did on backhand grips for more info! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJW8m5WaaLFrrM0
@wiperswinger2 жыл бұрын
Awesome
@fairman14554 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video but I am also slightly confused regarding number3 at 3:51
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
George Allen our apologies the camera angle made the the index knuckle appear closer to bevel 3 than it is. The correct hand position is the index finger on bevel 4 and the heel pad also on bevel 4. There’s certainly variations of the semi western in which the index knuckle can be between bevel 3&4. In fact that’s closer to where my hand reside due to the injury that was mentioned. Sorry for any confusion, hope this clears things up. Thanks for watching.
@parvathube3 жыл бұрын
How to hit a forehand/backhand in a pre visualized trajectory? Should the path of the racquet be part of the arc/trajectory of the ball before and after contact? Does the ball always travel perpendicular to the face of the racquet no matter if you're top spinning or hitting a flat forehand?
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi Parvatha, The racket should be under the ball on the forward swing but flush with the ball at contact. This is what helps impart topspin. Checkout the linked video for additional info. Hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGmocqGmZpljqrc
@Blaze-vq2bp3 жыл бұрын
Hey man I use a full western. I’ve heard the semi western is better for so many reasons and I want to hit more power on my forehands. I am a utr 7 and I want to switch from western to semi western. Can you please give me some tips. I am switching because I want more power but also I am slowly seeing some wrist pain and I don’t want that further developing
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear of the wrist pain. Already being a experienced player and having a western grip the transition shouldn't take too long but be patient with the process. I've included some links below that I think may help. Keep us posted! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2WbY2Nvor95brc kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXOVZZ-Kdstjna8
@jonathanchen10264 жыл бұрын
Does the semi western grip cause more strain to the wrist?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
It certainly can if not done correclty.
@howardspector24804 жыл бұрын
I’m beginner. Your Raquet face appears closed . So when you make contact with ball what is preventing ball from going down into net. Also,what kind of speed do you get hitting ball with part of raquet face above sweet spot?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Howard Spector great question. Although through part of the swing the racquet face closes to some extent, at contact the face of the racquet is flush with the ball. The racquet swinging up the ball is what generates topspin and ensures net clearance. Some racquets have sweet spots in the middle but many new frames have sweet spots higher up on the face. Regardless of where the sweet spot is, the racquets are engineered for these sweet spots to generate lots of pace. Thanks for the question and for watching! Hope this helps.
@captaindiabetes42444 жыл бұрын
im from eastern europe... is it ok to use this grip or should i stick to eastern ?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Hey Cap, not sure that it matters where you are from in regards to choosing a grip but Yes a Eastern grip can lead to a great forehand. If you want more spin perhaps moving the grip a half bevel towards the semi-western. Best of both worlds. Thanks for watching!
@captaindiabetes42444 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt am currently 10 years old and I want to become a walrus. I know there’s a million people out there just like me, but I promise you I’m different. On December 14th, I’m moving to Antartica; home of the greatest walruses. I’ve already cut off my arms, and now slide on my stomach everywhere I go as training. I may not be a walrus yet, but I promise you if you give me a chance and the support I need, I will become the greatest walrus ever. If you have any questions or maybe advice, just inbox me
@bmanbusee38123 жыл бұрын
Nice video. I'm trying to find the best forehand stroke for my SW grip. I would like to see the full stroke with you hitting balls at the base or service line if possible. It's confusing that your initial slot presentation doesn't appear to be present in the high to low presentation that follows (you just drop the racquet and doesn't appear to be in that tilted slot position first shown). Could you clarify. Thanks
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Hi Bman, it may just be the camera angle but the racquet is definitely entering the slot and therfore lagging. Be sure to check out our other forehand vids and perhaps it will be clearer. We have a upcoming series "unleash the forehand" as well that talks all about these components coming out very soon. Stay tuned my friend!
@bobingstern44483 жыл бұрын
I’m switching from Western to semi western because of arm injuries caused by hitting the ball wrong or something. Hopefully this change helps but it difficult especially after playing with western for a few years now
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a wise decision my friend. the full western grip has been known to cause wrist and arm issues. Hope the arm heals up soon!
@bobingstern44483 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt yeah but now the habits of using the full western are carrying over to the semi so I’m still hitting some odd shots but it’s getting better, especially after watching this video!
@raulllodra40412 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video! One question if I may, do you think you can get this type of grip with a tight (closed) string pattern racket? or it would be more convenient to adopt the continental/eastern one? thanks!
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Hi Raul, you can definitely still used a 18x20 string pattern with the SW grip. You will have a bit less spin but will have better control. Hope this helps!
@mikesonic294 жыл бұрын
I'm a lefty continental 4.0 all 38 years of my life. Would I benefit from this or is it too late?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Michael Constantin switching to a semi-western grip could certainly help your game but it would largely depend on the type of game you play. If you’re a net rusher who utilize a lot of slice, the continental grip would be a great option. If you however prefer to battle from the baseline, the SW could be a massive improvement. At 38 years young there’s plenty of time to make improvements!
@mikesonic294 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt thanks, I'll start the journey then.
@jlook60704 жыл бұрын
Currently I use continental and near continental grip. I've tried eastern but not able to spin with it. With semi-western it always goes wrong. Sometimes it hits the net, most of the time it goes in the ground before the net. The follow through is above the shoulder too. What am I going wrong?
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
J Look focus on the legs and loading under the ball. “The Boosters”
@jlook60704 жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt That's not the problem I'm having with it then. Maybe its a face and swing path issue that causes the inability to hit the ball over the net.
@Oralion24 жыл бұрын
If follow through and legs are not the problem, the timing must be off... if you’re used to the continental grip, the timing isn’t quite the same, try to work with it
@elanstewart54592 жыл бұрын
How does this change when using a two handed backhand?
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Hi Elan, the bottom hand (forehand) will remain in a semi-western grip and your top hand will utilize a continental grip. Hands in the ready position will be closer together than that of a one-handed backhand in order to better prepare for the backhand. Hope this helps!
@daniee85604 жыл бұрын
How can the heelpad only be on 4 can u explain better please?!
@cutuway3 жыл бұрын
And all along i thought i was using the eastern grip, turns out im using the semi western grip!
@Playyourcourt3 жыл бұрын
lol, it happens. Keep ripping those easte...I mean semi-western forehands!
@yashjain23052 жыл бұрын
Hey! A really important question My coach asks me to take my racket straight ahead when i hit and not down to up Can you please explain when i hit the racket needs to be taken upwards or forward?
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Not sure I understand but from the ready position your racket should go straight back as you coil your body. Dropping the racket first to only climb it up later is not ideal. Imagine drawing a C in reverse, the top of the C will be the nature of the racket take back. Hope this helps!
@Ferreristic2 жыл бұрын
Hi guys, I have a question regarding the follow-through of this shot. I find myself "scooping" the ball more than hitting it through? Trying to increase racquet head speed for my forehand ends up sending the ball out of court but if I try to maintain a gradual racquet head speed, my returns usually end up as a short ball for my opponents to attack. How can I further improve on the depth and power of my shots?
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
Hi, thanks for the question. Focus on swinging through the ball but be sure to allow the racket to stay below the wrist on the forward swing. At contact he racket will be flush with the ball however. Swing to your target and allow the arm to reach extension at contact. This will help you get more weight and depth on the ball while creating plenty of topspin. Hope this helps!
@nicholask27604 жыл бұрын
I still use an eastern forehand grip! But nevertheless great video
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
A 47 nothing wrong with the Eastern forehand my friend. Some great eastern forehands out there, including Bautista Agut and the mighty Fed! Keep swinging! Thanks for watching.
@XanEli1 Жыл бұрын
I want to hear a debate with youtube coaches like Karue from my tennisHQ and intuitive tennis for example. You all disagree on how the forehand should be taught to beginners. To me, this pet the dog que combined with consciously trying to use the wrist to pronate I don't agree with. But again I would love to hear a debate.
@Playyourcourt Жыл бұрын
Agree, we wouldn't suggest actively trying to pronate with the wrist either. Pronation actually occurs more in the forearm and having a student focus on a correct finish will result in the wrist and forarm pronating as a byproduct. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
@XanEli1 Жыл бұрын
@@Playyourcourt Thanks for clarifying. Still would love to see some sort of debate or argumentation from youtube coaches I've never seen it before.
@tedneanderthal73734 жыл бұрын
My instructor claims that I injured my elbow by having the index finger partially pointing out from the rest of my fingers when hitting a forehand. He insists that I use more of a hammer grip to prevent further injury. Also, this instruction is too complex for true beginners and is better for advanced beginners to low intermediates. Instead of a closed racquet face on the backswing, I'd instead recommended that beginners use a loop backswing with a slightly closed racquet face to better get under the ball to create topspin.
@Playyourcourt4 жыл бұрын
Ted Neanderthal sorry to hear about the injury. I would be surprised if the finger extended on the grip resulted in the injury but by chance it did we certainly recommend to discontinue with it. My guess is there may have been another biomechanics issue or perhaps it was simply a coincidence. Either way we hope your healthy and back on the court soon!!
@shrimatkapoor22003 жыл бұрын
Finding these videos a bit overwhelming
@m.t.72372 жыл бұрын
Still unclear. Need camera behind you.
@cesardelrosario93642 жыл бұрын
Thay is why i don't want to view your content because you are wasting time with too much talking. Viers are interested with the actual lesson not talks.
@tc51112 жыл бұрын
All these videos are the same; aimed at low-level recreational players, and designed as a sales funnel for the coach's monthly subscription service. 50% of all video content should be visual analysis. Coaches need to us to diagnose our game, we need to see high-quality hitting to help us visualize and absorb the correct technique.
@Playyourcourt2 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome for the free content, thanks for watching 😉
@raadbahmani67882 жыл бұрын
Get to the point!! Don't try to be funny!!!
@cuentatarkov8209 Жыл бұрын
12 min of video, and u even shot any ball, ridiculous