Semi-Western Forehand Quick Tip/Challenge #3

Continuing my quick tips and challenges here I discuss and reference the elbows path in the backswing to correct an all to common early arm extension error in the swing. Now I should note, learning the semi-western forehand should be later after a greater efficiency is achieved with the other grips: continental and eastern grips. But there is an inherent desire to migrate to this extreme grip too fast which often leaves players creatively using the semi-western for…everything. Players cant let go of this grip and adjust to anything other than it. You might detect the hesitancy I used at the end of the video as I “nicely” explained my point of view.
There other factors however that advanced players should also consider: depth probably the most important. Since the SW is used for its top spin and kick effect it has no real benefit when hitting from the baseline and its landing short on you opponents side of the court. For club level players the amount of top spin can equally be achieved with the eastern grip but the difference is the eastern grip provides depth with less effort than the SW. I admit in my past I would not view it in the way I do now. Changing the use of the SW with more shots using an eastern grip I can certainly say it made a significant impact on my consistency, error reduction, less effort and match wins.
Thank you for watching the video, please like and subscribe to my channel. I enjoy questions and comments too.
Coach Adam
If you need help developing your volley check out my volley trainer at: www.volleytrai...

[@nabeenhussain524]

Great summary of the grips! What about the full western contact point in relation to the three balls? (Not my grip btw)

[@GameZTennis]

Not my grip either but I do play with it for “trial and error” now and then. A slightly more open stance and a “reverse forehand action” needed… its a different follow through entirely. Funny thing though, the ball is actually a bit shorter than the SW distance. 😊👍🎾

[@aEndbrohim]

I'm a eastern grip user for years..now I want to change my playstyle using semi Western..could u please give an advise..it's really complicated to use the semi Western

[@GameZTennis]

Hello Afiq!! At one time I was a strong believer in the semi-western grip. But over time I started to see it more technically than necessary. So my answer is “it depends.” I am an advocate that you should be switching your grip multiple times in one point and the ball dictates which grip you are using. With that in mind there is a particular pace required for the semi-western (rather a faster pace than slower approaching you). A flaw the club level players tend to develop is the orientation of the racquet is wrong, players maybe holding the grip correct but they tend to rotate and adjust the racquet vertically flat too early. Another flaw is the tendency to hit balls shorter in the court than deep enough. This is because it is a strike zone grip, and if the ball is not in your strike zone more flawed strikes occur. Greater error potential than any other grip. The eastern can generate the top spin necessary anyone could ever need at the same time gets depth easily by the face of the racquet already more open than the SW. The swing path for the SW is complicated and compounds timing issues where the Eastern is more compact and less complicated. It is a personal question to use it, but nothing should stop you from learning it. I myself still use it but only for select balls and rarely anymore than 1% in a match comparatively to switching between the eastern and continental grip in the span of one point. Thats a tough question to answer. Feel free to ask more questions and I will try to address it.

[@harryherman5371]

Just switched to semi western from eastern. Have to hit way further out front! Would you recommend some wall work to get the timing down? It just feels more natural than eastern in the hand. Also just found this channel and its GREAT!

[@GameZTennis]

Hi Harry, glad you are enjoying the channel. You hit it on the nail, the ball needs to be further out for contact. The thing about learning the SW correctly is that it requires a ball with a bit of pace coming at you -you’ll be able to modify and adjust later to slower pace balls but see if you can get someone to feed you balls or a ball machine rather than a wall. Since you are transitioning from the eastern remember not to over hit and remember the advantage of the SW is it’s top spin…higher ball with greater net clearance. Good luck!!! Check out my blog posts too you might enjoy some of my opinions on the grips, mental strategies, etc. Thank you for the comment!! Coach Adam Courtsidenotes.com

[@harryherman5371]

@@GameZTennis Thanks so much. Yes why is it that I seem to be overhitting now? I have these horrible loopy balls which go way out. I want to hit the SW forehand a bit flatter than I'm able to right now.

[@GameZTennis]

@@harryherman5371 that’s tough to figure out without actually seeing whats going on… usually the SW produces shorter than desired distances because of the brushing, i can only imagine that if you are getting deep loopy balls you are definitely getting under the ball but maybe opening the face of the racquet too much??? Hard to tell. The SW is not easy to learn with a completely new mechanics compared to the eastern. You might try getting closer to the net and drop feed yourself balls, work on brushing the ball and deliberately hitting the ball short, “rolling” the ball rather than driving it -say from service box to service box. Try that and see if it helps with the mechanics and ball strike. Hard to figure out… if you are ever in NorCal let me know and we can take a look at it. Coach Adam

[@harryherman5371]

@@GameZTennis Thanks man this is extremely helpful. Sadly not in NorCal anymore, I’m from the Uk but my dad used to live there. Will hit you up if I’m over there one day!