Stop Using A Continental Grip When Hitting Volleys (Tennis Technique Explained)

[@2MinuteTennis]

PlayYourCourt: playyourcourt.com/2MinuteTennis 2MinuteTennis: onlinetraining.2minutetennis.net/programs

[@jamespettinelli6953]

Ryan, I used to do what your coaching here when I played in college. It felt more natural and my wrist felt a little stronger on the backhand volleys. However, I missed many, many volleys at the net when trying to switch my grip when balls came at me with Pace. It was a nightmare. So, I decided to evolve my game after college, and that's when I decided to do only Continental grip at the net. At first, my wrist felt weak on the backhand side, But that's because I was dropping my wrist when making contact. Keep your wrist strong and straight up and down, like a punch, and the problem goes away. I found now, using the Continental grip only for volleys, that my volleys are much more consistent and I am ready for those shots coming at me with pace. Also, the Continental grip is a lot better for digging up low shots on both The backhand and forehand sides when at the net. I would highly discourage anyone considering changing their grip for the volleys. You just don't have time like you do at the baseline.

[@igordontsoff2502]

@jamespettinelli6953 absolutely right ! Ryan gave us the opinion of player who likely plays mostly on hard surfaces. Let me remind you that the Continental grip makes the volley more sliced/cutting, after which the ball’s rebound is much lower. On clay, this gives a significant advantage, because it will be very difficult for the opponent to handle such low ball.

[@DuongNguyen-gg3uc]

@@igordontsoff2502 No, he gave players bad habits which will be extremely difficult for future corrections.

[@TNToncourt]

I always thought a backhand volley in a continental grip never felt right, now I know why. Thank you Ryan.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much TNT

[@great-garden-watch]

Yup I can’t do it

[@s4127419]

Me too, I used to play like this , backhand continental is against your body structure, u can feel it’s awkward , not much energy is generated , but when u adjust , u know what I am talking about

[@arunjetli7909]

I guess no one here agrees with me that conti is the best grip I will not speak on it but I totally disagree, easy volleys is not the norm , that is why contemporary volleyers cannot match McEnroe and Edberg . You are. Missing the point that volley is a defensive stroke hit from an offensive position . Vik was wrong because he does not recognize the nature of the volley, hitting spots is what a volley is about and when the balls come that fast accuracy becomes hard . I am sorry but as much as I have liked your last suggestions on other strokes I totally disagree, yes eastern grip volleys were possible in the wood racquet era Emerson did that quite well , but fast paced tennis means that change if grips is possible only on put away volleys. . The comments that “ never felt right with the conti grip “ ? Of course you felt strange because your grounded grip is accustomed rolling the wrist and shoulders on impact, both of which are not done on volleys it s a crying shame that you ignore Mac and Edberg the greatest volleyers of modern era . You are only talking about put away volleys . I will not comment on this again as I have not received a response .

[@hcscuoteguazza]

I'm so glad you posted this! I've been doing this for years while feeling that I've been doing it wrong. When I try to stick with the pure Continental grip it feels like the volley isn't as strong as it could be.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Whenever someone comments that there’s not enough time to do this I know they haven’t tried it. There’s rarely a time when you don’t have time to do it. And when that time actually happens then I simply don’t change the grip. Thanks Henry!

[@alpinescope4441]

In addition to the 0.16' needed to physically change the grip, average human needs about 0.25' reaction time. So in your play clip the 0.36' is not enough for most people to think about changing grip (if they rely only on their eyes without using anticipation). There are a lot of situations when changing grip is not feasible, e.g. when the ball is drilled at you, or when you are in a net to net fast volley exchange. Most pros don't change grips for volleys probably for some good reasons - whatever advantage you may gain by changing grip, could be washed out by lack of consistency due to the inevitable occurrence of holding "wrong grips" in highly unpredictable situations.

[@strongbrain3128]

Absolutely agree with your words. No time to adjust for high level fast pace volleys.

[@ez2733]

True. His grip change in the clip was highly anticipated. He knew every ball was coming at his backhand. Maybe a better advice for us is always ready with a continental grip. If you have time, adjust your grip slightly for better performance. Otherwise, stick with continental.

[@trungtumai]

Actually grip changing is the best way to angle your volley without the anticipation of your opponent. If u practice it enuff it only benefits you in every way.

[@emjay2045]

That’s why you practice and play. To anticipate and improve

[@nikosa4943]

Absolutely the best and most "ballanced" KZbin/ Tele Tennis-teacher i have ever seen the last couple of years!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Oh wow what a nice compliment. When you say “balanced” do you mean the different topics I cover in my videos?

[@nikosa4943]

@@2MinuteTennis Yep:)

[@Dasato123]

1) At :33 you argue that pros use a grip that’s slightly on the eastern side of a continental grip, (CG). You then make the point that this is bad because it causes a punch through volley on the forehand side and a slice or chop motion on the backhand side because of the difference in the way the racket face is presented on the forehand vs backhand side. I agree. But your topic in this vid is not needing to use a CG at the net. Your first argument is against a grip that that is not even a continental grip. Doesn’t make sense. One hallmark of a proper continental grip is that it presents the racket face the same on both the forehand and backhand side without having to change the grip. 2) You truly don’t emphasize the “SLIGHTLY” part of the grip variation from continental nearly enough. The result of this vid will be to give validation to the countless tennis players out there who volley with a western or semi western grip. The frying pan volleyers. Coachs may send you hate mail as a result of making their job even tougher. 3) Your argument of “if it’s easier then why not use a CG ai the baseline to hit ground strokes” is a stretch at best. No credible person is making that argument in this era of topspin extremism. Facetiousness aside you know that hitting a volley or a ground stroke are two very different situations. 4) Your argument that a player in most situations has enough time to make a grip change while true ignores what’s going on in the real world. It has been proven that the human brain is bad at multitasking. The more tasks you give it the worse it will preform each task compared to if each task is done one at a time. The objective should be to keep the number of tasks to a minimum especially in a fast stressful situation. You free up the brain power that would have gone into deciding which grip to use by volleying with a CG. Now you have more brain (computing) power to use in other tasks involved in volleying and so can do them better. Things like tracking the ball, deciding where to place your volley, how hard to hit it, how much spin to put on it, volley or half volley etc. As you can see there are already enough tasks to be preformed when volleying why needlessly add to that list. Plus deciding which grip to use is adding a big a critical task. Get it wrong and the chances of hitting a good volley get real small. 5) One might argue that with time the grip change will become so natural that you that you won’t even have to consciously think about it. Nothing your body does happens without your brain using some of its computing power to make it happen whether consciously or unconsciously. 6) Not holding a CG at the net forces you to make another additional grip change especially in doubles. This will occur when you have to quickly hit a overhead. 7) Your argument that if you don’t have enough time to make a grip change your not going to hit the ball anyway ignores the reality of the screamer hit right at you. In that situation I’d want every brain cell in my head focused on just getting the racket in front of the ball. 8) The CG allows you the greatest flexibility in presenting the racket face in a multitude of angles. It allows you to develop a higher level of artistry at the net than using a eastern type grip which limits the range of motion of the racket face. Volleying is not just about bashing the ball. It’s also about angles, touch and feel. While a more eastern grip naturally allows you to put more muscle behind the volley it’s at the expense of the variety on the volley that a CG volleyer has the potential to display. By allowing you to muscle the volley more a eastern type grip starts you on a opposite path from the one that believes that a volley is primarily a technique driven stroke. Plus with proper technique a CG volleyer can hit a volley just as hard as a player using a eastern grip and he’ll be able to hit it hard more often because he has more brain power to devote to the tasks that are need to hit a hard volley if that is his choice. 9) History has shown that the great majority of gifted volleyers used a continental grip when volleying.

[@johnbauernfeind8116]

Agreed....pros do a lot of things in certain situations, depending on their strategy, which may change drastically match to match... CG on volley is super important...cutting the ball off at a 45 degree angle if possible and minimizing the use of your racket while moving to the contact point hide the direction of your volley and minimize shanks and misses

[@sergiosimbula]

He will not answer difficult questions or good feedback. Or just reply with thank you for your reply or something like that. I so tried to explain that what he is doing is actually harmful.

[@darcan4987]

Your premise is right for 3.0 players or below where the ball is coming slowly. Way off base for 4.0 and above

[@Coolarj10]

Very thoughtful and insightful reply, thank you!

[@silentbovo1]

This actually blew my mind. I played 4 years of college tennis and sometimes, my backhand volleys were inconsistent in "power", and I just realized that my more "powerful" bh volleys were from me subconsciously changing my grip on the fly. Your explanation of the downward swing of the BH vs being able to punch thru a volley was great.

[@Coolarj10]

What a great video, I love that you broke it down frame by frame, very eye opening!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much. I must say it’s funny to read the negative comments of players on here who are so opinionated on the topic when they’ve never tried it. Interesting.

[@mikelai7209]

I have been playing tennis for over 25 years, what grip to use for volley has been puzzling me and slowing me down to improve my volley. As you mentioned, I have been told to use CG for both F and B hand volleys and no matter how hard I try, my volleys were always weak and no control. At one point, I changed my grip for my F hand volley, it brought me to another level, and I have been quickly known as a good volleyed in my group since then. My B hand volley still weak and lack of control, as I didn't realize I have still stucked with CG for my backhand volleys,thank you so much for this video, which is like a blink to my head, everything is so clear now for volleys with your one single tip. I will do that for my B hand volley. To add to the argument about not enough time to setup volleys, based on experience, holding the grip a bit upper of the handle of the racket as if you are holding a shorter racket will improve your reaction time to volley a lot as the leverage point is shorter. So, change grips as you mentioned, plus holding the grip a bit higher will improve our volley games

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks Mike. I appreciate your perspective. Those who try it know it works. CG has been bashed into so many players/coaches heads for so ping that they can’t imagine doing anything else…even when CG doesn’t work. There’s plenty of time and for players who struggle using CG on volleys, using a grip change on either side of CG works wonder for them. Thanks!!

[@davewhitehead5116]

I like your thoughts. Personally, I start with my grip ready for a backhand volley much like you describe. If I get a forehand, I relax my grip and lay my wrist back. Doing that changes my grip to a continental with a forehand bias.

[@nhungtrancam3251]

The greatest players at the net used continental grip, Mc Enroe, Edberg, Sampras, Cash, Stich, Federer, Becker, Navratilova, Mandlikova,.

[@2MinuteTennis]

You are correct.

[@HelpMeObiwan1]

It’s all about point of contact. If you want to hit out front - topspin grips are better. If you want to catch the ball more beside the body with a tucked elbow - continental is better. A lot of people are taught to hit volleys out front with a continental grip. The two do not go together. I personally prefer to catch the ball beside the body with a continental grip.

[@2MinuteTennis]

You’re 100% correct. When coaches teach continental and contact out I front I scratch my head. Thanks Aaron!

[@sarahnguyenfamily-cuocsong1740]

Which bevel number for forehand volley, and which bevel number for backhand volley? Thanks in advance

[@2MinuteTennis]

FHV - Knuckle on 3 and heel pad on 2.5. BHV - knuckle and heel pad on 1.5. Thanks!!!

[@pjdpjd9919]

Good food for thought. Thank you. A few things to consider about your demonstration: 1. You know ahead of time where the feed is going. 2. All the feeds are shoulder height. 3. You are standing pretty close to the net. In real play you may have to manufacture volleys hit at your feet, right at your body, off balance, or from no-man's land. Making the racquet face more vertical makes sense on high balls especially when you are close to the net but not so much on low balls when you are farther from the net. And what about touch volleys? Those require a more open face. I'm more interested in the position of the wrist and forearm to determine the angle of the racquet face on volleys. But I suppose any mechanical deviation from the standard or idiosyncrasy can be mastered given enough practice. You need only look at all the various styles of play current on the men's and women's tours to see why the game of tennis keeps evolving.

[@2MinuteTennis]

I’ve been using this grip change for 38 years on my volleys. Every volley type can be hit with the grip change I’m advocating. Opening up the racket for low balls and touch volleys is simple with the grip change I’m teaching here.

[@l-uk3xm]

I've played tennis for decades, and was taught to use continental on both volleys for the same reason the film maker mentioned in the beginning. As a diligent tennis student, I honestly tried, and while the backhand volley felt fine, the forehand always came out weak and ineffective. So I just changed it on my own to between continental and eastern, as the film mater suggests, and it was a different ballgame right then and there. I still hit the backhand volley w/continental, though. I also think that it depends on the pace of the ball coming at you. If it's super fast, maybe there is no time for the change, but at a moderate speed, there is all the time in the world to do it. Just takes getting used to. Glad I stumbled in this vid. Thanks for posting it.

[@cradlecap123]

Thanks for this. I love your detail. Some players scoff at anything new or too much detail. They never improve. You know, the ones who's non dominant hand just hangs there on forehands.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hahaha such a great reference. Thanks so much!!

[@imontufo]

I thoroughly agree with you. I've always felt the continental was not the proper one but couldn't say that for sure until now. Thank you so much!!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much. With an open mind players see how this helps them a lot. Thanks!!

[@imontufo]

@@2MinuteTennis Thanks a million!! I cannot stress enough how useful I find your videos and how happy I get when you post a new one.

[@2MinuteTennis]

@@imontufo haha so glad to hear that! I’ve got another coming tonight!! I try to post two per day. Thanks Ibán!

[@imontufo]

@@2MinuteTennis Wow!! You are such a hard and fine worker!! The scientist of tennis to me!! 👏👏👏👏👏🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@cesarm2438]

Thanks Ryan. Like many, I was convinced by other videos that the single continental volley grip was the way pros did it, and that my wrist would get used to the awkward feeling on both sides. I would constantly fight the temptation of giving a little quarter twist, thinking pros don't do it so forget my intuition. Although, I hope people don't take it that intuition and common sense should trump good instructor's advice On the contrary, using intuition and common sense on something like the service motion will almost certainly lead to trouble. Thanks again, another nugget of information that makes a world of difference.

[@bigeasybri]

For the past 2 years I've been using a slight bh favored continental as described for both bh and fh volleys. No wonder my bh volleys are so much better than my fh. Definitely going to try.

[@2MinuteTennis]

The only people who tell you to not change grips on volleys are people who’ve never tried it. Thanks!!!

[@oceanbronze8399]

I’ve struggled to hit clean volleys especially on backhand using just one grip. The slight variation of the continental has really helped me with firmer contact. Not sure if pros do this but I’m not a pro so gonna do what feels right to me. This definitely not “BS”advice if it helps some people.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks for giving it a try. It’ll help you tremendously. Thanks!!!!

[@a2715mt]

Oh my God! I have always felt weird using continental grip at the net. But my coach never once mentioned like u did. Thank you for being so truthful!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Use this grip system and let me know how it works for you! Thanks!

[@petermazzuchin-yourhomesol8658]

I'll test it, Thanks Ryan!

[@jasona.anderson1477]

Wow! Everything you have said here, Ryan, has always felt more natural for me without any strain but because of the continental rule I've been forcing myself to do what feels unnatural and uncomfortable. Finally I have seen the light! Thank you for the enlightenment, and for your honestly and willingness to go against the grain. You're one of the best teachers of the game out there. Keep on doing what you're doing. You're helping and inspiring a lot of people...even here in Jamaica 🇯🇲 🙌

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you Jason. So glad you feel free to change the grip now. Appreciate your support.

[@jasona.anderson1477]

@@2MinuteTennis You're welcome, Ryan. Oh yes, I have changed it already!

[@kykwan49]

If the incoming ball is above the net, a forehand grip or back hand grip would be good. But for a low volley that is below the net, continental grip is better, in my opinion. Then one may say, if it is a below the net volley, one can use a continental grip. However, if it is a heavy top, fast dipping ball, I do think it is too fast for a recreational player to determine between a continental and forehand grip, or between a continental and backhand grip. But then at a recreational level, how many player can hit a heavy top spin, fast dipping passing shot ? Yes, at the recreational level, one can get away with changing grip for either side. Personally, I prefer a continental grip for either side so that I can put a backspin on my volley to keep the ball low after bouncing on my opponent’s side.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Rec/club players are the ones watching my videos so that’s why I recommend it. Thanks!!

[@2MinuteTennis]

And low balls are no trouble with the grips I explained. Thanks!!

[@ericdurand9593]

I have made this adjustment some years ago. I was unconfortable at the net and i felt that i lack stability of the racket frame and control of the racquet head. For me, it is a small adjustment from the continental grip on each side plus the support of index finger on forehand volley and thumb on backhand volley to increase stability and more control.

[@LeevitDeBeeva]

I find it more efficient to keep the same grip (continental) and adjust my wrist angle on each side to achieve the proper racquet angle. It's a relatively minor adjustment. While I agree you can generally adjust grips in time, I feel like it's unnecessary work and could present problems in scenarios that require very fast reaction and extension

[@kubiroquai]

I am a recreational player and changing grips had done wonders for me before I saw this video and now I know why :) I was using the continental grip as taught by a few instructors and my volleys simply didn’t go in. I trained for a while to improve it but it wasn’t working for me as I always felt weak on FH with a continental grip. At some point, I decided to ignore the advice and switched to a grip that worked for me and it’s been so much easier to control the shots both BH and FH sides. And yes I believe there is enough time to switch grips if you practice enough. Perhaps, coaches should analyze what works best for each player and teach accordingly. Obviously I am speaking for the recreational level. After all, we are playing to enjoy the game, not to win grand slams :)

[@hangil8567]

Amazing! Thanks Ryan.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much Han Gil!

[@colinbyer3018]

I’ve looked Into this a lot. I started using the weak continental on my forehand volley, my coach explained that it’s not a good thing to do becuase of the angle of the wrist. He pointed out when it’s slightly toward the forehand side, it’s almost impossible to hit a low volley because of the weak wrist angle. He agrees that weak continental is fine for high forehand volleys. What do you think of this?

[@2MinuteTennis]

If he’s saying that then he’s never tried it. Trust me. Anyone who says that hasn’t even tried it. Keep doing it if it’s working better for you.

[@이창영-m5h]

ㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔㅔ

[@TuanJinnNguyen]

Thank you. This explains a lot of things i have been wondering...

[@user-zn4pi2qq5u]

I agree. However, we are not switching to full eastern backhand and forehand grips. These grips are all degrees of continental grips, not degrees of eastern back hand and forehand grips. I believe the great Vic Braden advocated using full eastern grips for volleyes and I don't think there is enough time for that. Most players who spend enough time at the net make these adjustments instinctively. But bravo to you for voicing this and giving players "permission" to make those small adjustments.

[@nguyen925]

Nice. Thanks coach Ryan!😊

[@2MinuteTennis]

Happy to help you.

[@remedypath5941]

This just makes sense and will be taking to my volley lesson this morning - can't wait to try - thanks Ryan :))

[@steezorteez6069]

I really needed this tip, as I have been taught to not change my grip at all. Knowing that it is okay to change my grip, I should now be able to comfortably hit forehand volleys FAR easier. Thanks!

[@halbrody4513]

I learned this back in the day following the Vic Braden method and still do so, despite repeated admonitions from many different coaches. At my club they’re also always emphasizing that, in doubles, both players should try to get to the net. Like the one grip volley I think that’s bad advice for most average recreational players (most of whom have decent lobs but shaky overheads). Thx. I always enjoy your videos.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much Hal!

[@rsmith02]

If you don't get to net and the other team does you will likely lose. I've gotten so many free points that way over the years!

[@halbrody4513]

@@rsmith02 yes, at a certain level that’s true. But at my mediocre level 2 up frequently get successfully lobbed.

[@boontatt5813]

I think continental grip for the forehand volley is still fine but backhand volley definitely needs a switch because it's the weaker shot. Thanks for the video Ryan!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Happy to help you Boon.

[@tbansal80]

You are awesome Ryan! Keep Rocking!

[@DamianSheesh]

Game changer. Gonna try this tomorrow. What about the overhead? Since it's most like a serve, I use the c grip there, but I struggle cleanly squaring the face often. I wonder if cheating a little towards fh is the way to go too

[@2MinuteTennis]

I’d recommend continental on overhead but really work on getting sideways and hitting Sidespin. So you’ll need to swing to the right of your target (assuming you’re right handed) to hit your target. Don’t hit flat overheads. Hit Sidespin overheads. Thanks!!

[@trevorwilliamson6305]

This is ok if the volley is being played above the height of the net. If the ball is below the height of the net, it is better if the racket face remains slightly open as it would be in the continental grip. Also a hint of slice is good on the volley to help the ball stay low and slide through the court, not sure why you would want to hit a volley flat with no underspin? Obviously a drive volley with topspin is a different thing all together. I still think the continental grip has a place in modern day volleying.

[@2MinuteTennis]

The grip system I show here easily handles low balls.

[@SawyerQuinn]

Great instruction. I've noticed that higher level players who switch will eventually learn how to do it with one hand, literally while they are preparing the racket. It kind of becomes part of the stroke its self.

[@satwiksatat2176]

Always love you tutorial delivery

[@2MinuteTennis]

Appreciate the kind words Satwik!

[@norbertr1713]

Totally agree; especially if you have learned tennis at a later age. It just does not feel right hitting backhand volleys with a continental. And since the majority of us do not play against ATP or WTA pro's we should be fine most of the times adjusting. Thank you.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Haha finally! Someone gets it!! It’s funny how people come at me with “that’s not how the pros do it”!! Like we’re all pros…yeah right. Thanks for understanding. Give it a try and let me know!!

[@doughaynes8771]

I am a fan, and over the years have found that this is true. On the forehand, you do not have to fully turn your shoulders to reach foreword with that impossible grip to hit a forehand volley. Genius!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much Doug!!!

[@davidparker9796]

I love it! Most players don't know what they don't know!

[@brianmcnamara7217]

Use an “Extended” Wrist Position WITH A CONTINENTAL GRIP and this will accomplish the same effect of getting “The Strings More Behind The Ball”. Also. All The Examples Shown were Contacted Shoulder Level and Higher…. What about Lower Points of Contact,Better Players will play Lower Balls,Dipping, To Make The Net An Obstruction.(do you have to make ANOTHER Grip Change? Because the examples shown are Square at contact) An Extended Wrist Position Allows You To OPEN THE FACE and Go Forward by Dropping The Racquet Head( Hello USPTA, Agree with Ryan) and pushing up and thru low ball. See Tour Pros… they don’t start above a low volley. Extended Wrist gets you behind and opened were necessary, on every volley type. Thank You For All Your Work Ryan!! I find your stuff The Best Content!!

[@filippovecchiarelli1144]

very solid and useful advice, as usual. ty

[@zhafranaan6439]

Hello. Can I ask u, with u this change grip, is it true for forehand volley it more to eastern forehand grip and for backhand volley it's more to full Western grip? Thanks

[@valsiscar871]

Can i use in between continental and eastern backhand grip in volley

[@2MinuteTennis]

For the backhand volley yes. Don’t use it for your forehand volley.

[@stevei6324]

Can you please post a close up of the forehand grip and a close up pic of the backhand grip you are saying to use for these volleys. Hard to see from the video. Thanks so much! Looking forward to it

[@huybuiquang8765]

Thank you so much, this has been my problem over the years, i do everything as taught but never feel right with my volleys.

[@Alisky22]

Great lesson for me .. thanks coach for sharing this here

[@2MinuteTennis]

so glad you liked it!

[@siyungjung7162]

I thought I had to use same continental grip regardless of volleys. Thank you for your teaching flexible volley technique.

[@Vietautomation]

Looks interesting, let me try! Thanks for clip!

[@borkanagirkan8880]

Thank you Ryan. I have been told and have learned one grip on volley. And I was keep chopping the ball at backhand. Now ı am gonna execute that.

[@2MinuteTennis]

So glad to help you. Let me know how it works for you!

[@Ferreristic]

It's a piece of good advice but this 2 grip method is probably useful only if you intercepted the volley from shoulder level. I would think it will be quite difficult to volley a low bouncing ball using the reverse continental grip on the backhand side.

[@2MinuteTennis]

It’s not difficult at all. Try it and you’ll see. Thanks!!

[@paddlepower888]

Yes, do try it. Unless you’re already a touring pro, you have little to lose. I tried it today hitting with my cousin at close range, with neither of us more than 15’ from the net. I missed only one grip change. In the ready position I used the backhand as the default grip and held the racquet with a strong bias to the backhand side. No trouble with either high or low volleys and half volleys. The change from Continental is minor but i see great potential with the hand more behind the grip.

[@avamichelle4384]

Great video makes sense

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks for all the nice comments Ava!

[@Bikerbeest]

John MC Enroe has one of the best volleys I have seen hem playing from a distance of 5 meters and he is using the continental grip and also Stefan Edberg

[@2MinuteTennis]

You are correct.

[@dcweber1]

Let's not forget that Mac played with pretty much one grip for all strokes. And this was so ingrained that he continually got humbled in the seniors exhibitions because he couldn't handle top spin with pace on his forehand side. You can kind of get away with a cg on the backhand side because It's much more natural to hit a bh out in front.

[@YVM3311]

I love this. It’s really all about having the most favorable grip for whatever you trying to do.. and just know, I’d you need , you actually can do it, instead of feeling self limited to the single grip. The very slight adjustments make it so much more comfortable. I’m a one handed back hand player. I find back hand volleys much easier for me personally and tend to struggle more with control of direction on forehand volleys . I wonder what I can do for a comfortable and reliable forehand down the line . Cross is naturally easy. find myself having a lot more control over direction on any ball that comes at me with a backhand volley.

[@irishtickles]

What grip do you recommend for sitters?

[@ianbuick8946]

Which one easier to learn: Proper kinetic chain, fotowork, reading ball bounce and timing OR changing your grip? People serve with eastern forehand, hit with eastern forehand and even volley with eastern forehand. Each grip defines what angle of impact and position of impact. Take Forehand as an example, Semi-western grip allow to hit further out and chest height impact, continental allow to hit knee high and closer to body while remain kinetic chain for both style.

[@dwightlewis2026]

Finally, a moment of truth against the tennis establishment . . . what you did was SCIENCE. You did the experiment, collected the data, and drew valid and logical conclusions. Good work, guy.

[@jdtcharactergirl]

Yes yes yes! Been doing it instinctively and over being told my grip is slipping! Thanks Ryan!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Glad you liked the video Jane!

[@NamesAreRandom]

I tried this a while back but went back to continental. I don't think the forehand needs the grip change. The backhand is the problem and I found the grip change was the wrong solution to trying to hit backhands too far in front. I now keep my racket slightly closer to my body with it angled to the backhand side. I also keep my offhand on the racket to the last millisecond - that's what gives the most stability, not a different grip. For power I look to move through the ball with my body not swing at with the racket which is what you encourage going closer to a one handed backhand grip.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks for the comment. Did you find there was enough time to change your grip for 95% of your volleys?

[@NamesAreRandom]

@@2MinuteTennis For any volley I saw coming and I had my offhand on the racket I could do it. I didn't do it when I just had to react (it's too fast, no time to think you just automatically do something), which I guess is more then 5% of volleys. The majority of reaction volleys are backhands (often someone has hit the ball at you) so what I said in my previous comment made the difference to me. I do think having a little more of a baseline ground stroke grip encouraged me to treat it more like a ground stroke and swing at it a bit which is bad habit.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I also have been switching grips for decades as Ryan suggests and it works for me. When I played 5.0 my volley was one of my most reliable shots. Now I am an older senior doubles player with a solid volley. I have coached USTA Junior tennis and high school tennis also PTR certified so I have some experience teaching. If players feel more comfortable with one grip that’s ok but I have been successful using and teaching this method. I believe the key is to develop the habit of keeping you off hand up on the throat of the frame so you can adjust grip on ground strokes, volleys and overheads. I can’t emphasize the importance of split step and proper footwork.

[@2MinuteTennis]

You’re 100% correct. If the continental works then that’s great. But players who struggle with their volleys often struggle bc of the grip system. Thanks for the comment!!

[@vdlorenzo2578]

The real question I would like to know is does Federer and the top players do this ?? IV been watching Federer volley in slow motion and I don't see him doing any grip change. I find this method complicates things and if the pros don't do it why should we ?

[@2MinuteTennis]

Federer and most top pros do not change their grips on volleys. As a coach for 25 years I can tell you that the VAST majority of players don't hit their best volleys with a continental. Pros practice for hours per day and are supremely talented. Most players play for 2-3 hours at the most per week. The grip change at net helps club players hit better volleys because it requires less calculating of the racket face, wrist angle, and racket path. And it doesn't complicate things and more than changing grips at the baseline from forehand to backhand. When I've helped 25 years worth of students improve their confidence and love for volleys with a simple grip change at net (which there's plenty of time for) then it's easy to keep suggesting it knowing that it'll help another 25 years worth of students. And for clarification, if i were federer's coach i woundn't suggest he change his grips on volleys. He's not struggling with his volleys...but millions of players hate their volley power and consistency (esp. 1 handed backhand volley) which is why the grip change helps them so much! Thanks!

[@AutoMotivatedTV]

I totally agree - I play with the grip I'm most likely to need based on which side of the court I'm on - Forehand on the Ad court / Backhand on the Deuce side - Quick switch if the ball comes the other way - Much to the chagrin of my club pro!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey if it works thats great!

[@NGS2410]

Thanks for this. I think you are right. And if you dont have the time, just use the continental and slice

[@1faros]

Vic Braden Tennis for the Future book says the same. I've got the book. Ryan, you're great..

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much JB!

[@s4127419]

Back to the days when I was in secondary school, people taught me to use that one grip system. yep, it’s pain in an ass, some of the situations you just can’t hit the ball back , even if u can , it look really bad . Then I try to use that grip changing system , and also change the forehand from continental to semi western, forehand, backhand swapping, everything’s change . It solve everything, feel more confident every time u hit. It takes time to adjust the way you play , definitely worth it

[@jaredaceves7707]

.Can you upload a reel or a video Where you Can you show in more detail this new grips?

[@ivobaren1]

nice concept man , how about using the bh inbetween cont/eastern for fh AND bh volleys ??? isnt that the best scenario?

[@stuartkleinschmidt5213]

I was always told to think of it as a handshake grip for volleys, don't know why but it always worked for me. Of course then you always adjust to where the ball is, set the racquet and hit thru to target spot on other side of the net. Continental grip is one notch over from a handshake type grip, easy way to tell the difference.

[@pritesh1369]

Hey Ryan, What are the chances of winning a point when coming to the net for volley ? Is it more than 50% ? I usually lob my opponent easily when they come to the net and so I always feel insecure to come to the net.

[@2MinuteTennis]

You should be winning 60% of the points when you come to the net. You should film yourself playing a set and see what % you and your opponents win when at net. A 60% winning % is desired. Thanks!!

[@fb_777]

That only means you are playing against bad players :-)

[@crosscourtrabbitcompletetennis]

@@2MinuteTennis The chances of winning a point when you come to net depends largely on how good your approach shot (or serve) is. If your approach shots draw your opponents out of position, makes them stretch and reach, then there's a good chance they will not be able to hit a good passing shot or lob.

[@2MinuteTennis]

@@crosscourtrabbitcompletetennis you are correct!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

If a player doesn't have the necessary skills to successfully use a strategy then they need to develop those skills. When I coach I teach and drill skills so my players can actually carry out different tactics. A lack of skills limits your tactics.

[@Sleepymoto1]

I can get down with either way!!! Enough practice and the grip change happens naturally. I personally use a continental for both and can punch a backhand volley pretty well. Was alittle awkward when first learning though. Took my brain long enough to remember to switch to continental when approaching the net, no telling how long it would be for changing only for backhand volley haha.

[@paulsax2675]

Seeing this video is a revelation! I always found my backhand volley weak and inconsistent when I didn't change the grip. Thank you for this -- and all your excellent tennis instruction!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks Paul. What the comments on the video show is that when people try this grip change for their backhand volley they like it. And those who say it’s not good advice are the ones who haven’t even tried it. Interesting huh?

[@tennis47]

Great idea!

[@quy-le]

Wow - this is mind-blowing. I tried shadow volleys at home and can tell it takes a much shorter turn to square up my racket on both sides with the weak continental grip. Can't wait to try it out soon!

[@nabeenhussain524]

Right on Ryan. I do not do this, but I am going to. Convincing argument.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Most club players struggle with BHV. This helps tremendously.

[@top_gun_academy]

I actually hate that you’re broadcasting this information to the general public. You’re gonna put me out of business!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Haha how so?!? Dude I love your social accounts btw.

[@top_gun_academy]

@@2MinuteTennis you give out world class coaching intel for free! Many COACHES don’t even know this information and they think everyone uses continental grip on volleys still.

[@dymiyasa]

You're definitely right that people stick to conventional wisdom too much. Takao Suzuki uses this grip for his forehand volleys, and he was once ATP Rank #102 as a serve and volley player in the 2000s. I think he has taken a set off of Federer, if I'm not mistaken. He mentioned this in a video on youtube.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey thank you for this comment!

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Suzuki also uses the same grip (between continental and eastern forehand) for backhand volley and for serves. He doesn´t use continental for anything.

[@rsmith02]

Interesting. Another guy on his channel was showing semi-western forehand volleys if I recall right.

[@Fearless-1]

The grip between continental and eastern is sometimes called the "Australian" grip. Agree, Australian grip is overall very good balance between FH and BH sides. IMO, continental favors BH at expense of FH. BTW, when I use Australian grip, I certainly don't chop down on BH volleys. A complete net game includes overhead too. Especially in doubles, Australian grip is excellent for quick reaction overhead shots too. A very prominent albeit unorthodox "one grip system" example is FH grip for both FH and BH volleys (and ground stokes) is Jimmy Connors. In his instruction book, his FH grip is pictured clearly as eastern, although he claims it's continental. Jimmy's two handed backhand (2HB) grip is FH in his primary left hand (i.e., Jimmy uses a FH grip on both the FH and BH sides). So, one powerful, accurate, quick reactive technique is the 2HB volleys and FH grip FH volleys. This method is essentially hitting forehand volleys from both sides. One HUGE advantage to using the ground stroke grips at mid court and net is the better ability to hit top spin swing volleys. For pop up quick reaction overheads, just use the FH grip too. Otherwise, quick change to Australion grip for the moree traditional type overhead.

[@wiggi9339]

Cool info. Thanks.

[@knockitclose]

I’m going to try it!

[@joeschmidt45]

Ryan, is the grip change between volleys a widespread thing used by professionals in tennis? I don't seem to notice it in the slo-mo videos.

[@2MinuteTennis]

No. Pros usually never change grips. But they also chop their backhand volleys are don’t always hit good backhand volleys. If they changed their grips their backhand volleys would improve. Thanks!

[@fb_777]

@@2MinuteTennis Of course, Roger Federer would be glad if you tell him ;-)

[@jisink]

@@fb_777 Fed actually uses the weak continental that Ryan describes here for forehand. Florian Meier has a video illustrating it. He is continental on backhand volley, but remember he also uses continental on his backhand groundstrokes, and it’s arguably his and Dimitrov’s greatest vulnerability.

[@radial268]

@@jisink He doesn't use a continental grip on the backhand (topspin) groundstroke.

[@jisink]

@@radial268 You’re right, I just checked some videos and I’m wrong about continental on BH groundstroke; good call. However I stand by the weak continental grip on forehand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qouWpHVvmp2rZrs

[@michaelpacini1332]

I have to repectfully disagree with your concept of technique here . In a perfect environment where you are always getting volleys at shoulder height and your in half way from the service line to the net this can work . Especially if the ball isn't coming at you with extreme pace . In tennis the environment is hardly ever perfect. We all know that when transitioning from the baseline you will at some point have to play a volley or half volley from mid court with the ball below your shoulders. Quite often below the waist and sometimes lower . This is where the Continental grip is versatile in adapting to many different contact points especially the low " knee scraper" volleys where with a continental and use of the legs you can get the racket face under the ball to lift the ball over the net . With your method I see many volleys being put into the net . It's a struggle for the player to get the strings at the proper angle to deflect the ball upwards. Tennis is a game where the ball is changing constantly. Unless a player is standing close to the net and the ball isn't hit hard your concept of technique is flawed. I also forsee a problem if a player has to hit an overhead. They have to change to a Continental grip from your grip . A forehand grip won't be beneficial for an overhead . I will stick to the good old continental grip for my volleys , serves , overheads .

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey glad to hear you’ve found a grip system that works for you.

[@the1tfactor]

Just out of curiosity, have you given the grip change system a fair try? I have to ask because I have found that on both forehand and backhand low volleys, the racquet face angle is actually more open to lift the shot over the net, rather less. This made me wonder.

[@rolandmtran]

forehand grip will not work for low volleys

[@ericmatthewson3909]

2 grip system works extremely well on half volleys low volleys all volleys. Just have to go out on court and practice.

[@derrickalexander2366]

Michael I agree with you. I think the idea of switching grips works well for 3.0 maybe 3.5 rec players, but as you work your way up to the 4.0+ levels I don't think this system works as well. Switching takes away any kind of reaction volley and, like you mentioned, half volleys going to be infinitely more difficult. The drill looks great on a ball machine, but lets see this in match play. I don't think it works as well.

[@frankie5085]

Wow!!! This is new and amazing! You are amazing! Maybe I used it narurally before even whithout realise... I remember a perfect volley with a very fast ball... Thank You! :)

[@Mr7Poz]

In theory what you say can work, but I wouldn't teach that. Only advanced players can use multiple grips on the fly. As soon as the pressure rises, there is no time. It's even sometimes more pronounced with pros because the balls comes so fast. When I played, I actually used a bit of a backhand grip sometimes on the forehand, so I could keep my racquet out in front to be able to A) direct the ball better and B) use drop volleys.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Ok thanks for commenting.

[@Pfingstei]

Does the same apply to slice at the baseline?

[@Pfingstei]

I forgot: great video :-).

[@2MinuteTennis]

Yes actually. If you’re struggling with your slice backhand you can change the grip a bit farther to help square up the racket to the ball.

[@provocateur9818]

At a transition volley, service line area, this will not work just bc of the angle of the racquet face due to the grip change...more of an edge forward with a conti grip would control the ball more. Close to the net providing contact point is shoulder high or slightly below, this technique would work, however not so much with a low ball where you need a conti grip to ‘guide’ or push the ball more...

[@Chris90.]

so if im lefty would be just slightly to the left of a continental? vs. right?

[@tberry79]

Thanks

[@frank611]

Damn you are good 👍, it took me 3 years to confirm this idea hahaha good job!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Haha thanks so much!!!

[@harshagihantha]

What is the bevel for backhand volley?

[@2MinuteTennis]

In between bevel 1 and bevel 2. In the corner between them. There’s no name for it.

[@pluto15new29]

For singles volley this changing of grips are ok....but in the fast moving side by side net battles in doubles, this is a disaster 😱😊

[@2MinuteTennis]

Have you tried changing grips in doubles?

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I played 5.0 singles serve volley/ all court style in the 1990’s with good results. I been teaching and coaching the last 20: years and played lots of USTA doubles and totally agree with Ryan. Yes in the course of a doubles match their are a few all 4 players at the net fast exchanges but the majority of points there is adequate time. There are times when you have to hit a reaction volley with a Continental. The key is developing the habit of holding your off hand on the throat of the racquet as soon as you finish a volley. I do understand it takes time to condition your movements like split step or changing grips. The key is doing lots of drills to build the skills. When you hit a couple of hundred volleys a week this becomes second nature. The issue is that most recreational players do not train and practice properly and frequently. I have watched some players make the same technical mistakes in Tuesday nite doubles for years.

[@DTRIANTAF1]

Never felt comfortable with the continental. You are right.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much!!!

[@pats300zx]

Heck. I’ll try anything !!! So just to confirm cause I’m slightly confused. Forehand volley: Conti more towards Eastern forehand Backhand volley: Conti more towards Eastern one handed backhand ??? Thanks Ryan for another great vid.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Yes. Not smack dab in the middle. Use the edges between continental and the panels on each side. Thanks!

[@dominiclester3232]

Love your channel but I feel you are wrong on this because the grip change has to be completed before the racket moves off away from the body. So in the two handed backhand example it would have been a close run thing to reach the ball and this is almost the maximum distance between baseline and a volleyer...By the way, I don’t want to change my backhand volley at all (all other shots probably do need tweaking).

[@dwightlewis2026]

The grip change is done as the last part of the set-up, i.e. the shoulder rotation into the slot.

[@glenberberet8418]

I've hit off a Slinger before and there's not a lot of speed involved. Is somebody hits the ball really hard to you you're not going to have time to do that

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hi Glen. Are you speaking from experience? Meaning, you’ve worked on a volley grip change for a while and decided that there just wasn’t enough time? Bc I’ve never encountered someone who tried it and said there wasn’t enough time. In fact, when some says there’s not enough time then I know they’ve never tried it. And I do agree with you a bit, about 5% of volleys you won’t have enough time. In those cases you simply won’t change your grip. It’s kind of like stopping for a coffee on your way to work. If you’re running late one morning and you don’t have enough time to stop for coffee, then you simply go to work without stopping for coffee.

[@MarcoSolidx]

Gonna try this on my volleys, never felt right my forehand volley but still, don’t think there’s enough time if the opponent smashes the ball

[@2MinuteTennis]

You are right. There’s isn’t enough time to change if opponent smashes the ball at you. But, you’re not gonna win that point anyway. I’m not talking about when the ball is “smashed” at you…I’m talking about the other 95% of the volleys you hit in the match. If every volley we hit was off a “smash” at us then nobody would ever go to the net bc nobody would ever win points at the net. The extreme situations don’t make this untrue or not helpful. Try it and let me know. 👍