Coaches and tennis minds,
Check out the grip structure of this one hander. It’s essentially a semi-western forehand turned over.
In today’s heavy topspin game, I believe this grip can best mitigate high topspin balls and allow the player to generate more RPM than a traditional backhand grip. This is critical for success on clay.
When watching Thiem and Federer unable to cope with the spin of Nadal on clay, the case for a more extreme grip on the one hander becomes stronger.
Therefore, I say the classic continental—even eastern—grip should be retired.
It’s old school.
It’s a liability.
I can make a strong case for never teaching ANY type of one hander, but if I do teach it I’m going to make sure my players don’t have the Achilles heel that has plagued one-handers since the beginning of the modern era—high topspin balls above the shoulder.
When opponents see a classic one hander, they salivate and have a clear tactical game plan to win against it—high and heavy. Works like a charm whether in juniors, at the club recreational level, college, or at stadium court Roland Garros.
Your thoughts?
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