Contact Points – Part I

All of us must first understand and accept what takes place when players of all levels play the game. True, there are more favorable points of contact and stances but what it really boils down to is making sure you do whatever possible to keep the ball in play. Let your natural talent take over, run like you have never run before, be positive when you hit the ball and above all, compete!

In the figures here, Nick demonstrates the contact points for the neutral and open-stance forehand. The front and side views illustrate the ideal contact zones for a continental, eastern, semi-western, and western grip.

As a rule, the more the hand is on top of the grip (continental), the more comfortable a low ball will be. The more the hand is under the grip (western), the more comfortable a high ball will be. Remember that no grip does it all. The player must ultimately find a grip that feels comfortable and suits his or her style of play.

In part one of this tip, I will show you the contact points for the Continental Grip Forehand and the Eastern Grip Forehand.

Contact Point for the Continental Grip Forehand

These days most tennis professionals do not teach this grip. It requires an extremely strong forearm and impeccable timing. Players that use this grip prefer to make contact at knee level and no higher than waist level. Advantages of this grip include the ability to handle low balls and it makes your transition to the net easier. Disadvantages include difficulty handling high balls (above the shoulders), generating topspin and a lack of power.

Open Stance Continental Grip Forehand

Neutral Stance Continental Grip Forehand

Contact Point for the Eastern Grip Forehand

One of the most common grips taught by professionals because of its flexibility for individual styles, comfort for beginners, and versatility for all surfaces. Players that use this grip usually prefer to make contact around waist level. Advantages of this grip are the ease in which a player can generate power and the variety of shot (topspin, underspin, flat drive). Disadvantages are very high balls.

Open Stance Eastern Grip Forehand

Neutral Stance Eastern Grip Forehand

Log on August 15th for part two of contact points, featuring the Semi-Western Forehand and the Western Forehand Grip.

Until then, get out there and keep swinging!