The tennis drill book-2e

3. SEMI-WESTERN GRIP TECHNIQUE
Objective
To learn and practice using the technique for the Semi-Western grip, which
helps many players more comfortably generate topspin on both the forehand
and backhand.
Description
This grip helps players achieve maximum topspin and control over shots. Players
at every level can use this grip because it is so close to the handshake grip. With
just a slight grip change, most players can adapt to it with minimal frustration
and add topspin to the ball. The semi-Western grip is also the preferred grip
against hard-court baseliners because it permits quick grip changes between
the forehand and backhand grips.
Execution
Players hold the racket using the Western
grip and point it in the two o’clock
position if right-handed, in the eleven
o’clock position if left-handed. To achieve
the semi-Western grip, players turn the
grip back to one o’clock if right-handed,
or between eleven o’clock and twelve
o’clock if left-handed. When using this
grip, right-handers must follow through
into the left hand. Left-handed players
must follow through into the right hand.
The tracking hand (free hand, nonracket
hand) is the hand that changes the grip.
For example, right-handed players positioned
to hit a forehand groundstroke
when the ball is on their side of the net
point to the incoming ball with the left
hand, stroke the ball out to a targeted
area of the court, and then complete the
follow-through by swinging the racket
into the left hand. Both hands should be
on the racket and ready for the next shot.
8 The Tennis Drill Book