You guys are 100% right. Semi western should be taught very early. It's the far superior grip. Just need to hit under ish the ball and gives perfect topspin. Oddly you guys are the only coaches iv seen saying to beginners to learn this early. But you difently right. It changed my game
Great content, going through every video. Had not played in years, picking it up again now. The grip is such a creative aspect, I used to naturally flow when younger between different grips and never gave it a second thought, now I'm older and neccersarily more energy conscious it's been good to consider the science behind the flow. Grips aren't rigid, but they are specific. Thanks for the lessons.
I've been in the same situation. First session this morning after sooooo many years. I laughed at myself so hard. But it was great to sweat again on clay. Sensations are still awesome. It is truly the best sport in the world. I'm commited to improve week after week. Go
I’ve been playing for about a year and 1/2 and had not been able to hit a forehand so I made my backhand my dominant hand. I watched your video and tried the tip on the court and all my balls were going on the net but I finally got the hang of it. I will keep practicing until I can perfect it. Thanks for the simple tutorial you are making a guy that loves the sport of tennis so happy.
This video was very helpful. I learned how to have a good grip with the racket, and finding a contact point with the ball and continue with a follow through.
Want to meet new players & play more tennis? Try PlayYourCourt for free here: bit.ly/2HjZ0Gj Want more power and spin on your forehand? Grab our Forehand Mastery Course for free here: bit.ly/37mXTR6 Want to work with Scott & Nate? Check out upcoming live events and workshops here: bit.ly/36UGkXV
The greatest lesson Thanks you so much brother Your videos are short and easy to understand. I like short videos i don't like long videos ❤ I like your practical hitting, not just your words. #Sorry for english writing grammar wrong. 🙏🏻 I love your videos 😍😍😍
so i really wanna learn how to play tennis! like i’m a beginner with 0 experience on how to play at all. this video was helpful for anwsering my question of how to hold a tennis racket. so thank you😂
Happy to help! If you're looking for players new to the game in your area, be sure to checkout our website or app. There we can help introduce you to players to practice with and provide you with a ton of coaching resources. www.playyourcourt.com Thanks for watching and welcome to the game!
this is different to what my instructor taught me in high school, grip is different, defense position is different, the swing is different and the contact point is different, are there other ways to do it or your way is the correct way?
Hi Andre, thanks for the question. Although there are multiple grips that can be utilized we tend to suggest the continental or eastern when starting out. The semi-western can be adopted early but definitely has a learning curve that can be steep. It really comes down to personal preference. I'm not sure how the contact point or swing path could deviate much unless your coach was teaching you more advanced form as a beginner or perhaps teaching you methods from another era. I'm sure he/she has their methods. Always good to do your homework though. Hope this helps. All the best - Nate
Hi both just watched this video as a lefty do the same rules apply with the grips? Would be keen to get some advice on whether I need to change my shot approach , serve , racket type based on the fact I am left handed?
I am interested in taking up Tennis for a Hobby. This is a nice video 👌. Question: 1. What is the least amount of money I should spend on a racquet? I saw a brand new one for $29.00 on Amazon, but is it going to last?
Hi Daniel, glad to hear you're interested in picking up the game of tennis! Unfortunately if the racquet is new and listed for $29 it won't be sufficient if you're looking at playing frequently. With tennis racquets you typically pay for what you get. New racquets can cost anywhere from $100-$250. I'd suggest buying a good used racquet to start out. You may want to change racquets down the road so no need to invest a ton out of the gates. Hope this helps!
I use semi western grip and my shots always go up and its really difficult to keep my racket closed on contact point. Any tips on creating lower and faster shots on forehand?
Hi Travis, don't necessarily focus on closing the racquet at contact but put the emaphis on the swing path low to high. If you finish more across the body as opposed to over the shoulder it will help lower the trajectory. Hope this helps!
so i have a question im playing my matches as a high schooler and i played my first a few days ago but i kept missing a forehand or really bad backhand like it wouldnt hit the strings or i use too much force any tips?
Hi, happy to help! I've linked several videos on timing that should help with your contact point and rhythm of play! th-cam.com/video/320VrQtazgU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/e4ceZyzF4gg/w-d-xo.html
Don't be to quick to discount the eastern forehand grip. So many great pros use the eastern including: Rodger Federer, Roberto bautista-agut, Pete Sampras, Stefanos tsitsipas, grigor dimitrov, Juan Martin del Potro who undoubtedly has the most powerful forehand in the game.
No doubt Doug, we certainly didn't want to convey that the Eastern didn't have a place in advanced forehands. Afterall Scott uses an eastern. Most recreational players will find their ability to control power with spin is more accessible with the semi-western and that was the main point we hoped to communicate. The truth is a lot of the pros on tour are somewhere between a Semi-western and a eastern grip, including the ole mighty Fed himself. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Hey guys love your videos, can you create a video for teaching a total beginner on how to hit a moving ball coming at him? As well as moving to hit a moving ball? Man I find for all beginners this is the hardest thing to learn, for some it's a daunting task, for others they can get it with constant ball tossing. How do you help those that really have a hard time hitting a moving ball at them, a very slow ball to a medium paced ball? That would be a great video lesson. Thanks.
good video instruction, but i think you should start your instruction with the form especially with legs and feet and also the role of the wrist when hitting the ball.
I do not agree with that because the simplest grip to hit a forehand is the Eastern grip for a beginner it's more easy to hit balls at different heigths.
Hi Claudio, the eastern grip is definitely user friendly and we would recommend it as well. Unfortunately many players seek additional spin down the road and changing them to a semi-western can be difficult after the muscle memory has been built with a different grip, hence our recommendation to start w/ the semi-western early. Thanks for watching!
I am literally afraid of playing forehands properly. I usually resort to forehand slices and it looks embarrassing ofc. Didn't use to be that way, but it is now. My backhands are so amazing, though. It just feels much more natural hitting backhands to me. Embarrassing, I know...
I am in a weird situation. I started playing tennis using my non dominant left hand. After 4 years of practices and playing, I feel like I am still not growing, as I always make unforced error, the problem is that I don’t feel natural with my left hand. Am I still able to switch to right hand?
Idk anything about tennis. Got some rackets for birthday and going to play with people that don’t know . 😅 any tips besides this video . Don’t know anything about tennis. Have problems hitting ball to high like baseball and that’s because I’m not hitting it hard 😂.
I just started playing a couple weeks ago myself (only had two actual sessions with a friend) and have been struggling with the same problem. Rather than my shots having a nice, low trajectory they often end up going way too high.
So I went to my community court, performed the semi hold and as I started swinging, I felt somethings weird, I followed the video "blindly" and smacked three kids in the head that were behind me. Overall, the kids head made it past the net, not sure how this would apply to tennis balls.
I’ve been playing for about 1/2 year and had not been able to hit a forehand and fine with my backhand. My problem is timing thus all my balls hit way over the court even though i thought i have a slightly closed racquet head before contact. Feel like timing and controlling where to hit the ball in forehand is so difficult for me. I know that you have to swing from high-low-high, you have to have a slightly closed raquet head before contact, and hitting inside-out swing path to generate top spin, etc. yet, i still can't hit it..where my backhand is fine. ihave total control of it....what am i doing wrong. pls help..
Hi Steve, it's really hard to say without seeing your forehand but it sounds like you may be decelerating. I know it seems counterintuitive but is the swing doesnt have enough speed the ball can fly out as well. Next time on the court focus on sending your hand to the target and see if you can get additional racquet head speed. Hope this helps!
From my experience (35 years), the beginner has to have both time and talent to have success with the SW forehand grip. Older players (especially older ladies with a 2-handed backhand) will have more success with the E forehand grip.
Thanks for the feedback. Teaching the semi-western is dependent on several variables, namely age, athletic ability, and amount of time on court for the student. Agree though, eastern and continental is definitely more suitable in some situations. Love the handle Moe 🤣. Thanks for watching!
You certainly can but please go to our platform for personal coaching if you need expanded ideas on multiple questions. As you can probably imagine our bandwidth is relatively limited so we keep dialogue fairly brief on YT. We're always happy to help so we'll do our best here as well. Thanks for watching!
The Eastern grip can certainly be used when learning the fundamentals of the forehand and adapted to the technique recommended in the video. Thanks for watching Jonathan
No one hits under the ball! Physically impossible as denoted in your video with the strings pointing downward. Secondly you should use the bevels on the racquet in relation to the knuckle on your forefinger to explain the Eastern grip!
What you call a Semi Western is technically a Western grip and the Eastern you show (ala Fed) is the Semi Western. If you navigate from your Semi Western you wouldn't be at at Western grip but a full Western IMHO. There is room for interpretation however.
So why earth show a beginner a semi Western which really looks like a Western on your video. A semi Eastern is ideally the way to go with a beginner so they aren't hitting balls into the net. I guess there are a dozen ways to teach a beginner forehand.
Variations of the eastern / semi are great introductory grips as well. Although the semi-western can be difficult to learn in the beginning, with the right focus and drills players are capable of utilizing it within weeks. The switch from Continental (traditional coaching) to eastern or semi-western later in their journey is way more difficult due to the muscle memory that has been instilled. Agree though, everybody is different and therefore the approach to teaching them should be different as well. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Less talking, more showing gents. Also zoom out a bit. Literally can’t see your legs or feet during the instruction. Much more important to see that then your beards.
Appreciate the feedback. For what it's worth this particular vid was when we were just starting out. We've come along way with our production quality since then. More action and less beards. 😉
I have tennis tryouts today that’s why I’m watching this wish me luck
Hope it went well Kylee!
Hope it went well Kylee
did it go well (im a little late)
You guys are 100% right. Semi western should be taught very early. It's the far superior grip. Just need to hit under ish the ball and gives perfect topspin.
Oddly you guys are the only coaches iv seen saying to beginners to learn this early. But you difently right. It changed my game
Glad you enjoyed the instruction Sam, and thrilled to hear it was helpful!
Great content, going through every video.
Had not played in years, picking it up again now.
The grip is such a creative aspect, I used to naturally flow when younger between different grips and never gave it a second thought, now I'm older and neccersarily more energy conscious it's been good to consider the science behind the flow.
Grips aren't rigid, but they are specific.
Thanks for the lessons.
Glad you're back in the game John! Thanks for watching and the feedback.
I've been in the same situation. First session this morning after sooooo many years. I laughed at myself so hard. But it was great to sweat again on clay. Sensations are still awesome. It is truly the best sport in the world. I'm commited to improve week after week. Go
I’ve been playing for about a year and 1/2 and had not been able to hit a forehand so I made my backhand my dominant hand. I watched your video and tried the tip on the court and all my balls were going on the net but I finally got the hang of it. I will keep practicing until I can perfect it. Thanks for the simple tutorial you are making a guy that loves the sport of tennis so happy.
It's our pleasure, so happy we could help Felix! Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
After a year of struggling finally I was able to hit relaxed forhand. Thank you!!
Love it! You're very welcome!
I'm only watching this so that me and my friend can recreate L/Ryuzaki vs Light tennis match IRL.
Fair enough lol. Actually found myself watching what you referenced and the tennis animation was superb.
😂😂😂
🤣🤣
Fax
This video was very helpful. I learned how to have a good grip with the racket, and finding a contact point with the ball and continue with a follow through.
Hi Chloe, glad to hear the instruction helped, we really appreciate you watching!
great beginner lesson, easy to follow instruction. I've been digging your videos ... can't wait for more
@MJD W Thanks for the kind feedback. We’re digging that you’re digging our videos! 🙏🏻🤙🏼
@Ciaran O'Neil u caught me simp'n
Best tutorial, self explanatory and easy to learn. Keep it up.
Much appreciated! Thanks for the support!
Want to meet new players & play more tennis? Try PlayYourCourt for free here: bit.ly/2HjZ0Gj
Want more power and spin on your forehand? Grab our Forehand Mastery Course for free here: bit.ly/37mXTR6
Want to work with Scott & Nate? Check out upcoming live events and workshops here: bit.ly/36UGkXV
Nice one guys 👍 👏 am a tennis coach from Nigeria love the playyourcourt site can we have something like that in Nigeria
thank you for a brilliant video. i have played tennis for years learnt terrible habits and these basics will help me overcome them
Our pleasure James, hope the tips help! Keep battling out there!
My son and I will try it today. Thank you very much for your effort.
Happy to help!
Very helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I fucking love tennis
Very useful and easy, thanks.
Yasmin Elderiny glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
The greatest lesson
Thanks you so much brother
Your videos are short and easy to understand.
I like short videos i don't like long videos ❤
I like your practical hitting, not just your words.
#Sorry for english writing grammar wrong. 🙏🏻
I love your videos 😍😍😍
so i really wanna learn how to play tennis! like i’m a beginner with 0 experience on how to play at all. this video was helpful for anwsering my question of how to hold a tennis racket. so thank you😂
Happy to help! If you're looking for players new to the game in your area, be sure to checkout our website or app. There we can help introduce you to players to practice with and provide you with a ton of coaching resources. www.playyourcourt.com Thanks for watching and welcome to the game!
Thanks a lot,At last i found what i was looking for!
Glad I could help!
I'm here because this channel is goated
Well explained guys!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Only thing you missed is when does the racket make contact with the ball... i dont know where in the swing i should make contact.
Thank you 🎉!
Watching to go okay with my tennis buddy !
Glad you enjoyed it!
this is different to what my instructor taught me in high school, grip is different, defense position is different, the swing is different and the contact point is different, are there other ways to do it or your way is the correct way?
Hi Andre, thanks for the question. Although there are multiple grips that can be utilized we tend to suggest the continental or eastern when starting out. The semi-western can be adopted early but definitely has a learning curve that can be steep. It really comes down to personal preference. I'm not sure how the contact point or swing path could deviate much unless your coach was teaching you more advanced form as a beginner or perhaps teaching you methods from another era. I'm sure he/she has their methods. Always good to do your homework though. Hope this helps. All the best - Nate
thank you! very informative
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm just starting to learn tennis. Any vedio s content will be helpful.
Hi both just watched this video as a lefty do the same rules apply with the grips? Would be keen to get some advice on whether I need to change my shot approach , serve , racket type based on the fact I am left handed?
Everything remains the same for lefties. Only difference is you will put your grips on the other way. Thanks for watching!
I am interested in taking up Tennis for a Hobby. This is a nice video 👌.
Question:
1. What is the least amount of money I should spend on a racquet? I saw a brand new one for $29.00 on Amazon, but is it going to last?
Hi Daniel, glad to hear you're interested in picking up the game of tennis! Unfortunately if the racquet is new and listed for $29 it won't be sufficient if you're looking at playing frequently. With tennis racquets you typically pay for what you get. New racquets can cost anywhere from $100-$250. I'd suggest buying a good used racquet to start out. You may want to change racquets down the road so no need to invest a ton out of the gates. Hope this helps!
I use semi western grip and my shots always go up and its really difficult to keep my racket closed on contact point. Any tips on creating lower and faster shots on forehand?
Hi Travis, don't necessarily focus on closing the racquet at contact but put the emaphis on the swing path low to high. If you finish more across the body as opposed to over the shoulder it will help lower the trajectory. Hope this helps!
more racquet head speed
Commencing my tennis 🎾 training...hope to get some guide here as a beginner
Go get em! 💪
These guys look like someone drew Jack Sock and Benoit Paire from memory
Ps love the content
lol, that seems fair. Thanks for watching!
Sooooooo who else is here bc of online school assignments??? Great video btw.
lol, could be worse...could be a tutorial on equations 😬. Thanks for watching.
Me
Me
Me
so i have a question im playing my matches as a high schooler and i played my first a few days ago but i kept missing a forehand or really bad backhand like it wouldnt hit the strings or i use too much force any tips?
Hi, happy to help! I've linked several videos on timing that should help with your contact point and rhythm of play! th-cam.com/video/320VrQtazgU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/e4ceZyzF4gg/w-d-xo.html
Very educational 🔥🔥🔥
Great video...thank you ❤
Happy to help, thanks for watching!
Don't be to quick to discount the eastern forehand grip.
So many great pros use the eastern including: Rodger Federer, Roberto bautista-agut, Pete Sampras, Stefanos tsitsipas, grigor dimitrov, Juan Martin del Potro who undoubtedly has the most powerful forehand in the game.
No doubt Doug, we certainly didn't want to convey that the Eastern didn't have a place in advanced forehands. Afterall Scott uses an eastern. Most recreational players will find their ability to control power with spin is more accessible with the semi-western and that was the main point we hoped to communicate. The truth is a lot of the pros on tour are somewhere between a Semi-western and a eastern grip, including the ole mighty Fed himself. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
which pure strike is Nate using?
+marndt93 I play with the Tour (11.3 unstrung) *best racquet on the market
(Babolat may require me to say that in full transparency 😉)
Hey guys love your videos, can you create a video for teaching a total beginner on how to hit a moving ball coming at him? As well as moving to hit a moving ball? Man I find for all beginners this is the hardest thing to learn, for some it's a daunting task, for others they can get it with constant ball tossing. How do you help those that really have a hard time hitting a moving ball at them, a very slow ball to a medium paced ball? That would be a great video lesson. Thanks.
good video instruction, but i think you should start your instruction with the form especially with legs and feet and also the role of the wrist when hitting the ball.
if you use an hawaian grip the pattern is the same? the dynamic of the stroke changes...? if something changes, what changes?
Here after challengers x
I'm here because this chose is goated
thank you
Happy to help!
Cool vid 😎
I’m watching this because I have a tennis camp after this so I can impress
Go get em!
I do not agree with that because the simplest grip to hit a forehand is the Eastern grip for a beginner it's more easy to hit balls at different heigths.
Hi Claudio, the eastern grip is definitely user friendly and we would recommend it as well. Unfortunately many players seek additional spin down the road and changing them to a semi-western can be difficult after the muscle memory has been built with a different grip, hence our recommendation to start w/ the semi-western early. Thanks for watching!
I am literally afraid of playing forehands properly. I usually resort to forehand slices and it looks embarrassing ofc. Didn't use to be that way, but it is now. My backhands are so amazing, though. It just feels much more natural hitting backhands to me. Embarrassing, I know...
It happens so don't be embarrassed. Just keep making yourself hit the topspin and it will develop in time.
This really helped. Now I can beat my friends. Lol
Love it!
Yeah now I can beat my lady lol
I am in a weird situation. I started playing tennis using my non dominant left hand. After 4 years of practices and playing, I feel like I am still not growing, as I always make unforced error, the problem is that I don’t feel natural with my left hand. Am I still able to switch to right hand?
Anyone else here watching this the day before gym class because last time you were missing the tennis balls?
That was great
Diana Müller thanks Diana, glad you enjoyed it!
your welcome
Hello I have a blog about tips for beginner. Can I use the blog on your comment section? ☺️
Idk anything about tennis. Got some rackets for birthday and going to play with people that don’t know . 😅 any tips besides this video . Don’t know anything about tennis. Have problems hitting ball to high like baseball and that’s because I’m not hitting it hard 😂.
Welcome to the game! We have a ton of videos for beginners on TH-cam to help get them started. Hope they help!
I just started playing a couple weeks ago myself (only had two actual sessions with a friend) and have been struggling with the same problem. Rather than my shots having a nice, low trajectory they often end up going way too high.
So I went to my community court, performed the semi hold and as I started swinging, I felt somethings weird, I followed the video "blindly" and smacked three kids in the head that were behind me. Overall, the kids head made it past the net, not sure how this would apply to tennis balls.
I’ve been playing for about 1/2 year and had not been able to hit a forehand and fine with my backhand. My problem is timing thus all my balls hit way over the court even though i thought i have a slightly closed racquet head before contact. Feel like timing and controlling where to hit the ball in forehand is so difficult for me. I know that you have to swing from high-low-high, you have to have a slightly closed raquet head before contact, and hitting inside-out swing path to generate top spin, etc. yet, i still can't hit it..where my backhand is fine. ihave total control of it....what am i doing wrong. pls help..
Hi Steve, it's really hard to say without seeing your forehand but it sounds like you may be decelerating. I know it seems counterintuitive but is the swing doesnt have enough speed the ball can fly out as well. Next time on the court focus on sending your hand to the target and see if you can get additional racquet head speed. Hope this helps!
nate looks like he wants to hit scott with his racket.
I like the video
Thanks Sumesh!
From my experience (35 years), the beginner has to have both time and talent to have success with the SW forehand grip. Older players (especially older ladies with a 2-handed backhand) will have more success with the E forehand grip.
Thanks for the feedback. Teaching the semi-western is dependent on several variables, namely age, athletic ability, and amount of time on court for the student. Agree though, eastern and continental is definitely more suitable in some situations. Love the handle Moe 🤣. Thanks for watching!
Interesting, I don't need to grip the racquet as tight.
100% 👍
Can I ask some questions?
You certainly can but please go to our platform for personal coaching if you need expanded ideas on multiple questions. As you can probably imagine our bandwidth is relatively limited so we keep dialogue fairly brief on YT. We're always happy to help so we'll do our best here as well. Thanks for watching!
baseball players know pronation/supination 😎😎
That they do! Thanks for watching.
Flat on the grip on top. Know how hard it takes for you’re hands to drip off the grid.
Next time can you show us your hit
That fantastic beard just keeps me getting hooked... 😍💕
🥰
I came here for the eastern grip :(
The Eastern grip can certainly be used when learning the fundamentals of the forehand and adapted to the technique recommended in the video. Thanks for watching Jonathan
I am learning this because I want revenge from my friend
Go get em!
No one hits under the ball! Physically impossible as denoted in your video with the strings pointing downward. Secondly you should use the bevels on the racquet in relation to the knuckle on your forefinger to explain the Eastern grip!
this is great but I found out my true potential
The semi-western grip is way too much for beginners. I'm far from a beginner and still prefer the eastern grip, no question.
R u guys right handed
That we are!
👍
The guy in black knows how to teach listen to him. he really does seem like a great coach, once again the guy in pink nike don't not listen to
What you call a Semi Western is technically a Western grip and the Eastern you show (ala Fed) is the Semi Western. If you navigate from your Semi Western you wouldn't be at at Western grip but a full Western IMHO. There is room for interpretation however.
That's crazy they didn't hit one ball on a tutorial to hit a tennis ball
Does anyone use this chat anymore
No
So why earth show a beginner a semi Western which really looks like a Western on your video. A semi Eastern is ideally the way to go with a beginner so they aren't hitting balls into the net. I guess there are a dozen ways to teach a beginner forehand.
Variations of the eastern / semi are great introductory grips as well. Although the semi-western can be difficult to learn in the beginning, with the right focus and drills players are capable of utilizing it within weeks. The switch from Continental (traditional coaching) to eastern or semi-western later in their journey is way more difficult due to the muscle memory that has been instilled. Agree though, everybody is different and therefore the approach to teaching them should be different as well. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Nate’s hot
Really great training videos. My only comment is that I'm a girl and throughout the videos you refer to the audience as "guys. "
Something we're aware of and working on in newer videos. Apologies. 🙏 😞
thats western
Why am I watching Benoit Paire teaching the forehand? Lol j/p guys
Andrew Moseley lol 😂 bien joué monsieur
-01/14/2023 @ 0221-
🤔🎾
Less talking, more showing gents. Also zoom out a bit. Literally can’t see your legs or feet during the instruction. Much more important to see that then your beards.
Appreciate the feedback. For what it's worth this particular vid was when we were just starting out. We've come along way with our production quality since then. More action and less beards. 😉
Good video, but you could make a lot shorter losing the bad jokes.
Really, you are teaching a brand new tennis player a semi western grip? This is bizarre
funny
Why are teaching that !
It will screw up ppl
It's a motion with slap that u have you have initiate from pulling motion and contact its like slap !
I hate this video
Hate is a strong word Adriano
I'm sorry, but this video is not very helpful. I can't concentrate on the explanations as the guy is too good-looking.
Girl you better not go watch Challengers then 👀