Whats the Right Grip for Volleys? Continental? Not Quite. Myth Busted!!!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- I was extra excited about this video as the volley grip is widely misunderstood and I have never seen a youtube video discussing this important information that I share in this video. I address the incredibly common myth that volleys should be hit with a true continental grip. Even many coaches wrongly believe this to be true. This grip is especially a problem when hitting forehand volleys. The correct grip is probably a grip you have never heard of but as you will see its a form of a continental grip. This small shift away from the traditional continental grip makes all the difference as you'll see I will explain almost a dozen limitations you have when using the wrong continental grip. Oh and by the way, this is the exact grip the Bryan brothers use on their volleys! They are only the best doubles team ever!
- กีฬา
What a great lesson. I’ve never heard any coach explain those details. I’ve struggled with backhand volleys but now have a clear path to improve. Thanks much.
This is really the best volley instruction I have ever received. It changed/improved my volley dramatically and that’s after playing tennis for over 30 years. I played community college level. Thanks Jeremy! I know you’re no longer posting but having the videos here really helps!
Hey Jeremy. Fantastic video. I was using that grip for forehand volleys and I moved back to the continental grip so I didn’t have to change for the backhand volley. But what you say makes so much sense I’m changing back now to the weak continental as you suggest.
The bonus tip however on creating tension with both hands pulling on the backhand volley is absolute gold. Thank you so much.
David Colman happy to help David, thanks!
Yes that is correct, that grip is called the "Australian grip" between bevel 2 and 3. And I would like to mention that the grip on volleys must be a little choke up on the handle,that will give you more control on the ball. Thank you.
Jeremy bro you rocks! I can't thank you enough!
You explain so well, so detail oriented you're. I'm much thankful for your support and efforts.
Please keep guiding!
Lots of respect for your efforts!
Love this , i was just put into that grip by my pro yesterday and your video cements my intent to stick with it until it becomes natural for me. I am already hitting my volleys crisper and cleaner! Thx
Wow! I've been playing with continental for 5 decades and this is only the first time about this weak continental and the need of a slight turn so that I can't really help but go to the court tomorrow because I'm sure you really makes sense and that this is the REAL FIX! Thanks a lot Jeremy, happy new year!
Best volley grip video I've ever watched. Awesome instruction and coaching. Bravo. I've never heard anyone discuss this nuance in grip, everyone just says "continental grip only".
Finally!!! A true game-changer! I suspected my problem was how I was "weighting" the racquet in my hand but couldn't explain myself. Now I feel like I have a foundation to work from. Thanks!
Wow. That worth a lot. Fantastic video. I haven't heard this tip until I watch your video. and the "weak continental" is exactly the natural grip for both backhand and forehand volleys. thanks again.
I watched your videos multiple times and learn something new each time.
Bonus tip to bonus tip is totally blasting! Great detailing, great efforts!
Huge respect for you for sharing your secrets!
thank you for the great video. i always felt my forehand volley directional control was off and grip was awkward. i stayed with the continental grip because that’s what i heard was correct. i will give this a try.
Omg, these are amazing nuanced golden nuggets of advice that's priceless!
Armand Gallanosa happy to help 👍
Thank you!! Great video. I was wondering why my forehand volleys weren't as good as my backhand. I'll try this today with the ball machine. Something tells me this is the fix I was looking for. I bet I could go to many teaching pros before one would make this correction. Your check is in the mail. :)
Absolutely agree. My volleys got worse when Switched the grip from somewhat close to eastern to true continental. I used to have so much control and confidence in placing the ball where i wanted to when the grip was close to eastern.
Very interesting. Looking so much forward to try it!!
Hi Jeremy! First of all, your video has been super helpful to me. Your channel is one of the 3 channels I subscribe to. 😄 But I have difficulty hitting backhand volleys with this weak conti grip. Could you plz plz upload a video addressing how to hit bh volleys with this grip?
Amazing video, thanks for explaining the whole thing so clearly!
Can you make a video on how to take low balls with extreme Semi- Western grip?
This is the exact grip that I have tried recently. I always find the true continental grip (bevel 2) make it too hard to open the forehand volley. This video explains in details exactly what I want to learn about the 2.5 grip. Thank you very much. Finally found someone who recommends a different grip for volleys.
oooohhhh. It's another fault I need to fix. my continental grip made me slow in reaction and bad aim/direction. when I had the full turn, it's already late or my swing became too wide/big = hit the ball out. What an eye opener. The backhand "open wings" move tip is legit. I used that in baseline backhands to get my ball over the net (I am weak). I need to remember doing that at the net to add more pop to my volley. Thanks so much. You're great.
Your advice to use Continental 2.5 is excellent. In been hitting volleys up more than I’d like and this will help a lot.
Yesss! Thank you for this!! Haven't been able to figure out why I don't have the strength in my wrist returning volleys! Always felt the straight forward continental grip felt a bit awkward and angle was wrong at the net.
Cheryl Scott awesome! Just be sure to turn your shoulders to about 45 angle to the net as the turn will align the strings to the target to make the grip more natural 👍
@@FundamentalTennis Will do! Thanks for the help! 😊
Bonus tip is wonderful, absolutely!
Thanks much
Wow I didn’t realize I think I naturally developed that very slight grip change when I saw it saying it wasn’t continental I was a little skeptical but you’re exactly right great vid!
You are so right! Suspected it for some time now!
Laurence Corray awesome!
Yep, been using this type grip for years. Probably adopted from early days of ping pong 🏓 play. Good video!
Motez Robinson Jr thanks!
Excellent Video! Little adjustments make a huge Difference...
Will surely try. Makes so much sense.
Superb and rarely discussed technique resulting in better contact on the forehand side. Indeed for most people the backhand volley is much more natural.
Very good, usefull tips.
Great video, thank you so much!!
Forehand volley grip is Australian, a STRONG continental (toward the forehand side). You don’t want to call it a “weak” Continental. That would mean the shot is weaker. And what you and I are both saying is, use a forehand volley grip that is STRONGER than Continental, with the racket face more vertical and hits a stronger flatter shot. Cal it a “strong continental.” And make sure you change it for the backhand or you’ll have way too much underspin and only like low balls. That’s my opinion after 60,000 hours of professional coaching. It’s also Vic Bradens philosophy (where I first leaned it 35 years ago). The tales the player, the more one continental grip for both sores wouldn’t be bad, as low balls are the problem. But for most people, use two different grips on the volley. As Braden said, there’s almost always time for a grip change.
You' re a phenomenon, Jeremy!!👍🎾🎾🎾👏👏👏
Jose Sanabre thanks mate
Great tip! Thanks heaps.
Jose Noel F. Teh thanks Jose
The 2.5 forehand volley grip is pure gold. Thank you. What is backhand volley position ? Is is covered in another video ?
You’re right. 2.5 forhand grip is the answer for me and very helpful. In serve, index 2.0, pad 1.0 try it~
I use a full on Western grip to volley now !! I recently switched from Eastern .
Very detailed and helpful presentation. Did you say to use the weak continental on the backhand volley also?
No, definitely not. You need a small change to at least continental, and hopefully a little past continental toward the backhand side. So, Australian grip on the forehand volley and at least a continental grip on the backhand volley. A small change is possible and necessary to keep the volley strong and not too much underspin. The taller the player, the more continental grip on both sides is fine. After 60,000 of coaching, that’s my opinion. But, I knew this decades ago when Vic Braden said it.
I was taught by Vic Braden to use the Eastern forehand and backhand grip to volley. People insists that there is no time to change. But me being a only 3.5 player found that there is plenty of time to change grip if the ball is struck from the baseline. Even in doubles when players volley at each other, I switch to the Continental and play out the rally.
Plenty of time to change grips and it’s necessary
AMAZING TIP about spring-loading with your support hand
Great stuff thanks 😊 for the tip
I agree 100% it helps on the forehand volley but it’s a weaker grip imho for the backhand volley as the racquet face is a bit too open. More difficult to pull the racquet to contact without some supination and I have to break the wrist (slight flexion) to block those balls hit directly at my midline. Even a slightly open faced block with a ball drilled at you is a good way to get a ball in your face. Gain something lose something.
This is the best volley video on TH-cam.
Great video Jeremy. Should we also use the weak continental for the backhand volleys?
Excellent content. Which vid covers how to change to grip for backhand volley?
Glad i discovered you .. good stuff. Whst school did you play for? Did you do a sessipon
Did u do a video on the ball toss?
Ivan Cooper hi Ivan. Thanks for watching. I started teaching immediately after high school. I was undefeated for 3 years in high school. As a junior I competed against several players that are now on the pro tour. Lemme know if there is a topic you’d like me to cover in a future video 👍
I like your backhand “bom”😊
Very important points on the volley by using the proper grip! This also shows how a few millimeters change in grip location can make a huge difference.
Thanks, Jeremy.
Nice, dude!
Ramon Osa Thanks!
Again a well explained video. Suoer
Great video. the only other video I actually saw this 2.5 bevel for volleys was Jeff Salzenstein's video (paid online course). Can I ask, for the slice backhand, do you also use bevel 2.5? im guessing yes but just wanted to confirm? thanks!
TIM thank you. Yes I do although that is a very advanced, challenging grip. If your not consistently receiving heavy topspin from players then I’d recommend true continental. I recommend true continental for most players as it doesn’t open the racquet face as much. Nadal is an example of a player with a 2.5 backhand slice grip.
Best explained!
This is fantastic
Do you do the elastic energy thing with the two arms on the backhand slice too?
Hello Jeremy, I love the video. You're right I haven't seen much people talk about this. I do have a question.
What would be the grip for a slice backhand? True continental or weak continental?
Dark Knight thank you. Any form of continental is acceptable. I personally use weak continental as do some pros like Rafa nadal. I would recommend true continental for players whom are not advanced as weak continental will likely be more challenging since it opens the racquet face more so.
@@FundamentalTennis Sweet, thanks! Also keep going with your channel, it'll go farther than you think
Hi Jeremy,
I've been for years trying also to find a more natural or way to hit shots not having to change grips..and I know it sounds crazy but after watching Dolgopolov during his match vs Ferrer at US Open, I decided to switch my grip for slices, volleys and drop shots.It took me over 1 year to get it done. It was v difficult but now very rewarding. Also worked on my wrist strength and flexibility. So when attended a wheelchair workshop and I told the presenter that volleys can be done with a SW grip...his answer was...you must have weak volleys.My answer was , on the contrary ! Few people know but in wc tennis the only grip possible to play is SW and everyone hits volleys with a continental grip.Not having to change the grips is a huge plus(I taught my student also the underhand serve..) But I managed to prove it that with a specific work, it can be done with a SW grip both FH and BH !!! And the results are fantastic ! Carving the ball , dying volleys , can all be done with SW grip.Key is maintaining the wrist locked and producing the proper rotation.I admit is v difficult and not everyone would be able to do it.Playing doubles on the ad side..can hit returns Fh, , BH slices and drop shots ,FH and BH volleys with the same grip, and easy to change to 2HBH. This applies easily up to a 5 to 5.5 level.
@the supernatural Semi-western grip .
What a difference 1/2 a bevel adjustment makes! I'll begin teaching my son the 2 1/2 bevel position instead of a pure Continental bevel 2. I hope you continue to bust tennis technique myths that has been taught for decades! In future videos, will you bust the myth that one should use Continental on serves? Is there a more optimal grip for serves that pros use?
Alex Daudsyah my pleasure Alex and good idea I will consider it 👍
Do you suggest using this grip for the slice as well?
Great video. Here's a problem. With the weak continental grip, it will NOT give you a strong grip on the backhand volley as least not with my grip. So on the backhand dont you need to move the racket to more of the traditional strong continental grip?
Hi, it’ll give you a great grip for low volleys although yes I think true conti is best for bh volley more often then not
For someone just making this change, especially the more powerful use of the off hand on the backhand volley, do you have any tips on not having the intended extra tension on the non-dominant side (I call it the slingshot effect) cause undesired tension in the hand and arm of the dominant hand?
Tanya Robinson where exactly do u feel tension? Check out the 12:15 mark about backhand volley tips.
Hi Jeremy. Impressive content and presentation in all your videos. My question is if the 2.5 grip is maintained transitioning from net coverage to overhead. Thanks.
Michael Homa thanks, 2.5 is for overhead as well
Hi Jeremy, thanks for this volley grip, weak continental. My forehand volley became powerful n consistent. The only problem is my backhand with this kind of grip. It's less penetrating tho lot's of spin and hitting the frame more often. Do I have to adjust my grip for backhand? I hope u can see this and give your right fix to my problem. Thanks in advance. More power to you 👍👍👍
kissmyab simply move the heel of your hand more on top of the grip for a bh volley
Fundamental Tennis Thank you, M gonna try this tomorrow 🙂🙂🙂
Hi Coach, let me get this straight since the whole X thing was a little too much info all together: weak Continental means towards and Eastern forehand grip right? BTW the tip on the BH volley works its magic on BH slice from the baseline too. Thanks and Ciao!
Right! Relaxed Grip. Heel Change, Set racquet ...
you are awesome
WorkForTheDream thanks!
Great! Is there a quick way of finding the weak continental grip? For example, for a traditional continental grip, coaches talk about hitting a nail with the edge of the racquet.
Chris Constable Hi Chris, as I believe I mentioned in the video, you want to put your under base index knuckle in line with bevel 2.5. If you are still not sure how to find it then try typing in tennis grip bevels on the Internet and that should show you where the bevels are. Let me know if you have any more questions.
@@FundamentalTennis some peoples' hands are larger and/or like a relatively small handle thus their hand wraps farther around the racquet. So in order to be in the Australian grip you're advocating, their index knuckle is well on to bevel 3. This is why it makes better sense to explain grips going from the webbing between the thumb and index finger or just the thumb base knuckle. For Australian you put that thumb knuckle between bevel 8 and 1. This is why Lendl's eastern forehand grip is sometimes incorrectly is called western.
Additionally not everyone uses the same pistol grip. Some good players, ones generally with two handed backhands, don't splay the index finger up so high. They are going to find their index knuckle wrapping even further away from bevel 2.5. This is why people mistakenly call Connors Australian grip semiwestern.
Sorry if you have mentioned somewhere, Jeremy, do you recommend using this weak cont. grip by backhand volley too?
Jack Young yes but ideally the heel pad should be more on top of the grip while knuckle position does not change
@@FundamentalTennis i assume that still leave the racket face more open than continental grip. that will magnify the weakness of forehand volley by continental grip as you talked. Does this still make sense?
MrJinigenie hello, I’m not sure I understand your question but the weak continental grip will close the face more compared to the continental grip. This allows for both spin and speed instead of just spin.
Voley is always my problem ,especially 'finishing voley', l'm always late to take the ball to hit when it passes through beside me although the ball isn't that fast,i fell like l have no confidence,but l feel comfortable & solid at the baseline.
Ok, i see. So in between continental and eastern.
This is the grip that I have tried always it is called Australian grip and it is perfect for forehands volleys so you are in the right spot friend great tip.
Legend
great vid Jeremy. so is it bevel 2.5 for the backhand as well?
Steve Ho thanks Steve. yes and no. The under base index knuckle will still be on bevel 2.5 however the heel pad should move a half bevel towards the top of the grip so that it’s on the center of bevel 2 (true continental). If the heel pad stays on 2.5 then there is not enough palm on the top of the grip making it weak. Just try shifting even farther the wrong way to an eastern forehand grip and you’ll see how flimsy it is. It’s a slight grip change in the heel of the hand but I think it’s important.
@@FundamentalTennis Thanks for the great video. I am not clear on how to shift the heel pad for backhand without also shifting the base knuckle.I try it but base knuckle moves along with the heel.
Raul Tennis hi! Knuckle stays put but the heel pad can move 👍
@@FundamentalTennis Yes, that is the problem. Don't understand how the heel pad can move independently of base knuckle. When I try it, they both shift together -- can't keep the knuckle from shifting.
Raul Tennis u can definitely move the heel pad without moving the under base index knuckle. Not sure if your misunderstanding where each part of the hand is. The index knuckle can rotate sort of speak since the hand rotates but the knuckle stays same place. Just move heel pad.
I have been using this grip on my volleys for years but been bullied so much by people saying ' ha ha you're using a forehand grip on your volleys' I changed it to true continental grip recently. What a strange world!
Yucel Guldali do what the pros do. Weak conti is best!
Fundamental Tennis
But I feel true conti is very solid on backhand volleys and I don’t like changing grips between forehand and backhand on volleys. I also think it feels awkward and hard to hit fh volley with true conti as you demonstrate in the video but only if you hold your wrist in neutral position, just extend it(bend backwards) and it becomes much easier. Love your videos by the way.
Do you change grips between forehand & backhand volleys?
Yes
is bevel 2.5 the line between 2 and 3? Thanks
MK yes
How does this grip help the backhand volley? Is this Edberg's grip?
What is the proper grip on the backhand volley? Is it also the weak continental or the conventional continental?
Go past the continental and you’ll find you can square up the face even easier. Braden taught this long ago.
U r right Vic Braden also states the same -
I sort of understand this weak continental grip idea, besides what the author said, that grip will also help on forehand half volley and overhead. However, I like the author to discuss the impact on backhand side. The grip will make racket more open for backhand volley and backhand half volley. How to address those issues?
MrJinigenie i recommend shifting the heel pad more towards the top of the grip for backhand volley.
@@FundamentalTennis would you elaborate more on this and discuss scenarios in details?
MrJinigenie forehand volley let’s say your grip is weak continental and the center of the heel pad is on bevel 2 then for a backhand volley you simply move the heel pad so it’s in between bevels 1 and 2. On another note that is similar, pros change grips on volleys although that’s very advanced. For example a high volley. Lose to the net could be more of an eastern forehand grip for the forehand volley. A low volley on the forehand side could be a strong continental grip.
Should I use this grip for flat serve or true continental is better?
ProfessorBoooty I definitely recommend this grip not true Continental for a flat serve
It’s true!
Hi Jeremy, so for the backhand volley grip, do you still have the pistol grip with the trigger finger out or is it more of a hammer grip? Thanks!
Ray Chay pistol grip!
Aaaand what is the optimal BACKHAND grip for volleys? 😅
Braden has taught this for forty plus years. Steve smith taught it from him. Two minute tennis taught it from Braden. Jeff Lindsey taught it from Braden and Smith. Important to know the teaching heritage.
Wouldn't this grip be called a "strong" continental (since the face will be more closed)?
Bill Deck In the Tennis industry it’s known as a weak continental grip. Probably because it’s barely continental
@@FundamentalTennis What is it called when it is barely continental on the other side then (bevel 1.5)? Isn't one side "weak" and the other "strong?" I used to be an avid golfer and recently switched to tennis. In golf, your grip is "stronger" when the club face closes more ("weaker" when open). BTW, you are an excellent speaker and teacher. Your word choice and clarity are exceptional.
Bill Deck it is called strong continental
Wouldn't that be a stronger grip?
chris will in the tennis world of coaching,
no.
The continental dogmatists ignore so much evidence against their religious belief.
Watch Nadal volley. He's closer to an Eastern Forehand grip than continental. His raquet face on his backhand volleys is very open. He has to use much more downward swing on the backhand volley because of this. But he is able to wack forehand volleys because his face isn't so open there. It's always a trade off if you want to use one grip on volleys. As you flatten one side, the other opens. I think your tip is the best compromise.
Nadal also hits backhand slices with a grip more towards EF than continental. don't dare to try to tell anyone on a tennis forum this!! "It's continental" despite all photographic and video evidence to the contrary. It's clearly not continental.
Also, the opening of the face can always be controlled with the wrist, and if you watch slow mo videos of pros, they are making wrist adjustments on many volleys to either open or flatten the face. No matter what you do with full continental, the face is always going to be open on the forehand volley.
I use an eastern grip for volleys. It’s excellent for drop shots as well.
I totally agree with your weak continental grip on the forehand volley. I have been using this technique for 2 years and it's superior to the continental grip. However, I do change my grip back to the continental grip on the backhand because it will open to the face to much and becomes an unnatural feel on contact. I haven't really found a single grip solution to volleying no matter how hard I try. Thanks for the video.
Wally Friend thanks. That makes sense. I like to move just my heel pad towards bevel 1 when receiving a backhand volley.
You don't deserve a like, but too many if it could have been possible!
Sorry young man there is a reason why the greatest modern volleyers use continental or Australian grip. Because volley is primarily a control stroke unless it is a put away high volley. My student Andrew Rueb currently the head coach of Harvard men’s team have years of research into out Andrew himself was the best serve and volleyr in college tennis . Mac , Edberg too have contin.I do agree that it is not pure conti. It however is a grip that is primarily fingers for control . Modern players don’t have the feel for it because they use too much wrist and shoulder rotation . Wrist layback .you are correct but be careful you will have people using Easter grip . Ok I agree weak conti but I would emphasize “ conti”
LOL we are in agreement
u forgot to say jeremy malfait. cmon man
do you agree with this guy to change grips, especially to better line up the strings for the backhand volley?
th-cam.com/video/WOZJ1dNFmfU/w-d-xo.html
Generally, yes.
i was told by a number of teachers to use continetnal for FH ONLY and it never felt right. Arkward and weak!
Can this be called the modified continental, weak continental sound bad
SkyreeXScalabar I personally like weak continental as it is specific. Modified continental doesn’t seem to tell u where the grip is.
Braden called it a composite grip because it’s part 2 and 3.