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Great article by Robert Lansdorp. Even a novice can learn from it.
I agree fully with Robert that coaches should not teach western forehand grip. Eastern FH grip, extreme eastern (base knuckle of the index finger on crease between panel number 3/4), or semi-western are great grips. Full western grip is very difficult to master since it requires more time and space to execute and it is quite problematic for low balls. My question is:
Who introduced the western forehand grip? Coaches or the players?
One of my 11 years old player is from Egypt and he uses full western fh grip for his forehand. He took tennis lessons for several years in Egypt. I asked him, "Ziad, who taught you this grip? Did any coach teach you this grip?". He responded, "no one taught me this grip, I just picked up the racket like this and no body checked and/or corrected my grip later". It is quite obvious that problem lies with player-type coaches; they do not teach properly, and they do not correct properly.
I strongly believe that prior to puberty if some one is already using western forehand grip, it should be changed to semi-western. Players and coaches should not be afraid of corrections for if they let them unchecked their future growth as successful players will be stunted.
I agree fully with Robert that coaches should not teach western forehand grip. Eastern FH grip, extreme eastern (base knuckle of the index finger on crease between panel number 3/4), or semi-western are great grips. Full western grip is very difficult to master since it requires more time and space to execute and it is quite problematic for low balls. My question is:
Who introduced the western forehand grip? Coaches or the players?
One of my 11 years old player is from Egypt and he uses full western fh grip for his forehand. He took tennis lessons for several years in Egypt. I asked him, "Ziad, who taught you this grip? Did any coach teach you this grip?". He responded, "no one taught me this grip, I just picked up the racket like this and no body checked and/or corrected my grip later". It is quite obvious that problem lies with player-type coaches; they do not teach properly, and they do not correct properly.
I strongly believe that prior to puberty if some one is already using western forehand grip, it should be changed to semi-western. Players and coaches should not be afraid of corrections for if they let them unchecked their future growth as successful players will be stunted.
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