[tennisbiz] Re: changing grips from the two handed forehand to backhand and vice versa

2 handed grip.
I also have a daughter (just turned 16) playing competitive
USTA who started with a two handed forehand/backhand.
We recently changed her forehand to a one hander for the
following reasons.

1. 2 handed although provides racquet head stability at young
age becomes an inhibitor to improvement due to footwork required
to support. (The footwork off of a 2 hander needs to be much
more refined than off of a one hander.)

2. The change has allowed my daughter to significantly increase
the pace off the ball by more easily hitting with an open stance.

3. The one hander also has allowed her to hit a much heavier top
spin by adjusting her follow thru as well and getting under the
ball more easily on lower balls.

Our pro started the transition by asking that my daughter hold her
left arm behind her back and change racquet to a slightly closed
face. It was suprising as to how quickly she progressed. The
stroke was grooved at about 1/2. speed and gradually increased
until it too is now considered one of her strengths. (Key is
closed face and 1/2 speed).

Good luck. As much as I originally wanted her to stay with the 2
hander on both sides, the change was well worth the effort and
she now has a stroke she can continue to grow with.


 
Received on Sat Jun 22 2002 - 02:12:40 CDT