The Continental Grip For Players Only

It amazes me that so many top juniors I watch, and several pros as well, haven’t really mastered the short game - that is, they don’t have solid, deep volleys, put-aways from the mid court (especially low balls), or the touch needed to subtly finesse a soft shot over the net. I’ve actually seen Rusedski hit his side of the court on an easy drop shot attempt. And, at the junior level that kind of thing is common, and it’s sad. The primary culprit for this inconsistency is the grip. Quite simply, many of today’s players have not mastered the Continental Grip. Look at the players, the ones with extreme western forehands, rarely do they attempt volleys, except perhaps for the swinging ones. They’re just not comfortable with the continental grip. The players that can hit volleys along with their big western forehands, probably change their grip when positioned at the net. That’s right, most great players alter their grip depending on where they are on the court.

The continental grip is best for volleys, overheads, and serves

The continental grip is held at the neutral point. That is to say, it is equal-distant between the forehand and backhand grips. Held correctly, (the racquet) directly across from your center, you face the "edge" (not being able to see the strings on either side). It is therefore generally, the most efficient and versatile grip when mid-way and closer to the net. You can hit a hard driving groundstroke off either side (forehand or backhand), or you can hit the perfect drop shot, without having to switch the grip and this gives you more time to react. 

Holding your racquet using the continental grip, start by making a figure 8 “Zoro like” motion in front of you from side to side. Then bounce the ball up continuously from forehand to backhand as your racquet cuts across in this smooth “infinity” symbol. You’ll notice a slight backspin on each hit. Work that drill until you can do it in your sleep. 

Get a partner and stand about 10 to 20 feet apart, each with a racquet. Then volley the ball to one another by first bumping it up to yourself and then across to your partner. Your partner then bumps the ball up a couple of feet and then across to you. Continue volleying to each other using both forehand and backhand sides. Do some variations as you see fit. Then try bumping up with the backhand, across to your forehand, and then over to your partner. The smoother the better. The previous figure 8 drill will help you develop more fluidity at this one.

Play Dinkum and Sharpen Your Skills 

Play short-court games for practice, not bragging rights. Dinkum is a drill where you work with your partner, not against him/her. It is played using the continental grip and hitting with underspin, giving the ball an upward arch over the net. Never hit hard or down on the ball. No cheating. It’s practice. The points should be a long series of drop shots, footwork, and strategizing. You can play either full or half-court, with or without volleys (but the volleys must also be played up with underspin.) Dinkum develops a sense of positioning, strategic thinking, and touch. It’s a player’s drill that can help anyone who wants to build an overall game. 

I’ve recently found a product in Tennis Magazine’s “New Products” that works quite well for learning and keeping the continental grip. It’s called the Maxshot and it comes in sizes for kids and adults. I use it all the time to get my students to stay in the continental grip on any stroke, but especially volleys, serves and overheads. If any of you are having a tough time getting comfortable with the continental grip, I urge you to try this product and practice these drills. And get into the continental grip”, the most underrated and underestimated grip in the game.