Serving with a Continental Grip: A Step-by-Step Guide

The serve is one of the most crucial elements of tennis, setting the tone for every point played. One of the most effective ways to serve is by using the continental grip.

While it can be challenging for beginners, learning to serve with this grip can lead to greater power and spin on the serves. In this guide, we’ll break down various drills that will help you or your student become proficient in serving with the continental grip.

Table of Contents

• How to Serve With Continental Grip
• First Drill: Understanding Pronation
• Second Drill: High Five / Palm to the Fence
• Third Drill: High Five / Racket to the Fence
• Fourth Drill: Double L / High Five Ball Contact
• Fifth Drill: Add the Follow-Through
• Sixth Drill: Full Swing
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Serve With Continental Grip

Before diving into drills, it’s essential to understand the continental grip itself. Often referred to as the “hammer grip,” it allows for a versatile range of shots, including volleys, slices, and serves. The grip might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

First Drill: Understanding Pronation

The first step in mastering the continental grip is understanding pronation, which is the inward rotation of the forearm. This movement is crucial for delivering an effective serve. To illustrate this, consider giving a high five. Start with your palm close to your ear and, as you move your hand to meet someone else’s palm, rotate your wrist inward just before contact. This is the essence of pronation.

Second Drill: High Five / Palm to the Fence

Now that your student understands the concept of pronation, it’s time to incorporate it into the drill. This drill reinforces the high five motion:

• Have your student stand sideways next to a fence.
• Instruct them to hold their palm up, close to their ear.
• As they swing their hand toward the fence, they should start with the edge of their palm facing up and turn it inward just before contact.

This exercise helps them visualize the swing and prepares them for actual ball contact later on.

Third Drill: High Five / Racket to the Fence

This drill builds on the previous one by emphasizing the high five motion with the racket while aiming at the fence.

• Position the student close to the fence with the racket held in the continental grip.
• Instruct them to swing the racket up, maintaining the edge first position, and then rotate the racket just before it makes contact with the fence.

This repetition will help solidify the muscle memory required for an effective serve.

Fourth Drill: Double L / High Five Ball Contact

In this drill, we will introduce the ‘Double L’ position, which is critical for serving. This position involves creating two L shapes: one between the upper arm and forearm, and another between the racket and forearm.

• Have your student hold the racket in the Double L position, with the strings near their ear.
• As they toss the ball up, they should swing up with the edge of the racket, performing the high five motion just before making contact.

Encourage them to visualize the high five with the ball, reinforcing the importance of pronation. There is no follow-through at this stage; just practicing pronation and ball contact.

Fifth Drill: Add the Follow-Through

After your student feels comfortable with the previous drills, it’s time to add the follow-through to their serve. This step is crucial for generating extra power.

• Instruct them to maintain the Double L position.
• As they toss the ball, they should perform the high five motion and then continue the swing into a follow-through, ensuring their racket completes the motion.

This drill helps them understand the complete motion of serving, from preparation to execution.

Sixth Drill: Full Swing

The final drill combines everything learned so far into a full serve. This is where your student will put all the pieces together.

• Have them stand at the service line, holding the racket in the continental grip.
• Instruct them to toss the ball into the air and perform a complete swing, emphasizing the edge-first, contact and the follow-through.

Remind them to focus on pronation throughout the swing, ensuring they turn their racket just before ball contact. This will lead to a more powerful serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the continental grip?

The continental grip is a way of holding the racket that allows for versatility in shots, especially serves. It involves positioning the base knuckle of the index finger on the second bevel of the racket handle.

Why is pronation important in serving?

Pronation allows for a more effective and powerful serve, generating spin and control. It is a crucial movement that enhances the quality of your shots.

How long will it take to master the continental grip?

Mastery varies by individual, but consistent practice using the drills outlined above will lead to gradual improvement. Patience and persistence are key.

Can I use the continental grip for other shots?

Yes! The continental grip is not only beneficial for serves but also for volleys, slices, and overhead shots, making it a fundamental grip in tennis.

What if I struggle with the continental grip?

It’s common for beginners to find the continental grip awkward. Focus on the drills, and with time, it will become more comfortable. Consider working with a coach for personalized guidance.

Mastering the continental grip can transform your serving game, allowing for greater control and power. By following these drills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an adept server, ready to take your tennis skills to the next level. For more detailed tennis lessons and drills, check out Visual Tennis Lessons and Progression Drills.