What are the main advantages and disadvantages of a Semi-Western forehand?
The Semi-Western forehand is the most popular grip on the pro tours for good reason: It favors an optimal mix of power and strong topspin. The dominance of topspin in the modern game makes handling high bounces essential, and the Semi-Western does this well. Most Semi-Western hitters use a semi-open stance, facing at roughly a 45-degree angle to the net. This allows for a strong contribution of rotational energy from the legs and torso, producing high racquet-head speeds that enhance both topspin and power, but it also retains some of the advantages of the linearity found in a square stance. The Semi-Western grip has some trouble with low balls, but not nearly as much as does the Western. It requires a point of contact farther forward than the Eastern, giving you less time to prepare. It can hit flat adequately, but hitting slice is very awkward.
