disadvantages to hammer grip for serve?
I posted these remarks at a different forum, and am looking for as many responses as possible.
I have started experimenting with a hammer grip - i.e., the closed fist version of the continental grip - for my serve. I came across it somewhat accidentally while experimenting with a way to make sure my grip didn't slip during the serve process. In other words, I used to start with a continental grip, but invariably let the grip move improperly right before contact.
When I discovered the hammer grip, it seemed like an easier way of maintaining the proper angle. One pro told me to stick with the continental grip because it would give me proper extension. But I really would prefer to use the hammer grip for a while, unless I believed there was a concensus view that it was problematic.
Can anyone tell me whether there really is a disadvantage to using a hammer grip, rather than the continental grip, for purposes of the serve?
Incidentally, I also think the hammer grip will work better for me for volleys as well, so feel free to comment about that too.