“When they already have the serve motion, then we change the grip.”
Thats what we usually see in tennis. A lot of players not being taught of the correct grip since the beginning of the lesson. They are using the western grip to serve. It is not wrong, but it is not the right thing to do.
By letting players serve without changing their grip, will make players’ technique not in place since the beginning. We have known the fact that the continental grip is the serve grip. Why can’t we teach all the kids with that grip? Because they do not know how to use the grip? Or because they have not yet develop the throwing elements in their techniques?
What ever the reasons are, the more safer way to get players having the full potential to grow in the game is to teach them the right grip from the start. As a coach, teach them continental from the first day. It is ok that they struggle in the serve at the beginning, but it is better than correcting them when habits has build up.
Do you know it is hard to change a grip when it is built in your muscle memory? Some of the kids, they stick to the grip way up until 14 & under. Some may stick to it all their life. Its not their fault that they do not want to change. Because change is pain. Just make them do it right the first time.
It may take longer time to get the serve right, using the continental grip, but once they get it, they will get it.
It is only one grip that should be used in the serve. It is the CONTINENTAL. And continental it is from the beginning.