Question: What are the main advantages and disadvantages of a Western forehand?
Answer: The Western forehand handles high balls well, but its specialty is hitting topspin. While it's possible to hit flat Western, most players can't get a Western forehand over the net without brushing up on the ball fairly sharply, so the grip almost forces a topspin swing.
Some Western hitters use a semi-open stance, but the full open stance is usually the best match with the grip. The open stance gets maximal rotational energy from the legs and torso, and the resulting racquet-head speed combines with the need to swing upward to generate the heaviest topspin of any major forehand style.
Like most specialists, the Western forehand lacks versatility. Hitting flat is difficult, hitting slice more so. The Western style requires a point of contact farther forward than Eastern or Semi-Western, giving you the least time to prepare. Low balls are also problematic.
See also: Photo Tour of the Forehand Grips
