My Six Month Check-in - Part 2

Six months on from my previous blog, I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made using a true continental grip on my serve. What started as a technical adjustment has turned into a wider journey of improving my overall game. Two moments in particular pushed me toward searching for a higher level of performance:


• I lost a singles semi-final in March after leading 2–0. My opponent suddenly caught fire, winning five straight games. I held serve for 5–3, but then lost the final game to three aces and an unreturned serve. I played well, but felt completely overpowered.

• In June, I began feeling strong instincts to return to a single‑handed topspin backhand (SH).



Serve Development


In March, I sent Tomaz Mencinger (Feel Tennis) a video of my serve. I originally bought his Serve Unlocked course back in 2015, and part of that purchase included video feedback. Tomaz identified one main limitation: a shallow drop in the throwing phase, linked to a low ball toss. He noted that correcting this might be difficult and that my serve already looked highly competent.


After thinking it through, I decided to increase my toss height to lengthen the drop. Tomaz recommended I complete his new free online serve challenge. I’ve now completed 20 of the 30 sessions. Each session is 30 minutes, and I can feel lots of positive changes happening. I’ll record myself at the end of the 30 sessions and send the video to Tomaz for updated feedback.


Backhand Changes


I’m really enjoying hitting my SH again. Interestingly, it has freed up my topspin forehand (FH). I think this is because switching to a double‑handed backhand (DH) pushed me into an “Andy Murray‑type” ready position — both hands on the grip. It helped develop my DH, but it also changed my natural FH instincts by adding extra milliseconds to move my left hand up the grip during preparation.


A month into returning to the SH has highlighted two big challenges:


• Contact points above shoulder height

• Handling pace



These challenges reinforce my belief that the DH is generally a better developmental shot for both juniors and seniors. I definitely found it easier to manage high balls and fast incoming pace with a DH.


One option I’m considering is returning to a DH but adopting a Nadal/Djokovic‑style ready position, keeping the non‑dominant hand on the neck of the racquet. For now, though, I’m committed to the SH until at least the end of 2026.


Stringing Experiments


I’ve been experimenting more with restringing over the past year, including trying multifilament strings for the first time. I started with Head Velocity MLT (HVM), liked it, and bought a full reel. My first setup was a full bed at 53/52 lbs, but I was advised to try it in a hybrid.


I’ve recently started using AI string recommendations and also changed my restringing process after completing a qualification through Bounce (Tennis Australia). My first hybrid attempt was HVM mains with Head Lynx Tour (HLT) crosses at 52/48 lbs. Because HLT is a shaped string, it wore through the HVM quickly. I’m now trying Head Hawk Touch in the crosses — a round string — and I’ve begun using a 5% pre‑stretch on HVM.


Competition Update


In June, I joined the singles league at my club. I’ve played one match so far and need to complete six matches to qualify for the finals weekend in October.

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