Changing to a proper service grip is an example of where this
technique may be used, or playing with a continental grip for all volleys
or moving the ball toss to the right move for the service or any number
of other changes that are sound and needed. If this all sounds like it is
moving toward the classic vs. modern coaching argument, it is. And no
tennis debate is more heated than debate over the current widespread
use of western forehand and two-handed backhands. Coach Leighton
invited me for breakfast with Chet Murphy at a USTA Teachers Conference.
After listening to these two great teachers, I was particularly struck with
one statement: Mr. Leighton asked Mr. Murphy what his assessment of the
classic method of tennis instruction that their careers had sanctioned. Mr.
Murphy pondered, then responded, “I think we did a good job, though we
probably should have been more tolerant of western forehands.”