The provided video snippet indicates a "pancake grip" is a precursor or step towards learning the continental grip in tennis, specifically in relation to serving. It involves a particular hand position used during the initial stages of learning the serve.
However, without more context, it's difficult to define the "pancake grip" with absolute certainty. The video implies it's a specific technique employed to help beginners develop the correct feel for the serve motion before transitioning to a true continental grip. It focuses on the tossing and tapping aspect of the serve.
Based on common tennis knowledge:
While not a formally recognized grip name like Eastern, Western, or Continental, the term "pancake grip" often refers to:
- A very flat grip: The hand is positioned so the palm is almost directly behind the racquet, resembling a pancake. This allows for easy flat contact with the ball. It's not a functional grip for advanced play but can be used in teaching for specific drills.
In the context of the video:
- The "pancake grip" might be a transitional grip, differing slightly from the described flat grip. The user is encouraged to "tap" the ball during the toss, suggesting the grip emphasizes control over spin or power at this stage. This is a lead-up to the continental grip, commonly used for serving.
Since the exact definition is ambiguous, the answer above provides the context from the video and then a potential common understanding of the phrase.
