Grip sizes on tennis rackets are usually marked on their butt cap, although these may differ between manufacturers.
Change the grip size by adding an overgrip. However, this changes the feel of the handle. For an alternative option try using plastic heat shrink sleeves.
Measuring Your Hands
Grip size has a direct influence on how your racquet feels to hold and perform. A grip that is too small requires additional hand strength to prevent the racket from twisting in your hands, potentially leading to tennis elbow problems; conversely a too large grip may impede wrist snap on serves, hinder switching between different racquets, or cause forearm pain.
To determine your grip size, try the index finger test. With an eastern forehand grip, place the racquet in your dominant hand and position the first knuckle of your index finger in the space between your ring finger and palm (see diagram below). If there is not enough room to accommodate this finger in this space, your grip size may be too small.
Alternately, using a ruler provides more precise measurement. With your hand open and fingers extended and pushed together, line the base of a ruler up with the bottom horizontal crease in your palm and measure to the tip of your ring finger for an approximate estimate of your grip size. This method should provide accurate results.
Many players can be found to fall between sizes, which is a perfectly normal situation. If this applies to you, try both sizes out until one fits best with your hands and/or increase grip size by using an overgrip (available from most racquet shops or online) to reduce blisters – a particularly helpful strategy when first starting out or newcomers.
There is an assortment of grips tailored specifically to specific playing styles and shots. They come in various shapes and textures to meet different playing needs and preferences; there’s even an Eastern, which features concavity for high-spin strokes; Western (flared out for high power); and Semi Western grips which combine power with spin for ultimate control of their game.
Using a Tape Measure
Grip size is one of the key elements when purchasing a tennis racket. A too-small grip may twist and shift in your hand, requiring additional strength to keep it still; an excessively large grip may become uncomfortable and cause wrist, arm, or elbow pain; using a tape measure or ruler is easy way to quickly find your ideal grip size.
Start by holding out your dominant hand with palm facing up. Place the ruler along the bottom crease of your palm (where thumb and fingers meet) and measure to the tip of your ring finger; this measurement should take no more than 4 inches for an accurate reading.
Use a standard tennis racket to determine your grip size. Place the racket in your dominant hand with your index finger resting comfortably between ring and palm (Eastern forehand grip). If there is space left between first knuckle of index finger and palm of hand (for example), your grip size could be too small.
If your hand falls between sizes, an overgrip can help increase thickness; otherwise, thicker replacement grips may need to be installed instead of an existing grip to increase thickness. Unfortunately, however, if your current grip is too big to comfortably adjust to, shaving the handle may be required in order to make it smaller.
Different grip sizes often necessitate different string tensions for optimal performance. When making changes to your grip size, it may be wise to consult a professional stringer so as to ensure the appropriate string tension.
There are various styles and sizes of tennis rackets and grips, making it important to experiment before choosing one. Eastern, Western, and Semi-western grips are most often seen, although other grip types might work better depending on your needs.
Using a Ruler
A ruler is an easy and accurate way to measure grip size. Simply extend your dominant hand with fingers close together, align the ruler against the bottom lateral crease of your palm, and measure to the tip of your ring finger – this should give an approximate idea of your grip size; but for an accurate reading consult an industry standard grip size chart.
Once you know your grip size, the next step should be finding your ideal tennis racket. Your style of play may dictate whether a thicker or thinner grip would best serve you; choosing one will enable more control and comfort during gameplay.
The most widely-used grip sizes are 1-4; however, racquets also come in various stiffnesses. Lower stiffness numbers allow more flex and spin control without losing control over the racket while higher stiffness numbers offer less flex and more power.
Professional tennis players typically employ larger grips; however, each individual player is free to find what works for them. Some such as Nadal and Federer may be able to squeeze their hands into smaller grips for comfort purposes while a larger grip provides better performance results.
Olivier, our resident professional stringer and all around tennis information hub suggests beginning with the smaller grip size. Since it is easier to increase than decrease grip size, adding an inexpensive overgrip could bring it up to its correct dimension.
Option two involves having your local racquet technician add a plastic heat shrink sleeve to your existing grip. Available in half-size increments of 1/16 of an inch up to full sizes of one inch, these sleeves will increase thickness without impacting its bevel edges; however, this method may prove more expensive and difficult to achieve a tight grip with so many additional inches added onto it.
Using a Strap
If you want to alter the grip size on a racquet that suits you well but need to make changes, there are various approaches you can take. One effective approach involves using a strap which wraps around and tightens around the racket handle before being tied tight – this method provides more accurate measurements, especially useful for junior players or those without access to rulers.
Use a tape measure to take measurements of your palm circumference, noting the inches (to within 1/8 inch) before using this measurement as an estimate for grip size. With your palm open and tape measure placed between your ring finger and palm with no gaps or spaces in between; this should give an idea of the ideal grip size that best suits your hand and playing style.
Once you’ve established the correct grip size, it is vitally important that you select a replacement grip that complements this measurement. Most replacement grips are made to fit a specific grip size and may limit how you increase or decrease it; this is particularly true of thinner replacement grips.
Consider your skill level when selecting the appropriate replacement grip size. Novice and intermediate players typically opt for mid-sized grips while advanced and professional players tend to favor larger or smaller alternatives depending on their preferences and playing styles.
If you are between grip sizes, I would advise going with the smaller one as it’s easier to increase it than decrease it. Just adding an inexpensive overgrip could increase your grip size by fractions of an inch or even full sizes. For further expansion, having a local racquet technician add a heat shrink sleeve is another effective solution. When making any modifications to your racket it is always wise to consult a professional tennis coach or experienced player first in order to prevent mishaps that could damage it and reduce performance on court.