Most adult players tend to find success using grip sizes between 4 1/4 and 4 5/8, though this can differ depending on skill level, personal preferences and physical characteristics.
Many tennis players find that increasing their grip size by adding overgrips helps mitigate against Tennis Elbow and other overuse injuries, while adding weight to their racket handle requires professional assistance for optimal performance.
Hand Size
Grip size should be tailored specifically to you, with most adult players opting for between 4 1/4 (grip size 2) and 4 3/8 (grip size 3).
Discovering your hand size is essential in selecting an appropriate tennis racket grip size. Take measurements from the bottom lateral crease across your palm to the tip of your ring finger using a ruler – this should fall between 4 inches and 4.75 inches which correspond to grip sizes 0-5.
Many manufacturers display the grip size of their racquets on the butt cap at the base of the handle; others will place this number more subtly – perhaps on or beneath its trap door – so that identifying this information should be straightforward by inspecting its handle closely.
Use a standard measuring tape or paper towel for quick and accurate grip size measurement. Rip off a strip of plain paper about 1″ wide and wrap it around the handle – this works best as it doesn’t interfere with how a grip feels like an actual grip does; but remember that paper strips may not be thick enough for accurate measurements of grip size measurements.
Some manufacturers also offer an online grip size chart to assist in narrowing your options based on your hand size. This chart details standard grip sizes and their corresponding measurements.
If you find that your grip size falls in between two sizes, always choose the smaller option. An overgrip can always add thickness to your handle but shrinking an existing grip is impossible without manually shaving down its handles, which can be dangerous and is not recommended. Children typically grow into their respective grip sizes over time so start out with one slightly larger than what their measurements show.
Personal Preferences
Grip size and style is entirely up to each player and depends on his/her comfort level and style of play. Some may prefer smaller than measured grip sizes for increased control or power; other players might choose thicker grips which often feel more comfortable but create different sensations in their hands when used than thinner options.
Some tennis retailers or racket manufacturers provide charts that correlate your hand measurements to specific grip sizes, which may help when trying to decide the optimal grip size for your hands. But this method should only serve as a guide – always try the grip before purchasing it; one way of testing its size would be placing the index finger of your non-dominant hand comfortably between its ring finger and palm space – this indicates it likely fits properly!
Thickness can also be affected by the type of overgrip you use. Overgrips are tape-like materials designed to sit atop a base grip and can absorb moisture, increase thickness or provide better traction for the hand. Overgrips are widely favored among professional tennis players and can be purchased both at stores and online.
To use an overgrip, first unroll it and remove the plastic backing – this will be sticky and help secure it to the handle when wrapped. Locate and use the adhesive tab near one end of the overgrip as a base to attach it securely to the bottom of your racket handle. Wrap the overgrip clockwise to ensure its end adheres securely; double wrapping may provide additional security if desired. Finally, trim away any excess overgrip from beneath your racket handle before trimming any extra.
Technique
Grip size should be a primary consideration when selecting a tennis racket. A grip that is too small may make it hard to use and could result in tendonitis; conversely, an excessively large grip could lead to improper technique that causes wrist strain.
A player should experiment with various grip sizes until they find one that feels most suitable to their hand size, age, skill level and personal preferences. It is suggested that players experiment with various sizes until finding one they find most comfortable and best suits their playing style.
Measuring your grip size accurately is the most reliable method of identifying its correct dimensions. Use a ruler to take measurements from the second line on your palm to the tip of your ring finger; this measurement corresponds with one grip size on our chart below.
Or you could perform the index finger test. While holding the racquet in your hitting hand, place your index finger between your ring finger and palm; if there is not enough room for this finger to pass through freely it indicates an insufficiently small grip size requiring increased hand strength to prevent twisting within your hand and tennis elbow resulting from tennis elbow.
On the other hand, an overly wide grip may lead you to squeeze harder than necessary and cause serious arm injuries. A larger grip also permits the racket to slip through your fingers, decreasing control and precision on court.
Some players choose to increase their grip size by adding an overgrip to the regular replacement grip, which can add up to 1/8″. This approach increases grip size without changing the feel of the handle; however, this should only be considered temporary and if problems continue with grip size consult a professional for advice.
Finding a comfortable grip size can have a major impact on your game, whether you are Novak Djokovic or Coco Gauff. When looking to elevate your game to new levels, ensure your grip size fits exactly right!
Age
No matter your age or experience in tennis, your age can have a dramatic impact on how well and safely you perform the game. Younger players are particularly at risk for tennis elbow – an repetitive motion injury caused by racket strikes hitting ball over and over again – than older ones.
Young players with shorter arm lengths tend to swing their racquets more quickly than older ones, causing more vigorous vibrations on contact with the ball and less power generation from it. Older players, on the other hand, typically possess longer arm lengths which allow their racquets to generate greater power output.
Size matters when selecting a tennis racket head. While early wooden rackets were limited to 65 square inches of head area, modern graphite composite rackets can have larger heads while remaining lightweight by using less material in frame construction.
A larger racket head can help players gain more control by allowing them to get closer to the ball when making contact, helping those with short or flat swing styles who wish to increase accuracy from their volley, or those seeking more groundstrokes.
Weight can have an enormous impact on how a racquet feels when being used, not only due to frame construction but also because its swing weight depends on balance point, length and head size; often expressed as grams per square centimeter (G/Cm). A higher G/Cm value indicates an increased swing weight.
Dynamic weight is another essential consideration when selecting a racket, as this refers to how heavy it feels when being swung. Dynamic weight measures the amount of energy transferred from racket to ball on impact; its intensity can be altered by altering string tension or adding lead infills to its frame.
Modifying a tennis racket involves making modifications to its shaft length, which establishes the distance from its handle to the end of its racquet head. You can either cut this length to suit, or extend it by inserting a plastic butt cap – these modifications can easily be completed at home and there are numerous DIY videos online showing you how to do so with some balsa wood and epoxy glue.