How To Determine Proper Tennis Racquet Grip Size?
Contents
A quick and easy guide to help you determine the proper grip size for your tennis racquet. This is an important factor in improving your game.
Introduction
Choosing the right grip size for your tennis racquet is important in order to play your best tennis. If the grip is too small, you will have difficulty controlling the racquet. If the grip is too large, you will have less power and feeling in your shots. In addition, an improper grip size can lead to tennis elbow or other injuries.
There are a few different ways that you can determine the proper grip size for your tennis racquet. You can use a ruler or measuring tape, you can use a grip sizing chart, or you can use the “handshake” method.
How To Determine Proper Tennis Racquet Grip Size?
To find the right grip size for your tennis racquet, you will need to measure the circumference of your hand. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your hand at the knuckles, excluding your thumb.
If your measurement falls between two sizes, always choose the smaller size for a tighter grip or the larger size for a looser grip. Once you have determined your grip size, add or subtract wraps of tape to adjust the Grip Size up or down depending on your preferences.
Common grip sizes for adult tennis racquets are: 4 1/8″, 4 1/4″, 4 3/8″, 4 1/2″, and 4 5/8″. For juniors, common grip sizes are 3 3/4″ and 4″.
2.1 Method 1: The Overlap Grip
Place the grip of the racquet in the V created by your thumb and forefinger. If you can comfortably fit your pinky finger between your palm and the grip, then you have found the correct grip size.
2.2 Method 2: The Eastern Grip
This is the grip that most of us use when we first begin playing tennis. You can recognize it because the v’s formed by your thumb and index finger point to the right side of your body if you are right handed, and to the left if you are left handed. A lot of times people will mistakenly call this a forehand grip, but it can be used for both forehands and backhands. The main stroke that this grip is used for is the one handed backhand. Many of the greats have used this grip including Juan Martin del Potro, Andre Agassi, and Martina Hingis.
2.3 Method 3: The Continental Grip
The continental grip is the most popular grip for tennis. To take a continental grip, take the base of your palm and wrap it around the heel of the racquet so that your thumb is on the back side of the racquet. Your index and middle fingers should be pointing down the two main strings, and your ring finger and pinkie should be wrapped around the bottom part of the racquet’s handle.
Conclusion
Gripping the tennis racket too tightly will result in forearm muscle fatigue and decreased stroke power. Conversely, if the grip is too loose, strokes will lack control. The “sweet spot” for gripping the racket exists somewhere in between these two extremes. Here are three simple tests you can do at home to help you determine your ideal grip size.
1. The Finger Test – With your dominant hand, extend your index finger and insert it between the strings and the beveled edge of the rackethead (the part of the racket that makes contact with the ball). If you can fit your finger comfortably between the strings and the bevel without touching either, then the grip size is likely too big for you. If your finger fits snugly between the two or if you have to squeeze your finger in order to get it in, then the grip size is likely too small for you.
2. The Pencil Test – Another way to determine an ideal grip size is to hold a pencil horizontally underhand with your non-dominant hand. Now, using only your fingers (not your palm), try to hold the racket in such a way that the pencil remains pointing straight up in the air (see photo below). If you can do this comfortably, then the grip size is probably right for you. If not, try a smaller or bigger grip size until you find one that allows you to keep the pencil pointing upward while holding only with your fingers.
3. The Thumb Test – Another way to check for proper grip size is pretty simple: just make sure that when you grasp the tennis racket there is enough room between your palm and thumb so that you can slide a quarter into that space (as seen below). If so, then chances are good that you have found a good fit!
