How does grip size affect your shots?

[krp312]

Hey,

When I was a tennis n00b, I thought that grip size was something like clothes--you get something that fits. But I know that with tennis, going smaller can mean certain things for your shots, as is going bigger. What are the changes with all the shots when you go smaller or bigger? This is what I've heard:

smaller:
-more "whippy" motion, ideal for spins
-less stability for flat shots and volleys

...and bigger is the opposite of those things.

Is there anything else I'm missing?


Thanks,
Kris

[morten]

i think bigger makes more power, and smaller more feel...

[HellBunni]

you should get something that fits you.

your swing shouldn't change because of grip size. if it does, then either your old grip was not right, your new grip is not right, and/or your techique isn't solid.

[LuckyR]

krp312- Your assessment is essentially correct. We all know the trick for sizing racquets with your opposite index finger. Many view it as law, but the Pros have shown it is a mere guideline, if important at all.

There are some tennis elbow issues as well, but I would go with the way you are looking at it.

[jck01]

Originally Posted by LuckyR

krp312- Your assessment is essentially correct. We all know the trick for sizing racquets with your opposite index finger. Many view it as law, but the Pros have shown it is a mere guideline, if important at all.

There are some tennis elbow issues as well, but I would go with the way you are looking at it.

I agree with LuckyR. You're assessment is correct but you may develop some issues with your wrist and elbow.

[Fedace]

Originally Posted by morten

i think bigger makes more power, and smaller more feel...

Then why does Fed and Nadal use such tiny grips ?? Nadal said reason he uses such small grip is to get more racket head speed.

[aznspongehead]

Bigger makes the racket harder to maneuver for me, which usually means I don't hit the sweet spot as much. Smaller means I get blisters on my hand from all that twisting, but smaller to a certain extent makes the racket easier to swing.

[galatti]

Originally Posted by HellBunni

you should get something that fits you.

your swing shouldn't change because of grip size. if it does, then either your old grip was not right, your new grip is not right, and/or your techique isn't solid.

That´s not true, at least for me. Grip size affects the way I play for sure. My official grip size wold be something betwen 4 and 5. I start playng with 4, and I hade some problems to hit good fh, my wrist was too firm. After changing to a 3 grip, I got more flexibility and better fh as well...

[LuckyR]

Originally Posted by Fedace

Then why does Fed and Nadal use such tiny grips ?? Nadal said reason he uses such small grip is to get more racket head speed.

Exactly. More racquet head speed equals more spin and more spin means more control.

[Vision84]

Make sure the grip isn't TO small or TO big. That is when the problems occur with wrist and elbow problems.

[Gmedlo]

Although I think the index finger rule is excessive (according to that I have to buy some Ivo-size grips, and I have medium-large size hands), going too small is dangerous. Until recently I was playing with 4 3/8, and while it was fine when I was smaller, as I grew I started to get wrist pain. It got pretty severe, but since then I've built up the grip and I'm wrapping my wrist.

Through this, my volleys have improved astronomically. The extra stability is priceless, and I wouldn't trade it for any amount of "whippage."

I also feel that with a larger grip I can place my serve better, but other people probably have different experiences.

[krp312]

Hey,

I just got a new racquet with a size smaller grip. I usually play L4, but this was an L3. Here's what I got out of it, in bullet form, as I am quite fond of bullets:

- spin groundies felt easier to hit, and with more power, while flat felt harder
- volleys were less stable and maneuverable, with less of that solid feel, but I hit them with more punch
- not sure if serves improved, but it sure felt easier to hit and place them
- despite everything, I think the L3 feels like more of an extension of my arm than the L4

I haven't went at it with my harder hitting friends, but I have a feeling that I'm switching to L3 for my main grip size. I sacrifice some things at net, but groundies are a bit more dirty, and serves are easier.


Thanks for listening and I'm welcome to any thoughts,
kris

[Thepowerofchoice]

I hit better forehand with the larger grip and hit better one handed back hand with the smaller grip...Does anyone have this experience???

[fps]

I bought my racquet (Flexpoint Prestige MP) with a 4 1/4 grip. I have pretty small hands and figured since Fed and Nadal use smaller grip sizes than sizing would indicate I'd be fine. After long hitting sessions I began to feel pain in my wrist, and lack of control against heavy incoming shots.
So I decided to build the grip up to a 4 3/8. Since then, my groundies have more stability under fire and apart from a tiny decrease in manoeuvrability at net there's nothing I can complain about, each shot feels crisper and more solid. Now, I hit pretty flat apart from approach backhands and the occasional cheeky drop, so spin isn't my thing, but the lesson is surely that what's right for one person may not be right for you, even if that person's Nadal or Fed.

[Wheelz]

First post here... Great forum guys/girls ! I've been reading it for weeks.

I also have small hands. I really thought the smaller grip would help me but after a few hours of play I had blisters and my forehand was MAYBE inconsistent (more then usual). I went back to my 4 3/8, which is a bit big for my hand, and loved it alot more then the smaller grip.

I find it also a bit like golfing... I've played alot of golf (maybe some here can agree with this) and the smaller grips enables your wrist to move more then the bigger grips. I'm still new in Tennis, maybe I'm wrong, but the thicker grips keeps my wrist more calm when I stroke the ball. I guess it all comes down to preference.

[Fedace]

Originally Posted by krp312

Hey,

When I was a tennis n00b, I thought that grip size was something like clothes--you get something that fits. But I know that with tennis, going smaller can mean certain things for your shots, as is going bigger. What are the changes with all the shots when you go smaller or bigger? This is what I've heard:

smaller:
-more "whippy" motion, ideal for spins
-less stability for flat shots and volleys

...and bigger is the opposite of those things.

Is there anything else I'm missing?


Thanks,
Kris

Also if the grip is too big then your wrist become unstable and your volleys become unstable.

[krp312]

I've found that with the bigger grip (L4 for me) it's a lot more stable and maneuverable. I definitely agree with bigger grip size giving more stability overall too. I guess I'll use the L3 if I feel like staying back that day, and the L4 if I want to play more aggressive.