Can a too small grip cause wrist pain?

[Lilguy1456]

It's probably just my noob 4.0 stroke, but can I grip that's too small cause my wrist pain? I've been playing with a 4 3/8 grip for years, because I really don't have large hands, but I'm pretty sure it's way too small (fingers wrap around and touch the bottom of my palm).

Could this grip be contributing to my problem?

[LeeD]

If the problem is associated with you gripping harder than necessary to counteract the twisting effect of mishitting, then yes.
And if the small grip just twists more than your wrist can handle.
Touching is not great.
If you swing faster, maybe your racket's inertia overcomes the impact from the hit and mishits?
Fingers touching palm is not great.

[_craze]

I wouldn't call 4.0 a "noob" stroke, if it's a legitimate 4.0 stroke.

And to answer the question, I doubt you hurt your wrist from that 3/8 size. Especially if you're just now feeling anything.

What kind of stroke do you have off both sides? What grip do you use when you swing and how hard do you swing? Those factors are what would affect your wrist more, unless you're not hitting the ball cleanly with that small grip.

[LeeD]

I'd think, if there was NO grap between tips of your fingers to your palm while holding the racket, your grip is too small.
Even Fed, Nadal, DJ, and Murray have SOME gap.

[Lilguy1456]

Full western forehand...2 handed backhand, but stick more with my 1h slice backhand. I'm certain the pain is being derived from my forehand side and not serve, backhand, etc. I mostly get the pain on 'awkward' forehands...

I swing mostly flexible racquets (PST Ltd and 4D 200 mostly), but I used full poly (Cyclone 17 at 52lb).

Now, I have pain even taking practice swings. The pain isn't HORRIBLE (maybe a 6 out of 10), but it's definitely enough.

[LeeD]

Loopy strokes and late shoulder turn?
Those are heavy rackets for someone who self describes as "small". Maybe the loop with a heavy racket is stressing your wrist.
My playing weight is around 140, so a full 12 oz Mfil or Aero 200 is a bit much.
Bigger stronger guys can handle heavier rackets.
Maybe simplify your strokes with less loop.

[NE1for10is?]

I notice you're using a co-poly string. More than likely that's the cause. If I use poly in a full bed I can start to get wrist issues. I suggest going to a hybrid setup with natural gut, or full gut, or full synthetic gut for a while and see if that solves the problem.

[Lilguy1456]

Hmm...never thought that my small frame would be contributing to my wrist pain. I'm 5'10, but only around 125lbs (i know, it's a joke)...

Those racquets don't feel heavy for me (no fatigue), but you may be right about the motion combined with a 12+ oz racquet being too much...

[LeeD]

Well, until I was 35 years old, I was 5'11" and 133 lbs. Now a porky post holiday 155.
You hand size is more influenced by your height, rather than by your weight.
I use 4 and 5/8th with an overgrip. I cannot fit my ring finger between my fingertips and palm, but CAN fit my pinkie in between.

[Lilguy1456]

I just really don't wanna give up that feel and that plow, so I hope that's not the issue...

Other problem...my wrists are SHOCKINGLY small. Like, girlishly small. I teach 5th grade, and I have smaller wrists than every single one of my kids...

So, perhaps I just don't have enough bulk. Maybe I should explore some junior frames....a nice 207 swingweight will come through the hitting zone pretty quickly also lol

[Lilguy1456]

Originally Posted by NE1for10is?

I notice you're using a co-poly string. More than likely that's the cause. If I use poly in a full bed I can start to get wrist issues. I suggest going to a hybrid setup with natural gut, or full gut, or full synthetic gut for a while and see if that solves the problem.

Very well could be. Sucks...I really don't wanna give up the poly, so maybe i'll switch to a softer poly in a hybrid. That should soften it up enough but still give me the poly spin and control.

[LeeD]

You'd think....
Somewhere between SW's of 337 to 207, there are lots of choices in between.

[Lilguy1456]

Originally Posted by LeeD

You'd think....
Somewhere between SW's of 337 to 207, there are lots of choices in between.

Which brings me to another question...and LeeD, with 20,000 posts, you could probably guide me here lol.

What might be a lighter alternative to say a PST Ltd or Aero 200 without giving up too much plow and feel? I don't think I need to go too much lighter...perhaps a tad though.

[LeeD]

Dunlop 400's are the first choice.
I play with 500's. Same 310 SW, but more plowthru on the 400 due to 2 oz of handle weight.
Since I have 3 Aero500s, I'm not changing for a while, or until I get younger.

[Lilguy1456]

Originally Posted by LeeD

Dunlop 400's are the first choice.
I play with 500's. Same 310 SW, but more plowthru on the 400 due to 2 oz of handle weight.
Since I have 3 Aero500s, I'm not changing for a while, or until I get younger.

They're cheap on TW now too...probably worth a shot!

[LeeD]

Dunlop 300's, but everyone mentions a certain lack of stability.
I"m not sure of the need for "plowthru" myself. I hit with heavy spin and fast RHS, and can't see how "plowthru" helps or hurts.

[Lilguy1456]

Originally Posted by LeeD

Dunlop 300's, but everyone mentions a certain lack of stability.
I"m not sure of the need for "plowthru" myself. I hit with heavy spin and fast RHS, and can't see how "plowthru" helps or hurts.

I just like the stability of a racquet with a higher SW...not just to not get pushed around, but for touch shots, I like there to be some decent mass in the hoop...i always lose those touch shots with lighter racquets....

[LeeD]

Well, two rackets can have the exact same weight, but vastly different swing weights, like the example I originally mentioned.
Both 200 and 400's weigh the same, but SW differ from 337 to 310. Which has better feel?

[Lilguy1456]

Originally Posted by LeeD

Well, two rackets can have the exact same weight, but vastly different swing weights, like the example I originally mentioned.
Both 200 and 400's weigh the same, but SW differ from 337 to 310. Which has better feel?

To me, I haven't hit with anything that feels sweeter than my 4D 200...it's just so solid, but still soft. Just a joy. If the 400 could get me that feel with less weight, that's great! But I feel like those racquets will play a bit stiffer.

[LeeD]

400 IS stiffer.
But you need a change to alleviate strain on your wrist. You can't gain something without losing something.
I went from 200's to 500's, losing 2 oz of weight and 25 pts of SW. I play doubles better now, singles a little worse.