Should I make my grip higher?

wishsong

New User
I keep ripping the place on my palm that the end of the buttcap touches because I grip slightly too low. Does this mean I should shift up? Or will my skin on that spot eventually become immune?
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Well, you can develop a callous there in time.
You can shift up now, and play with a "shorter" racket. But that means possibly less power and reach.
You can shift down, and play with a "longer" racket, but that means relying more on swinging out and less control on volleys.
3 options, any more?
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
I shaved the butt down on one of my rackets that was giving my trouble. Surprisingly, the other two identical rackets didn't need modification !
Those were molded grips that you could shave just two of the sides. Looks wierd to someone who strings it, but it saves my hands from torture.
 

wishsong

New User
So the question remains. Should I keep my regular grip, or shift a bit higher? If I keep my regular one will my palm eventually become immune?
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
First you gotta heal your hand, then decide if the same grip is the best, should you switch longer, or should you switch shorter.
Healing might take 4 weeks.
No one can say which shift, if any, is recommended for your particular playing style, body build, mental ability, or needs stronger or more control....except you.
 

wishsong

New User
Well the grip only needs to come up like half an inch to not scratch the buttcap. So will that have a major impact?
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
For some players, 1/2 " is a major shift towards a shorter racket with easier swing speed feel.
For others, it's barely noticeable.
Try it. You might like it, you might not, but nobody can tell you what's "better" until you try it and decide.
I guess it might be hard to play now mid winter. Here in sunny California, it's like 75 degrees and windless the last 4 days, so lots of tennis being played outdoors.
Since I play with a heavy racket (12.4 strung), and I'm old and weak, it's easier for me to get used to gripping up and gaining control rather than gripping down and getting more leverage at the expense of controlled volleys.
 
I had the same dilemma. After reading about the pros and seeing their technique I noticed that some of them hold the racquet low. There is nothing wrong with the way you grip the racquet so long as you are pleased with your strokes. Your skin will eventually become harder with more playing. For now, if you develop blisters use a good tape not band-aids they will come off quickly.

A top level college player introduced me to Nexcare First Aid Tape. It works BEAUTIFULLY!! I love it! You can play with blisters, it is sweat proof and does NOT feel bulky.
 

wishsong

New User
I had the same dilemma. After reading about the pros and seeing their technique I noticed that some of them hold the racquet low. There is nothing wrong with the way you grip the racquet so long as you are pleased with your strokes. Your skin will eventually become harder with more playing. For now, if you develop blisters use a good tape not band-aids they will come off quickly.

A top level college player introduced me to Nexcare First Aid Tape. It works BEAUTIFULLY!! I love it! You can play with blisters, it is sweat proof and does NOT feel bulky.

I am so going to get that. I'm pleased with my good strokes since I'm not overly consistent, but I guess a lot of High school players are the same way. I'm gonna try shifting my grip up, no harm in trying xD I use the yonex rds 003, which is really light, so I don't tend to grip up, but if it can save my hand, I'll try it.
 

wishsong

New User
Yeah I just bought some, I'm leaving in 15 minutes to try it out. The area on my palm that needs it is on the bottom left corner, which is really hard to wrap around, so I'm just gonna stick layers. Hopefully that'll help, thanks for the idea. I can see that on thumbs it would be really helpful though xD
 

ronalditop

Hall of Fame
i had the exact same problem the op has. i noticed i grip the handle too low and that was why my shots were inconsistent, cause sometimes the racquet twisted in my hand when hitting heavy balls. so i recently apply another OG and now i hold the grip propertly and im more consistent.
 
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