Bigger Grip Size...better for your two-hand backhand?

[VictorS.]

I'm currently playing with a Wilson Pro Staff 4 1/2 grip size. I just recently added an overgrip which really makes a bit larger than that. I am in the process of changing to Head, now that I was lucky enough to get sponsorship contract with them. I've demoed the LM prestige in a 4 1/2 grip and the racquet actually hits beautifully. However, my backhand seems to suffer a bit. The racquet seems somewhat small in my hands and I tend to tighten the grip on the shot.

Does going up a grip size enhance the stability of a stroke, assuming the grip is not too small. I rarely see a problem with my forehand, when using different grip sizes. However, my backhand always seems to suffer when going to a smaller grip.

 

[PurePrestige]

I find a bigger grip to be a help with a 2 hand backhand. You could probably go with a 5/8 in Head grip sizes fairly easy, they run a little small.
I play 5/8 now and found my best 2 hand backhands were when I had 2 overgrips on, I think that a bigger grip size lets you focus on your shoulder rotation more on your backhand, or some mumbo jumbo like that. I dunno really, it just feels right.

 

[Adam_B]

I second this. I have small hands and used to play with yonex and fischer 4 1/4 grip, but there was always something wrong with my 2-handed bh. Recently tried my hitting colleague's head PT 280 with 4 1/2 grip and it feels great. I bought a used PT 280 same grip and switched to it for good- my bh is much better while my fh and serve didn't suffer from it. My opinion is that head grips are really on the smaller side.

 

[EasternRocks]

B. Bumping this ancient thread to generate other people’s experiences.

 

[Dae18]

I think it all depends on how you hit your thbh, imo. Everybody hits different and not all of us has a textbook thbh from the grip, prep, and execution. I for one like using a smaller grip than my actual grip size. Makes it easier for me to swing through the ball when hitting. When I use a bigger grip or my actual grip size, it does have a more solid feel. Overall, it’s just your personal preference.

 

[EasternRocks]

I think it all depends on how you hit your thbh, imo. Everybody hits different and not all of us has a textbook thbh from the grip, prep, and execution. I for one like using a smaller grip than my actual grip size. Makes it easier for me to swing through the ball when hitting. When I use a bigger grip or my actual grip size, it does have a more solid feel. Overall, it’s just your personal preference.

Interesting! I never heard from anyone who prefers a smaller grip for the thbh. I definitely am in the camp of people who wishes the forehand could be with my racquet with one overgrip and the backhand could have two OG's. I find that I shove my backhand more than really have a compact stroke, so having as much stability possible to get the racquet through contact is imperative to keep my consistency.

 

[Injured Again]

Interesting! I never heard from anyone who prefers a smaller grip for the thbh. I definitely am in the camp of people who wishes the forehand could be with my racquet with one overgrip and the backhand could have two OG's. I find that I shove my backhand more than really have a compact stroke, so having as much stability possible to get the racquet through contact is imperative to keep my consistency.

Why not build up just the upper part of the handle where you grip your second hand?

 

[EasternRocks]

Why not build up just the upper part of the handle where you grip your second hand?

That is exactly what I've been doing! It's the best compromise I've found, where the build up starts just where my first hand stops and second begins.

 

[Dae18]

Interesting! I never heard from anyone who prefers a smaller grip for the thbh. I definitely am in the camp of people who wishes the forehand could be with my racquet with one overgrip and the backhand could have two OG's. I find that I shove my backhand more than really have a compact stroke, so having as much stability possible to get the racquet through contact is imperative to keep my consistency.

Well the thing is that I tend to use my left hand more on the stroke like a lefty forehand. I’m naturally left handed, but grew up playing thbh on both sides till I gravitate to a normal forehand with my right around 7 years old. Basically I got more of a whip motion/fast racquet head speed on my thbh. Interesting on your take. I see this as similar to when you hold the handle w/ OG for awhile then the grip itself molds/shrinks with your hand making the bottom portion “smaller” than the top. Often times, we hit more forehands than our backhands in matches, especially crosscourt. I see that you have a method of using two OG on the top portion and one with the bottom. I would suggest maybe instead of wasting half an OG for the sake of putting only on top, I would just purchase a shrink sleeve, cut it in half, slip it on the top portion and only build that up. That way you only will put one OG and have many more to go for later uses. It may feel weird at first, but it could cut the cost of OG for the future.

 

[EasternRocks]

Well the thing is that I tend to use my left hand more on the stroke like a lefty forehand. I’m naturally left handed, but grew up playing thbh on both sides till I gravitate to a normal forehand with my right around 7 years old. Basically I got more of a whip motion/fast racquet head speed on my thbh. Interesting on your take. I see this as similar to when you hold the handle w/ OG for awhile then the grip itself molds/shrinks with your hand making the bottom portion “smaller” than the top. Often times, we hit more forehands than our backhands in matches, especially crosscourt. I see that you have a method of using two OG on the top portion and one with the bottom. I would suggest maybe instead of wasting half an OG for the sake of putting only on top, I would just purchase a shrink sleeve, cut it in half, slip it on the top portion and only build that up. That way you only will put one OG and have many more to go for later uses. It may feel weird at first, but it could cut the cost of OG for the future.

Just reading the reply now! Is it possible to do half a shrink sleeve build up?

 

[Dae18]

Just reading the reply now! Is it possible to do half a shrink sleeve build up?

I would think so yes, but depends on if you want 1/2 or a whole sleeve build up.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I think the 2 hander is the least grip sensitive stroke in tennis. So I would never alter my grip to favor the 2 hander. Length of grip is more important than size. I always run grip tape a little up the throat just for that.

You‘ve got two hands so stability should never be an issue.