GRIP size...

[plum]

Well I first felt that the smaller grip size was the choice, 4 1/4 with over grip-- I might have somewhat smaller hands than an average 5 11 3/4 height-- however, as I have become stronger in the kinetic chain, it seems that i may need a slightly larger grip to really pound the ball. At first I felt that a smaller grip allowed for easier grip changes too! I have been feeling as though my wrist is the effected part with a small grip however. With a larger grip 4 3/8 with an overgrip I feel like I can plough through a little more stable-ized... Where-as I find the racquet has a tendency to twist more easily with a smaller grip. This is more noticilble with heavier topspin. I realize that the serve is supposed to benefit from a smaller grip size, but it seems that especially since a looser grip is more appropriate for serving, that a slightly larger grip makes it easier to grip more loosely. Anybody kow how tight my grip should be for topspin eastern/extreme-eastern forehand? Thanks...

 

[LeeD]

Grip size is determined by a COMPROMISE between not twisting on hard spin shots hit by the opponents, by your serve speed, by your comfort and personal preferences, and by your ability to put pace and spin into your shots.
Bigger grips tend to lock the wrist, and not twist due to larger surface area.
Smaller grips tend to allow more active rackethead speed, possibly at the expense of some solidity and twisting on mishits.
Choose the COMPROMISE that works most correctly given all the different shots you are going to face and hit.