i think i like smaller grip size for same reason as nadal/Fed

[hyogen]

I've read they use tiny grips... like 4 1/8" or 4 1/4"...

for some reason I've been liking these more lately even though my hand fits a 4 3/8" or 4 1/2" just fine...

Smaller grips allow for more rotation....and for the grip to slip in your hands a little while you are hitting the ball....which I think helps with creating topspin for me...

Also, I find it more maneuverable when at the net...

what do you guys think? :O

 

[pvaudio]

I disagree completely. I should have gotten a 4 5/8, but instead bought all 4 1/2 and use two overgrips on each. The racquet spinning in your hand is just asking for mishits. A proper stroke will create enough topspin on its own. Plus, when the racquet spins in your hand, you're more prone to get blisters. Another thing I don't look forward to.

 

[fattsoo]

I think the rule of thumb is to have your hand wrap around the handle and the gap between your palm (under your thumb) and your finger tip should be enough for you to fit your other index finger in without too much wiggle or too tight. I use a 4 3/8 + 2 over grip and thought to myself that I should go with 4 1/2--->wrong...all i need is the above spec at 4 3/8 and it feels perfect. Too small and you will have a lot of mis-hits.

 

[klementine]

I agree with Hyogen... It feels as if you can manipulate the racquet much better--- To Manhandlize-..If you will.

I kept my 4 3/8ths.. I just wrap my leather grip and overgrip extra, super tight... and it actually feels like somewhere between a 1/4 and 3/8... a 5/16's last time I measured.

It helps with the topspin game and it helps me to pronate or snap my wrist on serve.... The only aspect I miss about having a 'chunky' 3/8's grip, would be at net, for a more direct, plow on volleys...

Otherwise-- I'm in complete agreement.

 

[p0w3r]

I mostly argee as theres pluses and minuses to both.
I use a 4 1/2 grip but its wrapped with the thin TW leather so its more like 4 3/8...and its a head grip shape so its still smaller than wilson's 4 3/8s. I did it for the reasons above...but when i play with a racket with a 4 1/2 wilson grip (my "proper" size) I find it easier to serve and volleys are easier...but doesnt feel as natural on gorundstrokes.

 

[Bottle Rocket]

I think the rule of thumb is to have your hand wrap around the handle and the gap between your palm (under your thumb) and your finger tip should be enough for you to fit your other index finger in without too much wiggle or too tight.

I think this rule of thumb is from another decade.

When I was brand new to the sport and was buying my first frame, this is the rule I was told. It was a terrible mistake.

I've always thought larger grips somehow prevented certain people from developing what is now considered "proper" technique. Obviously you can hit just about any style or stroke with a grip too large, but I think it can definitely makes things more difficult.

In a similar manner, I agree that it can make it more difficult to stay "loose" when serving. I think a lot of guys with good fundamentals can benefit on serve by going to a smaller grip, but again, this obviously isn't all cases.

I'm not a fan of someone's hand wrapping completely around the grip, but if you feel comfortable with that, I'm all for it.

 

[hyogen]

I disagree completely. I should have gotten a 4 5/8, but instead bought all 4 1/2 and use two overgrips on each. The racquet spinning in your hand is just asking for mishits. A proper stroke will create enough topspin on its own. Plus, when the racquet spins in your hand, you're more prone to get blisters. Another thing I don't look forward to.

well, there's at least some reason why the #1 and #2 in the world use a really small grip

 

[pvaudio]

^^^ I rely on my serve too much to use a small grip. Reason being, I have fairly large hands and to hold onto a racquet, I'd end up squeezing it so hard that I can't pronate smoothly.

 

[pvaudio]

well, there's at least some reason why the #1 and #2 in the world use a really small grip

Of course, there has to be. Watch slow motion videos of Federer though, and you'll see his racquet is completely fixed in his hand throughout his strokes :-?

 

[ronalditop]

the reason why pros use such small gripsizes is because its easier to generate spin and is also more maneuverable, so they can add a lot of weight to the racquet to make it more stable without worrying about it being to sluggish.

 

[hyogen]

Of course, there has to be. Watch slow motion videos of Federer though, and you'll see his racquet is completely fixed in his hand throughout his strokes :-?

have you seen the slow mo racquet wobble in his hands? what do you think

 

[pvaudio]

have you seen the slow mo racquet wobble in his hands? what do you think

That's what happens when you're returning shots hit above 80mph regularly. :shock: ****, Justine Henin's backhand was clocked at over 85mph during a passing shot a few years ago, and she had the most fluid and stable shots in the women's game.

 

[hoodjem]

There is a more scientific way to choose grip-size.
Go here: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Gripsize/Gripsize.html

 

[Guido B]

I've read they use tiny grips... like 4 1/8" or 4 1/4"...

I've read that Nadal uses 4 1/4" and Federer uses 4 3/8".

 

[Guido B]

I've read that Nadal uses 4 1/4" and Federer uses 4 3/8".

4 1/4" + 2 overgrips Nadal uses.

 

[benxten]

doesnt smaller grip allow for you to generate more head speed and wrist snaps? this is what i heard but think in order to use it to its full advantage you should have some pretty solid technique. all in all its what feels most comfortable to you. there are still pros who like big grips like dmitrov who is a rising player with a pretty nice one hander but prefers bigger grip sizes.