Is Federer's grip size really 4 3/8?

[Doulers]

Every source I have seen, including Federer's website, says he uses a 4 3/8 grip. But I just find it hard to believe for several reasons. I have a one-handed backhand like him. I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

I find it hard to believe he uses 3/8 with a one hand backhand at the pro level where the ball is moving so much faster and with more spin and he uses such a small headsize which means he tends to hit off center more often and shank the ball. Also when I see pictures of him holding the racquet it just looks bigger than 3/8 to me. I think after he has Priority One put on his customized leather grip and put on an overgrip it is probably closer to at least a 4 1/2.

Does anyone know for sure what the actual size of his grip is in terms of the actual measurement?

 

[TheCheese]

I wouldn't doubt it's a 4 3/8. It allows for easier access to spin and racket acceleration. Federer's a world class athlete that uses a 90 sq inch head size, I'm sure he's able to compensate for less stability.

 

[BevelDevil]

I heard, and suspect, he uses a larger buttcap. This seems to be a common practice among 1-handers.

Personally, I wrap my buttcap with 3 extra layers of overgrip. This help immensely, especially when I moved my heelpad further back to around 7.5.

 

[TopFH]

I remember reading he used 4 1/2 somewhere. Not sure though. Either way, it is a custom handle.

 

[protenniskid]

I think this should help. it was originally posted by fabfed.

 

[15_ounce]

If the ball shanking hurts your fingers or wrist, that means your wrist or fingers are not strong enough. Tony Roche, Fed's ex-coach, strengthen his wrist/fingers by continuously doing a simple grip strengthening exercise.. by using rubber band. Put the rubber band ( one with a big resistance factor or double it) around all of your fingers and then repetitively open and close / stretch your fingers. This exercise really strengthen your gripping hand, especially when doing a single handed backhand and a backhand volley. If you're not used to this exercise yet, 1 to 2 mins doing this would be tiring enough. I can do it 5 minutes with no problem. Federer's right fingers and wrist is very strong, as well as flexible.

This is the exercise I meant:

Do this repetitively, regularly, and your single handed backhand grip will be as strong as steel!

 

[sixone90]

If Federer's not using 4 3/8 then surely Nadal can't be using 4 1/4...

 

[ramos77]

15 ounce

Excuse my ignorance, but I've always been told not to grip the racquet too hard.

How does this help in this case? It probably increases strenght on your forearm more?

Thanks

 

[JoshyS]

Every source I have seen, including Federer's website, says he uses a 4 3/8 grip. But I just find it hard to believe for several reasons. I have a one-handed backhand like him. I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

I find it hard to believe he uses 3/8 with a one hand backhand at the pro level where the ball is moving so much faster and with more spin and he uses such a small headsize which means he tends to hit off center more often and shank the ball. Also when I see pictures of him holding the racquet it just looks bigger than 3/8 to me. I think after he has Priority One put on his customized leather grip and put on an overgrip it is probably closer to at least a 4 1/2.

Does anyone know for sure what the actual size of his grip is in terms of the actual measurement?

You're right, if you can't do it then how on earth can the (arguably) greatest tennis player to have ever lived possibly do it?!

 

[sportsfan1]

Even though the repost pic from fabfed above clearly shows L3 or 4 3/8, the customizations from P1 perhaps make the grip bigger. Wouldn't an L3 grip cause the fingers to almost overlap after the wraparound?

 

[topsltennis]

So it appears it is a 3/8 with an overgrip, so makes it closer to 1/2.

 

[Venetian]

Even though the repost pic from fabfed above clearly shows L3 or 4 3/8, the customizations from P1 perhaps make the grip bigger. Wouldn't an L3 grip cause the fingers to almost overlap after the wraparound?

Uhhh are you guys serious? You know everyone's hands are different right? Are you really assuming that Roger Federer's hand are exactly the same size and shape as yours, and so whatever grip is small to you must also be small to him? Human male adults commonly use grip sizes 4 1/4 and up.

 

[Venetian]

Every source I have seen, including Federer's website, says he uses a 4 3/8 grip. But I just find it hard to believe for several reasons. I have a one-handed backhand like him. I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

I find it hard to believe he uses 3/8 with a one hand backhand at the pro level where the ball is moving so much faster and with more spin and he uses such a small headsize which means he tends to hit off center more often and shank the ball. Also when I see pictures of him holding the racquet it just looks bigger than 3/8 to me. I think after he has Priority One put on his customized leather grip and put on an overgrip it is probably closer to at least a 4 1/2.

Does anyone know for sure what the actual size of his grip is in terms of the actual measurement?

I think I covered it pretty well in the previous post, but again, size is relative. What is too small for you is not going to be too small for someone else. If Roger can comfortably use a smaller grip size than you then his hands are most likely smaller than yours.

This is like asking how someone else can run so fast in a size 9 shoe when you wear a size 11.

 

[LeeD]

Some pros use a smaller buttcap on their rackets so they can hold farther down on the grip with more comfort. The 3 means the buttcap is from a 3/8, but it could be shaved to fit most handle sizes, including 5/8th.

 

[courtking]

one is a world class player.. and one is a hacker in the park.. so of course u can't handle the racket as well as smaller grip size..

 

[Povl Carstensen]

Some pros use a smaller buttcap on their rackets so they can hold farther down on the grip with more comfort. The 3 means the buttcap is from a 3/8, but it could be shaved to fit most handle sizes, including 5/8th.

How do you shave a buttcap from 3/8 to 5/8?
I believe it is most probable that Federers grip is a copy of an earlier, favourite 3/8 grip, perhaps from his PS 85 days.

 

[15_ounce]

15 ounce

Excuse my ignorance, but I've always been told not to grip the racquet too hard.

How does this help in this case? It probably increases strenght on your forearm more?

Thanks

Yes, I do not grip my racquet too hard too, because I like to create topspin and angles with my flexible grip and wrist. I even often grip my backhand mostly with my fingers and only a little part of my palm gripping the racquet handle. My fingers would grip the end of the racquet handle and it gives me a lot of flexibility and control with my wrist. By having strong fingers, hitting a heavy ball coming at you with single handed backhand would really help you steadying the racquet... again, especially backhand volley... if a very fast ball coming at your backhand and you want to volley it flat and deep, you really need strong fingers and firm wrist... the strong fingers would help steadying the racquet in case of mishit / racquet head twisting/wobbling.

I remember watching the video of Tony Roche doing this exercise, he said it really helps to strengthen single handed backhand grip, especially it helps to strengthen your grip on backhand volley.

 

[Rogael Naderer]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=347886&page=15

Post #282

 

[TheCheese]

I don't think the grip strengthening exercise is so you can have a death grip on your racket. It's more for better stability, less injury, and ease of movement of the racket.

 

[Wuppy]

This is the exercise I meant:

Not exactly sure how this will strengthen your grip since it seems to be utilizing the muscles that open the hand. Wouldn't squeezing a ball or something like that be better for grip strengthening?

 

[Wodz]

This has to be one of the dumbest posts I have ever seen.

To para-quote the context "Gee whiz guys, I am not Roger Federer but I tried to emulate his grip size and my crappy one handed backhand is too unstable. Based on this I think FEDERER is lying to the WORLD about his grip size since I CANNOT HIT A BACKHAND CORRECTLY"

LMFAO.. this is such an epic fail. If YOU cannot hit a proper BH using a L3 then YOU should not be using an L3 because it is too big for your f'ng hand!

Earth shattering news: People have different sized hands. Scientists just discovered this. Apparently this news was unknown in 2012.

What a bunch of idiots!

 

[dr325i]

This has to be one of the dumbest posts I have ever seen.

To para-quote the context "Gee whiz guys, I am not Roger Federer but I tried to emulate his grip size and my crappy one handed backhand is too unstable. Based on this I think FEDERER is lying to the WORLD about his grip size since I CANNOT HIT A BACKHAND CORRECTLY"

LMFAO.. this is such an epic fail. If YOU cannot hit a proper BH using a L3 then YOU should not be using an L3 because it is too big for your f'ng hand!

Earth shattering news: People have different sized hands. Scientists just discovered this. Apparently this news was unknown in 2012.

What a bunch of idiots!

How did you dig out an 18-month old thread???

 

[Wodz]

I was doing a google search for "federer tennis handle" or something and came across a few old posts by accident. I was trying to find something specific and came across this stupid crap instead haha

 

[West Coast Ace]

I was doing a google search for "federer tennis handle" or something and came across a few old posts by accident. I was trying to find something specific and came across this stupid crap instead haha

Thank for finding it. I missed it the 1st time around and you were right - the Stupid was extremely strong, even by TW standards. EVEN after they posted a pic from the guy who actually has purchased Fed matched used racquets which clearly showed the 3/8 - yet clowns kept posting.

The move by many pros to smaller grips started years ago. The smaller grip also helps with the grip change between the extreme grips.

 

[lgbalfa]

i don't think there is anything wrong with replying to an old threads.

 

[Kalin]

i don't think there is anything wrong with replying to an old threads.

I concur.

Now let me go find that 'What racquet did Abraham Lincoln use last week at the Civil War Open?' thread that I forgot to add my opinion to...

 

[gambitt]

This Jesus of Nazarath seems like a nice fellow; I hope they don't crucify him.

 

[Wodz]

Or we could do what everyone else does. Let's make 17 threads about the same topic over the span of 6 years and repeat the same information like idiots.

Does that sound better to you guys? The forum is filled with stupidity like that.. go add to it some more.

 

[newpball]

You're right, if you can't do it then how on earth can the (arguably) greatest tennis player to have ever lived possibly do it?!

Hahaha! :grin:

 

[Knife]

Not exactly sure how this will strengthen your grip since it seems to be utilizing the muscles that open the hand. Wouldn't squeezing a ball or something like that be better for grip strengthening?

I do both...

 

[Devilito]

the racquet doesn't flutter when you swing as fast as fed and brush the ball with insane amount of spin. Its when low level players pancake balls really flat and swing slow that you notice that type of instability. It's really the way you hit the ball that makes it seem worse than it is for an advanced player.

 

[tennis_hand]

4 3/8 is probbaly a marketing size. as it is the most common sizes. but given these pro's height, i guess 4 1/2 or 5/8 are more likely.

most of them have customized grip. so our conventional size doesn't really describe fit into describing their grip.

 

[Top Jimmy]

Ntrp 4.5 with a 4 1/4 with an over grip and a one handed backhand (my best shot) and no flutter. I know that I'm not having to deal with pro power but I can't see how it would bother anyone using a full eastern backhand grip, it's very stable.

 

[Xfimpg]

I heard, and suspect, he uses a larger buttcap. This seems to be a common practice among 1-handers.

Personally, I wrap my buttcap with 3 extra layers of overgrip. This help immensely, especially when I moved my heelpad further back to around 7.5.

@BevelDevil - many thanks for this tip. I use a 4 7/8 grip where I'm most comfortable, but lose the "wrist flick", which is a detriment for me as I have very strong wrists (please no jokes, guys).
I tried the Richard Gasquet butt cap/hockey stick mod before, but I felt it was very uncomfortable.
So I tried it again but this time made it more gradual with the grip and not as bulky - only 2 overwraps at the butt end.
Makes a HUGE difference!
Racquets I couldn't play with before, well I could but didn't enjoy them, well this changes everything.
So thanks again.

Edit - I should add that I went down to a 4 3/4 grip size.

 

[mikeeeee]

I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

Wow, I use a one hander and 4 3/8 is too big for me! I use 1/4 because any bigger and I get the instability you experience with a thinner grip. My Prince seems to feel smaller than all of my other frames which are 4 1/4 and I always seem to be wishing it was a little bigger. I think the stock grip on them is thick because I replaced it with Fairway leather and it feels like it shrank a full size.

 

[Lennyson]

Every source I have seen, including Federer's website, says he uses a 4 3/8 grip. But I just find it hard to believe for several reasons. I have a one-handed backhand like him. I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

I find it hard to believe he uses 3/8 with a one hand backhand at the pro level where the ball is moving so much faster and with more spin and he uses such a small headsize which means he tends to hit off center more often and shank the ball. Also when I see pictures of him holding the racquet it just looks bigger than 3/8 to me. I think after he has Priority One put on his customized leather grip and put on an overgrip it is probably closer to at least a 4 1/2.

Does anyone know for sure what the actual size of his grip is in terms of the actual measurement?

On top of everything, nobody talks about how unusually short Fed's pinkie is. it's short by a nail. maybe it's an advantage or maybe it's a disadvantage he turned around in his favour. Maybe he'll tell us soon , now that he has retired.

 

[bnjkn]

That would make a cool thread title: "Federer's pinkie".

 

[Nate7-5]

For the love of god please stop bumping ANCIENT THREADS

 

[Shaolin]

Every source I have seen, including Federer's website, says he uses a 4 3/8 grip. But I just find it hard to believe for several reasons. I have a one-handed backhand like him. I have tried using 4 3/8 grips and I find them to be okay enough for serves and forehands, but find them to be too unstable for a one hand backhand. Racquet is more likely to flutter on off center hits. I use a 4 1/2 but put the thicker TW leather grip on it and a Gamma Supreme overgrip. So my grip size is probably somewhere between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8.

I find it hard to believe he uses 3/8 with a one hand backhand at the pro level where the ball is moving so much faster and with more spin and he uses such a small headsize which means he tends to hit off center more often and shank the ball. Also when I see pictures of him holding the racquet it just looks bigger than 3/8 to me. I think after he has Priority One put on his customized leather grip and put on an overgrip it is probably closer to at least a 4 1/2.

Does anyone know for sure what the actual size of his grip is in terms of the actual measurement?

Lol

"I suck at using a 3/8 racquet so one of the greatest players to ever live must not be using one".

 

[Gerco]

On top of everything, nobody talks about how unusually short Fed's pinkie is. it's short by a nail. maybe it's an advantage or maybe it's a disadvantage he turned around in his favour. Maybe he'll tell us soon , now that he has retired.

I thought he had long index and middle fingers...now you have me guessing...

 

[Purestriker]

On top of everything, nobody talks about how unusually short Fed's pinkie is. it's short by a nail. maybe it's an advantage or maybe it's a disadvantage he turned around in his favour. Maybe he'll tell us soon , now that he has retired.

Bruh.