One-Handed Backhand Thumb

[GetBetterer]

Hey guys,

I've always been a one-handed backhander my entire life. Never learned the two-handed backhand, and I've done a lot of tournaments.

However, in the RO8 (the last few games where you have to play 5 sets) I was up 2-1 (sets). Then, I began to notice, on my right hand (I'm right-handed), there was this red callous thing on the joint of my thumb, nearest to my fingernail. It hurt, not really badly, but the kind of pain that's annoying rather than painful.

Because of the pain, I had to start slicing, and thankfully I won.

Just to make sure this wasn't like a vitamin deficiency problem (because my thumb was red), I decided to do a practice 5-set game with a friend of mine. The problem happened again, on the 4th set.

What's causing the problem? Is there a grip (as in material on your racket) to help this from occurring? I don't like to use Neo-sporin or other ointment treatment, especially during a game since you're sweating and all, then you get greasy oily lotion, and it bothers me.

 

[Mr_Shiver]

What grip do you use (eastern, continental, Etc...). Do you hold it hammer or pistol style? How hard are are you gripping it? A friend of mine used to hold it too tightly and got skin irritation. A cushion replacement grip helped. Or maybe an overgrip like Tournagrip or my fave Yonex Supergrap would help. Something less tacky and more absorbent maybe.

 

[GetBetterer]

I'm using the Eastern Backhand grip right now with the pistol grip.

I don't think I'm holding it too hard, especially since this is a 4th set thing. I'll also look up those 2 grips.

 

[darthpwner]

I'm using the Eastern Backhand grip right now with the pistol grip.

I don't think I'm holding it too hard, especially since this is a 4th set thing. I'll also look up those 2 grips.

I have had the exact same problem numerous times. I think it occurs because maybe the racket is twisting a bit at contact. That rubbing of the grip against the skin is causing your blister. You can purchase a special tape for this. It feels like new skin because it clings to itself and not your skin so it won't hurt when you remove it.

 

[GetBetterer]

That's what my friend said too, but even though I only mentioned skin ointment, I don't like to have anything on me during play. Is there maybe a way to make the racket not move so much? I was told the Pistol grip is what prevents the moving, and it did prevent a lot of the movement but it's still not helping quite a whole lot as I hoped it would.

 

[darthpwner]

That's what my friend said too, but even though I only mentioned skin ointment, I don't like to have anything on me during play. Is there maybe a way to make the racket not move so much? I was told the Pistol grip is what prevents the moving, and it did prevent a lot of the movement but it's still not helping quite a whole lot as I hoped it would.

I think you just need to keep playing more so the callous becomes thick so it won't open again. I haven't had the blister on my thumb open for about 3 months because my skin got thicker. Also, Neosporin works really well for me.

 

[MayDay]

...I don't like to have anything on me during play...

Naked tennis?

Keep building that callus or tape it like Nadal.

 

[GetBetterer]

._. No, not Naked Tennis lol.

I meant on my hands. How does Federer do it? Does he have callous?

 

[Mr_Shiver]

Federer is too arrogant for callouses.....

Seriously though, I think he must. I don't recall Federer using tape. Of course this means someone is going to find a photo of him taped up like a mummy. Anyhow, his grip size is pretty small at 4 3/8. That combined with holding the racquet loosely must add up to a lot of extra friction.

Blisters suck so I'd either tape it or check over at the misc. equipment board and see if they know any overgrips that wouldn't shred your hand up.

 

[BullDogTennis]

Federer is too arrogant for callouses.....

Seriously though, I think he must. I don't recall Federer using tape. Of course this means someone is going to find a photo of him taped up like a mummy. Anyhow, his grip size is pretty small at 4 3/8. That combined with holding the racquet loosely must add up to a lot of extra friction.

Blisters suck so I'd either tape it or check over at the misc. equipment board and see if they know any overgrips that wouldn't shred your hand up.

wilson pro are really soft....i love tourna, but sometimes they blister me up, so i always have wilson pro just in case one tears up.

 

[GetBetterer]

So...the Wilson Pro grip is what may be helping him (Federer) from getting blisters / callouses?

 

[BullDogTennis]

So...the Wilson Pro grip is what may be helping him (Federer) from getting blisters / callouses?

possibly...BUT, i can't remember when, but at some point i think i saw a picture of federers hand with a HUGE calous...i know i have a huge callous...but i think its more from my forehand, than backhand. (which i do have a 1 handed backhand.)

 

[Mr_Shiver]

It reminds me of "Of mice and men (i think)." That one guy would keep his hand in a glove with vaseline in it to keep it soft and from callousing. I don't want to know what he did with his vaseline hand.....

 

[Bacterio]

It reminds me of "Of mice and men (i think)." That one guy would keep his hand in a glove with vaseline in it to keep it soft and from callousing. I don't want to know what he did with his vaseline hand.....

Used it to caress his wife dude. lol

This happens to me quite a bit as well and it's because I have a really loose grip on both sides so there's a bit of friction taking place. It's never been bad enough to blister or warrant using tape though, just more of a discomfort in really long matches or sessions (3hrs+).

Try some tape. After using it a few times you won't notice it. I had to tape my index finger when I first started playing because it was blistering and you forget all about the tape after a few sessions. Trick is to not think about it.

 

[BullDogTennis]

Used it to caress his wife dude. lol

This happens to me quite a bit as well and it's because I have a really loose grip on both sides so there's a bit of friction taking place. It's never been bad enough to blister or warrant using tape though, just more of a discomfort in really long matches or sessions (3hrs+).

Try some tape. After using it a few times you won't notice it. I had to tape my index finger when I first started playing because it was blistering and you forget all about the tape after a few sessions. Trick is to not think about it.

when i blister, its my palm...i never could figure out how to tape it comfortably!

 

[GetBetterer]

Bacterio:

Try some tape. After using it a few times you won't notice it. I had to tape my index finger when I first started playing because it was blistering and you forget all about the tape after a few sessions. Trick is to not think about it.

The tape, or the callousing blister (if there is such a thing)?

Well, I think I'll try out the Pro overgrip you mentioned. I'll look for it at my nearest store, and on the TW site.

 

[MayDay]

GetBetterer,

So you currently don't use any overgrip? What is your current grip? How long have you been using the grip, and have you ever changed it?

 

[GetBetterer]

MayDay:

So you currently don't use any overgrip? What is your current grip? How long have you been using the grip, and have you ever changed it?

I don't use an Overgrip. Normally I just buy the correct grip size and use the one that comes with the racket. I've done this with Prince rackets before, and I recently (recently being 2-3 years) took up Wilson. I've always stayed with the grip that came with the racket.

By the tone of your post, I'm assuming this is a very very bad thing?

 

[MayDay]

So you've never bought replacement grips???
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/replacegrips.html

Is the current grip on your racket slippery or worn out? If you don't use overgrips, then you should definitley change the standard grip with replacement grips as soon as you feel that it's slipping or worn out. (Same type or try leather, more cusion, etc)

 

[GetBetterer]

It's neither, but it is starting to slightly come off. If I stretch the grip upward, or downward, I'm able to see the wooden part of the grip.

 

[MayDay]

1. Perhaps you're not really serious about this thread, how can a person play for years and not know to change grips or about overgrips? (You see wooden part of the racket? What racket are you using?)

2. If you are really serious, then try the overgrip first. Change it after every 3~8 sessions of tennis (depending on how long it lasts for you).

The added overgrip does make the tennis grip a little bigger, so if you don't like it, then try the replacement grips. Replacement grips will require you to take off the original grip.

A lot fo people use leather grip as replacement grip + an overgrip.

I like the Wilson Pro Overgrip (white) or Gamma Supreme Overgrip (white).
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/catpage-WILSONOG.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/catpage-GAMMAOG.html

 

[GetBetterer]

I mean like, if I physically stretch it out a lot with my hands, then I can see a small smidgeon of wood. Not that I'm playing without a grip or something.

As previously stated, I'm going to try the Wilson Overgrip.

 

[cellofaan]

You shouldn't be able to stretch the grip at all when it's on the racquet. If you can mve it that much (it should move at least several millimeters before the handle gets exposed), it might move when you're playing tennis as well. That could be a cause for blisters. The best remedy would then indeed be a new grip or overgrip.