pros grips

[abenguyen]

all of us(most of us) know that proper grip size is very important so no injuries occur. but even though we all(the majority) usually use 3/8 and 1/2 gripsizes, pros use the same even when their hands are much bigger. when you measure using a eastern forehand grip, you should be able to fit your index finger in between the bottom part of the hand and the ring finger. how come pros use such small gripsizes that are not right for them? im assuming for the added spin but wouldn't get more elbow/arm injuries and all?

 

[PrestigeClassic]

Actually, I would assume that average pros probably have only slightly larger grip sizes than average amateurs. And that small difference would be attributed to the greater average height that helps players graduate to pro ranks.

Yes, a smaller grip size is largely for added spin, and to more easily and more quickly maneuver the racket.

I think that measuring grip size according to an Eastern grip size is good for players that actually use an Eastern grip. Players that use more Western grips use smaller grip sizes. They probably don't volley as often, and the smaller grip size feels more comfortable and helps them more easily snap their wrist.

Usually, the frames are also heavier and more stable than amateurs' usual stock frames, which make smaller grip sizes easier. I don't notice many injuries I think due to pros' more advanced training regimens and nutrition.

 

[AJK1]

The one finger gap is old school. I've got large hands, so if i followed that method i would have to hold a tree trunk!

 

[PrestigeClassic]

It's definitely old skool; following that method or the crease-measure method, I would have such a large grip size that hasn't even been offered since who knows when--and even then it was probably rare, an L9--and I would be hitting flatter than a pancake while in the process straining my whole arm and hand in trying to keep up in the fast-moving modern game.

A better mode of grip size selection would be relative grip size among an era's range of grip sizes. If someone used an L6 with wood, then how about an L4 or L5 now?

Eight years ago I used an L5 and hit flat. As my game changed to having more spin, I switched to an L4, and for a short while even an L3. Whichever grip size I used was always the most comfortable at the respective time. And if I had ever switched my grips from Eastern and stopped volley'ing so much, then I could go even smaller.

So that's why grip sizes go down while player sizes increase.

 

[Byakuya]

If the finger method is old school.. how else do u get a more accurate measurement of grip size then??

 

[krprunitennis2]

Sometimes, there are those hand measure things in racket shops for grip checks.

 

[PrestigeClassic]

If the finger method is old school.. how else do u get a more accurate measurement of grip size then??

In my opinion, you should find the grip size that helps give you your preferred amount of spin--not too much and not too less. Then, if your frame is not stable enough, you can move up one size. Likewise, if you're experiencing tennis elbow or other arm problems and are using a relatively small grip size, then moving up one size can be an option.

 

[Rafa's best friend]

I use grip size 5 like Sampras used to have. Bigger grips give you more control onthe groundies. Tiny grips like Federers give you more racket head speed and more power/spin

 

[Duzza]

The one finger gap is old school. I've got large hands, so if i followed that method i would have to hold a tree trunk!

You know what they say about big hands........



















Big gloves.

 

[AJK1]

Duzza, I'm lucky as i have big hands, big feet, big ..........

 

[Baghdatis72]

Duzza, I'm lucky as i have big hands, big feet, big ..........

Too much info :lol:

I prefer something between 3.5 and 4.5 grip and overgrips help to achieve that. The 3.5 is easier to manuevre and the 4.5 is more gentle to the hand and more solid in the strokes. Well obviously 4 would be the optimal then but it's a bit of both.

 

[WhiteSox05CA]

Why would there grip sizes be any different than ours? With great tennis ability doesn't come bigger hands.
________
CiaraDarling

 

[PrestigeClassic]

Why would there grip sizes be any different than ours? With great tennis ability doesn't come bigger hands.

As was already stated in this thread, my guess, contrary to your statement, would be that the average pro has very, very slightly larger hands compared with those of the average amateur. That's because more height is an advantage that helps a player achieve pro status, and with height usually comes larger hands. Pros would be great regardless, but there's some that wouldn't be as effective if they were shorter, with smaller hands.