Wearing gloves while playing tennis -- insights and questions

[Spintastic]

It's been very cold where I am, so I've been playing tennis wearing gloves for the past few weeks. Nothing special. Just cheap polyester-elastic gloves to keep me warm.

However, I've noticed that some of my shots have improved while wearing them. I play with a 2021 Pure Drive 100. With the gloves on, my serves are noticeably stronger, and my forehands and backhands are more consistent.

At first I didn't make much of this. I just put it down to my fingers being warm, improved circulation, etc. However, having played with them off and on over a number of weeks, I now think there's definitely more to it.

Two things strike me:

1. the racquet handle is thicker with gloves on. Chunky and satisfying. My racquet is already 4 3/8" / size 3.

Should I apply an overgrip or even move to a size 4 to replicate that gloved feeling? Size 4 would be unusually large, so I'm not 100% sure about such a move.

2. the gloves "insulate" or "mute" some of the feedback and vibrations from the racquet. It feels very satisfying to hit. Probably even more than with the gloves off.

What racquet would replicate this feeling / sensation if I were to move away from a Pure Drive?

 

[stapletonj]

dont forget the possible "padding" effect that might be absorbing some of the shock, making a harder faster swing more comfortable.

 

[esgee48]

Latex gloves?

Could be your hand is more relaxed cuz you are not gripping the handle as hard to hold the racquet. I would change out to a fresh overgrip to check this hypothesis.

 

[Fintft]

Not for me, as I loose the feel.

 

[naturalexponent]

I've worn full winter/ski gloves while playing in the freezing cold and while you lose the touch and feel, it's super comfortable and feels like you can swing out a bit more/harder.

 

[socallefty]

The few times I tried wearing a light cotton glove in very cold weather, I can’t feel the handle bevels well and it becomes a problem for me to change grips easily. So I don’t wear them anymore.

 

[J D]

Hi, Spintastic. You are on the right track, analyzing the differences to see what’s changed with the glove. Addressing your points:

1. Increased grip size certainly makes a difference. Many players, especially flatter hitters, do better with a much larger grip.

2. Although you like the feel better, that’s not going to make your shots better. Your original grip may not be very cushioned, thus the glove ads significant comfort.

Then another point:
3. The glove Increases weight in the handle area significantly. Your arm, elbow, and wrist can’t tell if the weight is in the glove or handle, it’s still extra weight to be swung.

So, you can replicate all 3 - thicker grip, more cushioning, and more weight, by adding overgrips or by using a thicker grip. 2 overgrips should about simulate the weight and cushioning of the glove, especially if they’re cushioned overgrips like Wilson.

BTW, I add this much weight to the handles of my 2021 PD’s because I find it increases control and feel. I also like the more headlight balance. I usually add 1 overgrip and tape or 2 overgrips, so I basically do what I’m recommending you try.

 

[A_Instead]

I know a guy who wears a golf glove to play tennis.
Cheaper investment than continuous over grip changes..

 

[BlueB]

I've tried golf gloves in the cold, very nice!

OP, yes, you are right about the effects of glove.

 

[Spintastic]

So, you can replicate all 3 - thicker grip, more cushioning, and more weight, by adding overgrips or by using a thicker grip. 2 overgrips should about simulate the weight and cushioning of the glove, especially if they’re cushioned overgrips like Wilson.

BTW, I add this much weight to the handles of my 2021 PD’s because I find it increases control and feel. I also like the more headlight balance. I usually add 1 overgrip and tape or 2 overgrips, so I basically do what I’m recommending you try.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

J D: I hadn’t considered the quality of different overgrips. Thanks for flagging this.

Is this the Wilson cushioned grip you’re thinking of? The cushioning from the gloves does seem to work for me.

Wilson Shock Shield Hybrid Replacement Grip Black | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[J D]

Hey, Spintastic, that’s actually a replacement grip. It’s extra cushioned and heavier so it will work if you want to replace your grip.

If you just want to do overgrips, this is the one I was thinking of:

Wilson Pro Overgrip 3 Pack | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

They aren’t that cushioned, but are still thicker than things like Tourna Grip Original or the Solinco OG’s I use.

 

[thenewbig3]

You can do 2-3 over-grips - 1-2 without overlap and one with overlap. See if that gives you that dampened, slightly squishy feel. I would also bet the glove is making you feel the racket more headlight as there is more "weight in your hand", so the OGs will also kinda replicate that as each extra OG will add 1-1.5 headlight points. You can add a golf glove on top of that if you want to experiment further.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

for them cold weather day.. i got a pack of these at costco..
no longer available.. but amazon has them: https://www.amazon.com/amzscope-Glo...9217031&hvtargid=pla-2281435177618&th=1&psc=1

very thin, light weight and excellent grip.

 

[TennisManiac]

I know a guy who wears a golf glove to play tennis.
Cheaper investment than continuous over grip changes..

Mitch Smith?