What grip size do you use?

[krnboijunsung]

I had been playing with a grip size of 4 1/2 with overgrip, but recently i put on another overgrip, making it 4 5/8. I seem to have big hands and I have done the measuring thing, where you see if you can fit one finger between where you wrap your whole hand around the handle. This made me hit better. With a 4 3/8 grip, I find it hard to control the racquet because I have to stop it from moving around in my hand, and it makes calluses on my hand as well.

But I have a question. Doesn't Federer use a 3/8 grip size? My friend has told me alot of people play with small grip sizes, and that my grip size is way too big. But i find it hard to hit with small grip sizes. And does small grip size lead to more control of the racquet because of your whole hand holding the handle, or does a bigger grip size help control it because the racquet doesn't move around in your hand? I just want some opinions, because I'm confused whether or not I'm playing the right way.

 

[alm]

Despite having pretty big hands (I'm 6'1" tall) I use 4 1/2 grip size with no overgrip. In my experience there are advantages and disadvantages of choosing to use smaller and larger grip sizes. I prefer using a slightly smaller grip size because I feel I have much better control of the racquet head when making contact with the ball and also because I'm better able to find the exact grip required for a shot. The only disadvantages I've noticed are that it leads to more wristy shots and as a result the forearm can become a little sore.

I have used larger grip sizes in the past and remeber that I suffered less elbow and forarm pains. IMO this is because the racket is more stable at impact, especially with off centre shots by virtue of the fact that your hand has a greater surface area to hold onto.

Please note that the above opinions are just my casual observations and I could well be wrong.

 

[Grimjack]

Really effing off-the-charts big.

 

[theace21]

I use a 41/2. Try different sizes...I can use a little larger or smaller and it doesn't seem to bother me much...but those rackets that have different shaped bevels drive me crazy.

You can start with a 43/8 and build it up to your perfect size. Good Luck...

 

[Rodzilla]

I use a 4 3/8. Anything smaller just seems, what's the word for it, unstable? I can handle a bit larger like 4 1/2, but 4 5/8 is pushing it.

 

[MTChong]

4 3/8 with an overgrip or sometimes without.

 

[nViATi]

it's completely preference

 

[krnboijunsung]

I'm just saying that 3/8 seems REALLY small. And now 1/2 with overgrip seems real small. I'm not tall either. I'm about 5' 3'', but i guess my hands are a little big.

But my real question is whether or not you guys feel more control over the racquet with a smaller grip BECAUSE you can wrap your whole hand over the racquet, or do you not like smaller grips because it moves around in your hand too much.

I'm just kinda really pissed off lately, and trying to find my hits back, because i've been on a bad three week hitting streak. Nothing's been going for me.

 

[diredesire]

The common train of thought is to use the largest grip that you are comfortable holding. This IMO, is slightly in-accurate nowadays, as the modern game has changed into a little more under-the-grip/wristy style. I can use a 1/2-5/8 grip fairly comfortably, but i choose to use a 3/8 w/ overgrip, as i feel i can get a little more wrist flick on the shots when i need it (western grip).

If you use a larger grip, it is typically believed you will have less twisting of the frame on off-centered shots, and there is some merit to this, although i think one sacrifices a lot of wrist flexibility in the process, which is definitely what some players want and/or need.