Grips ^*

Grip Sizing

For adult tennis rackets, grips are available in sizes in ¹⁄₈^th inch increments from 4¹⁄₄ inch to 4⁵⁄₈inch. Grip sizes are referred to as Size 2 (4¹⁄₄ inch), 3 (4³⁄₈ inch), 4 (4¹⁄₂ inch), 5 (4⁵⁄₈ inch), 6 (4³⁄₄ inch).

Proper grip size is usually found by finding a grip size where there is just enough room to put your little finger between the palm and leading finger of the racket hand as shown in the photograph (a) below.

An alternative sizing method is to measure from the tip of the ring finger to the bottom lateral crease on the palm of the racket hand (illustration (b) below).

If in doubt go for the smaller size – although a word of caution… too small a size can induce tendonitis in wrist muscles and too large can help cause ‘tennis elbow’ (Lateral Epicondylitis).

Grip sizes can be altered. It is easier to build up than reduce the size of a grip.

Increasing handle size will alter a frame’s weight and slightly alter racket balance. While this added weight will not affect the racket’s swing weight very much, it will make the racket feel heavier overall. Also, multiple applications of build-up material can sacrifice the normal feel of the bevels and building up a grip should therefore be entrusted to someone who knows what they are doing.

Tennis Elbow Links:

Fit 4 Tennis

Tennis Elbow Central

Southern California Orthopaedic Institute

Sports medicine Site

Dr Staub on how Tennis Elbow can be aided

The Stretching Handbook

Internet Guide to Tennis Elbow

Putting on a new Grip

When you wrap the grip, hold the racket firmly under the arm and slowly rotate the grip with one hand as you layer the grip with your other hand. Unwrap the tape backing as you go along to avoid having the grip curl up and stick to itself. If you’re gripping for a right-hander, be sure the grip wraps left-to-right around the handle. To grip for a lefty, wrap right-to-left. Always start wrapping from the bottom of the handle. Apply the grip tautly, slightly overlapping each edge by about ¹⁄₁₆^th inch. Practically every grip is skived (both edges are trimmed diagonally) allowing a flat surface, even though you are overlapping the edges. ‘Spined’ grips are available which allows the player to work their fingers in between the wraps.

Cut the tape diagonally at the top. Straight cuts have a tendency to roll back over time. It is not necessary to tack or staple trim tape. If a grip tape collar is used, push it up above the handle before you begin to re-grip.

Leather Grips can be wrapped best by applying half-inch two sided tape to the back of the leather grip or directly to the handle. This will keep the grip from moving around or separating once installed. You’ll need to pull with more muscle to produce a smooth, flat, surface and to cover the entire handle.