Choosing the Correct Tennis Racquet Grip Size

RallyTennis.ge - Determining the Proper Grip Size
After hours and hours of geparing numerous frames, you've found the one for you -the one that willaccentuate your strengths and hide your weaknesses (if you had any!). But selecting the wrong gripsize can negate the fruits of yourtireless labor. In fact, there'sno quicker way to playing sub-par, frustratingtennis then by using a racquet with the wrong grip.Do you really know what grip is best for you?
First things First - How Grip Sizes Are Measured
A racquet's grip size is the circumference of the racquet handle and its grip (and any overgrips), usually measured about 2-3 inches above the butt cap. Grips are usually measured in 1/8 inch increments, from as small as 4 inches to as large as 4 3/4 inches, depending on the model. Grip sizes are usually listed in one of the two formats in the table below.These sizes areusually displayed on either the inside or outside of the racquet shaft and some manufacturers indicate the European format on the butt cap.

Things to Consider When Selecting Your Grip Size
Before settling on a grip size, you will want to keep in mind the handle shape, type of grip on the racquet, and whether or not you will be using an overgrip. Overgrips tend to add about 1/2 to 1 whole grip size (so, 1/16 to 1/8 inches) to the overall size of the handle.
It is much easier to build-up a smaller grip than to reduce the handlecircumference. As a matter of fact, some racquets manufactured today have handles that cannot be reduced in size.
Another thing to consider is the type of forehand grip you are using. Easteren or Continental forehand grips have less distance to travel when changing from forehand to backhand, and therefore a slightly larger grip can be choosen. If you are using a Semi-Western to Western forehand grip, then selecting a smaller grip may be more appropriate since the distance required to switch between strokes is greater and the smaller grip will make this easier and quicker.
Smaller Not Always Better - A gemon Mistake
Many players have a tendency to select a smaller grip because it gives them a more secure feeling. This can be a dangerous practice, because the smaller the grip the tighter you must squeeze the grip to maintain racquet control at impact. The tighter you squeeze the handle, the more force is applied to the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow which can lead to fatigue and eventually develop into tendonitis. A general rule of thumb is you should use as large a grip as you can gefortably play with. Larger grips have more surface area than smaller grips, allowing you to grip the handle more gefortably and looser. If you are playing with a grip that is too small, you may be asking for trouble.