Understanding Tennis Grip Size
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When shopping for a tennis racquet, choosing the correct grip size is just as important as selecting the racquet itself. A properly sized grip affects your comfort, control, and can even help prevent injuries.
What Are Tennis Grip Sizes?
Tennis grip sizes refer to the circumference of the racquet handle. In some countries, grip sizes are labeled as G1, G2, G3, G4, while others may use inches. Here’s a breakdown:
| Grip Size | Inches |
|---|---|
| G1 | 4 1/8" |
| G2 | 4 1/4" |
| G3 | 4 3/8" (most common) |
| G4 | 4 1/2" |
How to Choose the Correct Grip Size
There are two common methods to measure your ideal grip size:
1. Measure Your Palm
- Hold the racquet in your dominant hand, using an Eastern grip (where your palm is flat against the strings).
- Check the space between your ring finger and the palm. It should be approximately the size of a pencil.
- If the space is too wide, the grip is too small. If there’s no space at all, the grip is too large.
2. Measure Your Hand with a Ruler
- Open your hand and stretch your fingers.
- Place a ruler on your palm, starting at the bottom lateral crease of your palm.
- Measure the distance from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement will give you your grip size in inches.
What Happens if the Grip Size is Wrong?
- Too Small: You’ll have to grip the racquet harder, leading to arm and wrist strain, which can cause tennis elbow.
- Too Large: You may lose control and have difficulty generating spin, which can also lead to wrist injuries.
Customizing Grip Size
If you're between sizes, it's better to go with a smaller grip and add an overgrip to increase the size slightly. It's easier to build up a grip than to reduce one that's too large.