The size of a tennis racket grip is crucial for performance and comfort. The ideal grip size allows you to hold the racket firmly without it twisting in your hand and reduces the risk of injury like tennis elbow.
How to Measure Tennis Racket Grip Size
There are two common methods to measure your grip size:
- Finger Test : Hold the racket with an eastern forehand grip and try to fit the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm. If there isn't enough room, the grip is too small; if there's too much space, the grip is too big.
- Ruler Measurement : With your hand open and fingers close together, measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This length corresponds to the grip size.
Common Grip Size Chart (US Size in Inches)
- 4 (Junior size)
- 4 1/8 (Small hands, juniors)
- 4 1/4 (Small adult hands, often women)
- 4 3/8 (Most common men's size)
- 4 1/2 (Large hands)
- 4 5/8 (Very large hands)
If you are in between sizes, it is better to go for the smaller grip size and use an overgrip to increase the size if necessary. Overgrips can add about 1.6 mm to the grip size. Heat-shrink sleeves can also increase the grip size if more adjustment is needed. Using the correct grip size helps with racket control, wrist motion, and prevention of injuries like tennis elbow. Replacing the grip regularly is also recommended for maintaining optimal control and comfort.
