I’ve seen two palm lines used in the hand measuring test. Half of the websites and videos I E seen quote what you say, the first palm line, and the other half use the second. Which is it? It makes a big difference (~1cm).
According to standard measurements, I should use a 3 size grip. However, you are fully right, as comfort is personal. I find myself filly comfortable using a 4 size. Good video!
you solved my problem in the first minute by pointing out that the rackets usually have the size of the handle printed. I´ve been using mine for many years but forgot about the size lol
Some people suggest that while holding the racket, the thumb should be out of the way while others suggest that the thumb should be across, as if you were shaking hands with the racket. Your thumb seems to be out of the way. For me, moving my thumb is the difference between index finger not fitting vs it being snug, and just fitting. Thanks!
This is a really good video. ⚠No more searching required. You hit on an important point - adding an overgrip ( grip tape ) and the info you provided is really great. Thank you !
Thanks for the advice, I've been looking for a video with a clear explanation. My only issue is my racket initially kept slipping so I measured my hand size and it's 4 and a half. I added extra overgrip to my racket (Originally 4 3/8 but currently at 4 5/8). However, it still keeps slipping in my hand, and I don't sweat much. Could it be that I need to add/remove the grip or is it just the way I hold the racket?
You're welcome! Thanks for the follow-up question. If you've built up your grip two full sizes with overgrips, then part of the issue you could be experiencing is a rounding of the handle. The eight bevels or edges of a racquet's handle help a player maintain proper traction, and the more overgrips you add, the less pronounced the bevels become, so you might consider removing one or two. After that, a fresh overgrip and regularly swapping it out with a new one can go a long way toward improving traction. I'd also encourage you to try 2-3 popular overgrips to see if you get a better or worse result. Here's an article I wrote on the topic with some to check out: tenniscompanion.org/tennis-overgrips/ On a separate but related note, many players often assume they need to grip the racquet firm and overcompensate to prevent it from slipping, but that's usually counterproductive. Instead, a secure yet gentle grip should be more than sufficient - you shouldn't need to grip too hard. The weight of your racquet could also be the culprit. A racquet that's too light can twist or rotate, especially if striking a ball with solid pace off-center, so that's another factor to consider. Other than that, the way a player holds a racquet can sometimes present an issue when players crowd their fingers too closely and don't let them spread out a bit for extra traction. It's worth noting, but I've found that to be less of a problem in these scenarios. Here's an article with some visuals that you might find helpful regarding grips: tenniscompanion.org/tennis-grips/ Hopefully, there's something in there that helps get you pointed in the right direction. All the best, Jon
I've been playing tennis for decades---not well, mind you 😆--and never knew about the crease-to-ring-finger measurement trick. It works! Great video! 👏
Hey Jon, hope u can help me out once again. i cant find how to read the grip size on a wilson raquet. a friend of mine has a wilson pro staff 97ls and was told it is grip size 2 but wilson isnt displaying it on the handle in the form of 4 1/8 etc like others do. theres just a number and in this case "1". Some other mates said "wilsons 1 probably translates into 4 1/4" but i ask myself how they will display L1 or L0 with this pattern. Could they be wrong or means "1" really grip size 2?
Hi Phil, Some butt caps only display a number. If you see the number 1, then that translates to 4 1/8. Unfortunately, there's inconsistency with how brands display it. Often, Wilson Racquets come with stickers placed on the frame, which of course, are removable, so they leave people guessing without any number printed on the butt cap. However, when they don't print a number or size directly on the butt cap, you'll sometimes find it printed inside the butt cap. Does the butt cap of your grip have a removable trap door as I've shown in my parts of a racquet video at this timestamp: th-cam.com/video/fWWBRCe7EN4/w-d-xo.html Not all Wilson racquets do, but if it does, you can carefully pop the trap door off, and there's a solid chance you'll find it displayed on the ledge inside the grip where the trap door sits. Either way, I figured I'd mention for anyone else stumbles upon your question without the number printed on the butt cap. All the best, Jon
@@TennisCompanion i am really thankful for how much time you invest to answer the questions in detail. you got a new fan here for sure. keep up the good work, i really appreciate it
tell me something. I am 40 years old, and I have long arms I am toll . Should I really take a 27 inch racket? It is the arm is a lever or not, 26 inches would be better ?
Nice video but I just measured my hand from the tip of my ring finger to the first crease and that would give me size 0! I currently play with a size 3 so doesn’t that mean I’m playing with a racquet 3 sizes too big?! However, When I hold my racquet my index finger seems to fit it snugly so I’m pretty confused 😕
@@mikezambetti4338 thanks, I know what grip I’m playing with, my question was regarding the measuring table in the video which suggests that I would be grip 0 or 4 inches if I measure the ring finger to the first crease on my hand. But you’re right, i play with a size 4 and 3/8 inches or a size 3.
Hi there! Thanks for the note, and I apologize it hasn't gone smoother for you. Unfortunately, the measurement method is imperfect, as you may have noticed from a few other comments, which in-part has to do with the creases being different from one person to the next. As an alternative, have you tried to grip your racquet handle and place your index finger in the gap between your fingers and palm? I noted this method at 2:05 in the video. Of course, both methods seek to get players in the right ballpark as a starting point, and many players will fall in-between sizes. If your grip feels comfortable to hold and you aren't having any issues with slipping, your current grip is likely sufficient. Some players play with smaller and larger grips than both methods I covered would suggest they should be using because they prefer the feel, so keep in mind personal preference also plays a role. Out of curiosity, are you struggling with your current grip size and looking to measure to confirm you have it right? Regardless, I'd love to help and provide some suggestions. Thanks for watching.
@@TennisCompanion hey Jon, thanks for your detailed response! Yes, I agree, there seems to different ways of measuring grip size and I did try the second method and my index finger seems to fit pretty snugly in between. Sometimes i do feel during play that I didn’t hit a shot cleanly enough and maybe it is do with my grip hence I was curious to see whether I’m using the right grip
Happy to help out! It sounds like you're pretty close to where you need to be on your grip size. I have worked with players where their racquet doesn't feel as stable as they'd like due to a grip that's a bit too small, which can lead to a lack of control. In these scenarios, players can add an overgrip, which increases the grip size by 1/16 of an inch or a half size can make a difference. Two overgrips would push you up to roughly the next size - both inexpensive experiments to see if either feels better. If the latter felt better, I'd encourage you to build up your grip more permanently with a heat shrink sleeve to help maintain the feel of the bevels, which help prevent twisting. Based on what you shared, I'd guess that a full-size increase would be too large, but again, it doesn't hurt to test to see if you get a better result. Best of luck!
Hi Deniz - if you measure over the largest available grip size for a racquet, you have two options. You can search for a different racquet that offers a larger grip size, or you can buy the largest available for your racquet of choice and increase the size of its grip. If you take the latter approach, you can do that by adding a few overgrips to increase the grip's size or install a heat shrink sleeve for a more permanent solution. If possible, I'd encourage you to confirm your grip size by finding a store that offers tennis racquets and holding a few different sizes to make sure it feels comfortable. You may surprise yourself and find you prefer a smaller grip and therefore not need to make any changes.
Why is it that you use the first palm crease to tip of ring finger when everyone else says to use the SECOND (or middle) crease to tip of ring finger?? Half inch difference in my case. Not helpful.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll admit, there's some inconsistency with how to measure your hand for the correct grip size. Unfortunately, everyone's hands aren't the same, nor are the creases. The major lateral crease I use to measure in the video is the only logical crease for me to reference. If I were to drop down to the next crease in my hand, it would put me at just under five inches for a size six grip, which I know from experience is too large. It also happens that the crease I measure from puts me at exactly the grip size that I prefer. Recognizing the pitfalls of measuring your hand, both methods referenced in the video intend to get players in the right ballpark as a starting point. However, it's most important to rely on feel by holding (and ideally playing with) a few different sizes. Regardless, I appreciate the discussion, since others may come across the same inconsistencies in an attempt to find the right grip size.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks for the reply. I completely agree, it all comes down to feel and human physiology is a pretty difficult thing to put on formula (although da Vinci tried 😉 ). And for that exact reason the measurement way is good as a rule of thumb, but one still will find online vendors pushing this as the single way to select grip. Your video however, is still good and clear, this small detail aside/in mind, so thanks for the effort 😊
@@jandor69 He's right. You need to measure to the crease that makes the most "sense". LOL For me it's the top crease as well. Right at 4 3/8, which is what I use.
This method is faulty. Depends on how you hold your hand and the angle that the finger is measured. Easy to come up with 3 different sizes. Also the type of grip has a lot to do with it.
thanks but please dont feel the need to add any background music, maybe its supposed to be relaxing but it actually stops me from thinking about what is being said
This is the best explanations for tennis grips and sizes...👏 Other people are just talking nonsense...thanx
I’ve seen two palm lines used in the hand measuring test. Half of the websites and videos I E seen quote what you say, the first palm line, and the other half use the second. Which is it? It makes a big difference (~1cm).
According to standard measurements, I should use a 3 size grip. However, you are fully right, as comfort is personal. I find myself filly comfortable using a 4 size. Good video!
you solved my problem in the first minute by pointing out that the rackets usually have the size of the handle printed. I´ve been using mine for many years but forgot about the size lol
Very well done. Thoughtful and articulate.
Thanks, Thomas! I appreciate you taking the time to share.
Some people suggest that while holding the racket, the thumb should be out of the way while others suggest that the thumb should be across, as if you were shaking hands with the racket. Your thumb seems to be out of the way.
For me, moving my thumb is the difference between index finger not fitting vs it being snug, and just fitting.
Thanks!
Thank you for the information. It was really helpful.
This is a really good video. ⚠No more searching required. You hit on an important point - adding an overgrip ( grip tape ) and the info you provided is really great. Thank you !
01:24 never noticed that very useful thank you !!!
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out.
Thanks for the advice, I've been looking for a video with a clear explanation. My only issue is my racket initially kept slipping so I measured my hand size and it's 4 and a half. I added extra overgrip to my racket (Originally 4 3/8 but currently at 4 5/8). However, it still keeps slipping in my hand, and I don't sweat much. Could it be that I need to add/remove the grip or is it just the way I hold the racket?
You're welcome! Thanks for the follow-up question.
If you've built up your grip two full sizes with overgrips, then part of the issue you could be experiencing is a rounding of the handle.
The eight bevels or edges of a racquet's handle help a player maintain proper traction, and the more overgrips you add, the less pronounced the bevels become, so you might consider removing one or two.
After that, a fresh overgrip and regularly swapping it out with a new one can go a long way toward improving traction. I'd also encourage you to try 2-3 popular overgrips to see if you get a better or worse result. Here's an article I wrote on the topic with some to check out:
tenniscompanion.org/tennis-overgrips/
On a separate but related note, many players often assume they need to grip the racquet firm and overcompensate to prevent it from slipping, but that's usually counterproductive. Instead, a secure yet gentle grip should be more than sufficient - you shouldn't need to grip too hard.
The weight of your racquet could also be the culprit. A racquet that's too light can twist or rotate, especially if striking a ball with solid pace off-center, so that's another factor to consider.
Other than that, the way a player holds a racquet can sometimes present an issue when players crowd their fingers too closely and don't let them spread out a bit for extra traction. It's worth noting, but I've found that to be less of a problem in these scenarios. Here's an article with some visuals that you might find helpful regarding grips:
tenniscompanion.org/tennis-grips/
Hopefully, there's something in there that helps get you pointed in the right direction.
All the best,
Jon
I've been playing tennis for decades---not well, mind you 😆--and never knew about the crease-to-ring-finger measurement trick. It works! Great video! 👏
Excellent, very helpful.
Great to hear you found it helpful! Thanks for taking a moment to share 😄
thanks
You're welcome! Thanks for the note.
Great explanation, thanks for rhat👍🏻👍🏻
Happy to hear! Thanks 😄
I am most comfortable with a 5in grip and a heavy 330-340gm, head light racquet after recovering from tennis elbow 15 years ago.
Where can I get these transparent strings?
Hey Jon, hope u can help me out once again. i cant find how to read the grip size on a wilson raquet. a friend of mine has a wilson pro staff 97ls and was told it is grip size 2 but wilson isnt displaying it on the handle in the form of 4 1/8 etc like others do. theres just a number and in this case "1". Some other mates said "wilsons 1 probably translates into 4 1/4" but i ask myself how they will display L1 or L0 with this pattern. Could they be wrong or means "1" really grip size 2?
Hi Phil,
Some butt caps only display a number. If you see the number 1, then that translates to 4 1/8.
Unfortunately, there's inconsistency with how brands display it. Often, Wilson Racquets come with stickers placed on the frame, which of course, are removable, so they leave people guessing without any number printed on the butt cap.
However, when they don't print a number or size directly on the butt cap, you'll sometimes find it printed inside the butt cap.
Does the butt cap of your grip have a removable trap door as I've shown in my parts of a racquet video at this timestamp:
th-cam.com/video/fWWBRCe7EN4/w-d-xo.html
Not all Wilson racquets do, but if it does, you can carefully pop the trap door off, and there's a solid chance you'll find it displayed on the ledge inside the grip where the trap door sits. Either way, I figured I'd mention for anyone else stumbles upon your question without the number printed on the butt cap.
All the best,
Jon
@@TennisCompanion i am really thankful for how much time you invest to answer the questions in detail. you got a new fan here for sure. keep up the good work, i really appreciate it
Grate video
121mm here, but can’t find any of those sizes in stores. :(
Step #2 is the best method!
Excellent
Thanks, bro
I have a grip 2 but ideally need a 4 how can I go from 2 to 4 without affecting the racket ?
tell me something. I am 40 years old, and I have long arms I am toll . Should I really take a 27 inch racket? It is the arm is a lever or not, 26 inches would be better ?
Nice channel!
Thanks, Ashley! Likewise, your content looks great.
Nice video but I just measured my hand from the tip of my ring finger to the first crease and that would give me size 0! I currently play with a size 3 so doesn’t that mean I’m playing with a racquet 3 sizes too big?! However, When I hold my racquet my index finger seems to fit it snugly so I’m pretty confused 😕
You are probably playing a 4 and 3/8 grip. The 3 ties to 3 in 3/8ths. That is how most racquets in the US are marked.
@@mikezambetti4338 thanks, I know what grip I’m playing with, my question was regarding the measuring table in the video which suggests that I would be grip 0 or 4 inches if I measure the ring finger to the first crease on my hand. But you’re right, i play with a size 4 and 3/8 inches or a size 3.
Hi there! Thanks for the note, and I apologize it hasn't gone smoother for you. Unfortunately, the measurement method is imperfect, as you may have noticed from a few other comments, which in-part has to do with the creases being different from one person to the next.
As an alternative, have you tried to grip your racquet handle and place your index finger in the gap between your fingers and palm? I noted this method at 2:05 in the video.
Of course, both methods seek to get players in the right ballpark as a starting point, and many players will fall in-between sizes. If your grip feels comfortable to hold and you aren't having any issues with slipping, your current grip is likely sufficient.
Some players play with smaller and larger grips than both methods I covered would suggest they should be using because they prefer the feel, so keep in mind personal preference also plays a role.
Out of curiosity, are you struggling with your current grip size and looking to measure to confirm you have it right? Regardless, I'd love to help and provide some suggestions. Thanks for watching.
@@TennisCompanion hey Jon, thanks for your detailed response! Yes, I agree, there seems to different ways of measuring grip size and I did try the second method and my index finger seems to fit pretty snugly in between. Sometimes i do feel during play that I didn’t hit a shot cleanly enough and maybe it is do with my grip hence I was curious to see whether I’m using the right grip
Happy to help out! It sounds like you're pretty close to where you need to be on your grip size. I have worked with players where their racquet doesn't feel as stable as they'd like due to a grip that's a bit too small, which can lead to a lack of control.
In these scenarios, players can add an overgrip, which increases the grip size by 1/16 of an inch or a half size can make a difference. Two overgrips would push you up to roughly the next size - both inexpensive experiments to see if either feels better.
If the latter felt better, I'd encourage you to build up your grip more permanently with a heat shrink sleeve to help maintain the feel of the bevels, which help prevent twisting.
Based on what you shared, I'd guess that a full-size increase would be too large, but again, it doesn't hurt to test to see if you get a better result. Best of luck!
I have 123mm gripsize. And grip 6 and 5 doesnt exist. So wich size do i need?
Hi Deniz - if you measure over the largest available grip size for a racquet, you have two options. You can search for a different racquet that offers a larger grip size, or you can buy the largest available for your racquet of choice and increase the size of its grip.
If you take the latter approach, you can do that by adding a few overgrips to increase the grip's size or install a heat shrink sleeve for a more permanent solution.
If possible, I'd encourage you to confirm your grip size by finding a store that offers tennis racquets and holding a few different sizes to make sure it feels comfortable. You may surprise yourself and find you prefer a smaller grip and therefore not need to make any changes.
The ruler measurement it's correct but to the first line of the hand.
Hi Claudio! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts.
My hand size is 4.7" which size should i go for?
Why is it that you use the first palm crease to tip of ring finger when everyone else says to use the SECOND (or middle) crease to tip of ring finger??
Half inch difference in my case. Not helpful.
Completely confused by this as well ... all (ALL) others measure to the middle crease.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll admit, there's some inconsistency with how to measure your hand for the correct grip size.
Unfortunately, everyone's hands aren't the same, nor are the creases. The major lateral crease I use to measure in the video is the only logical crease for me to reference. If I were to drop down to the next crease in my hand, it would put me at just under five inches for a size six grip, which I know from experience is too large. It also happens that the crease I measure from puts me at exactly the grip size that I prefer.
Recognizing the pitfalls of measuring your hand, both methods referenced in the video intend to get players in the right ballpark as a starting point. However, it's most important to rely on feel by holding (and ideally playing with) a few different sizes.
Regardless, I appreciate the discussion, since others may come across the same inconsistencies in an attempt to find the right grip size.
@@TennisCompanion Thanks for the reply. I completely agree, it all comes down to feel and human physiology is a pretty difficult thing to put on formula (although da Vinci tried 😉 ). And for that exact reason the measurement way is good as a rule of thumb, but one still will find online vendors pushing this as the single way to select grip. Your video however, is still good and clear, this small detail aside/in mind, so thanks for the effort 😊
@@jandor69 He's right. You need to measure to the crease that makes the most "sense". LOL For me it's the top crease as well. Right at 4 3/8, which is what I use.
This method is faulty. Depends on how you hold your hand and the angle that the finger is measured. Easy to come up with 3 different sizes. Also the type of grip has a lot to do with it.
Tennis stores should have Size 1 racket for demo 😅
the first method is wrong, it's the other line !
Wait... So if I'm 5'0" and 15 years old, could I use a 26" racquet?
That's what he said, go for it 👍
My grip size should be 4 5/8 but I play much better with 4.5
thanks but please dont feel the need to add any background music, maybe its supposed to be relaxing but it actually stops me from thinking about what is being said
are you a little bit slow in the head?
😭
I hate the imperial system. Metrics is much clearer and easier here