If you've ever felt like your racquet just doesn't feel quite right in your hand, grip size might be the culprit. It's one of the most overlooked aspects of tennis equipment, but getting it right can improve your comfort, control, and even help prevent injuries.

Why Grip Size Actually Matters

The right grip size helps you:

• Control your racquet better during quick exchanges
• Generate more power without gripping too tightly
• Prevent arm and wrist injuries from overcompensating with a death grip
• Play longer without hand fatigue
• Hit with better technique because your hand is in the right position

The wrong grip size? That can lead to tennis elbow, wrist pain, blisters, and shots that feel inconsistent even when your swing is solid.

Understanding Grip Sizes

Tennis racquet grips are measured in inches (or European sizes if you're looking at some brands). Here's how the sizing typically breaks down:

• Size 0 (4 inches) - Super rare, usually junior racquets
• Size 1 (4⅛ inches) - Small adult hands, some juniors
• Size 2 (4¼ inches) - Most common for women, smaller men
• Size 3 (4⅜ inches) - Most common for men, larger women
• Size 4 (4½ inches) - Larger hands
• Size 5 (4⅝ inches) - Extra large hands

Most high school players end up using size 2 or 3, but everyone's different.

Three Ways to Find Your Grip Size

Method 1: The Index Finger Test (Most Common)

This is the method most stringers and pro shops use:

1. Hold your racquet in your normal forehand grip
2. Look at the space between your fingertips and the base of your thumb/palm
3. Your index finger from your other hand should fit snugly in that gap

If there's extra space: Your grip is too big
If your fingers overlap or there's no room: Your grip is too small
If your index finger fits just right: Bingo, that's your size!

Method 2: The Ruler Test

No racquet handy? Try this:

1. Open your dominant hand and extend your fingers
2. Line up a ruler with the middle crease of your palm
3. Measure from that crease to the tip of your ring finger
4. That measurement in inches is roughly your grip size

For example, if you measure 4⅜ inches, you'd probably want a size 3 grip.

Method 3: The Height/Hand Size Correlation

This is the least accurate but can get you in the ballpark:

• Under 5'2": Try size 1 or 2
• 5'2" to 5'8": Try size 2 or 3
• 5'8" to 6'1": Try size 3 or 4
• Over 6'1": Try size 4 or 5

Remember, these are just starting points. Your actual hand size matters more than your height.

Too Big vs. Too Small: Which Is Better?

If you're stuck between two sizes, conventional wisdom says go with the smaller size. Here's why:

With a smaller grip you can:

• Add an overgrip to build it up (adding about 1/16")
• Adjust the size easily as you figure out your preference
• Generate more spin with looser wrist action

With a too-large grip you:

• Can't really make it smaller without replacing the base grip
• Might develop wrist or arm problems from gripping too tightly
• May struggle with touch shots and volleys

That said, some players (especially those with arm problems) actually prefer a slightly larger grip because it requires less squeezing force.

Special Considerations for High School Players

You're Still Growing

If you're an underclassman, keep in mind that your hands might still grow. Starting with a size 2 and adding an overgrip gives you room to adjust as you get bigger and stronger.

Playing Style Matters

• Big servers and baseline players often prefer slightly larger grips for stability
• Touch players and net rushers typically prefer smaller grips for maneuverability
• Two-handed backhand players might want a smaller grip for better hand positioning

Try Before You Buy (Or Restring)

If you're getting a new racquet or haven't thought about grip size in a while, demo a few sizes if possible. Many shops (including Belle's Performance Tennis with our demo racquet program) can let you try different setups.

Common Grip Size Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using the Same Size Forever

Your hands change as you get older and stronger. What worked when you were a freshman might not be ideal when you're a senior. Re-evaluate occasionally.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Overgrips in Your Calculation

If you always play with an overgrip (and most players should), account for that extra thickness when choosing your base grip size. An overgrip adds about 1/16", which can make a size 2 feel like a size 3.

Mistake #3: Copying What the Pros Use

Just because your favorite ATP or WTA player uses a certain grip size doesn't mean it's right for you. They have different hands, playing styles, and preferences. Find what works for your body.

Mistake #4: Suffering Through the Wrong Size

If your racquet doesn't feel right and you've ruled out strings and tension, don't just accept it. Changing grip size is totally doable and might solve problems you've been fighting for months.

Can You Change Grip Size on Your Current Racquet?

Making it bigger: Easy! Add an overgrip or heat-shrink sleeve. Each overgrip adds about 1/16".

Making it smaller: Harder. You'd need to remove the existing base grip and replace it with a thinner one, but there's a limit to how much you can reduce. Most players max out at going down one size this way.

If you need to go more than one size different, you're probably better off getting a racquet with the correct grip size to begin with.

Testing Your Current Grip Size

Not sure if your current grip is right? Ask yourself:

• Do your shots feel inconsistent even when your technique is good?
• Does your hand hurt or get tired quickly during practice?
• Are you getting blisters in weird spots?
• Does the racquet feel like it's going to fly out of your hand on serves?
• Do you feel like you're strangling the racquet just to control it?

If you answered yes to any of these, grip size might be worth investigating.

The Bottom Line

Grip size is personal. What works for your doubles partner or teammate might not work for you, and that's perfectly fine. The right size is the one that lets you play your best, most comfortable tennis without thinking about your grip at all.

Don't be afraid to experiment a bit, especially if you're relatively new to the game or haven't thought about this before. The difference between playing with the right grip size versus the wrong one can be huge.

At Belle's Performance Tennis, we can help you figure out your ideal grip size and make any adjustments you need. Whether that's adding an overgrip, replacing your base grip, or just talking through what might work best for your game, we're here to help.

Want to make sure your racquet fits your hand perfectly? Book an appointment, and we'll get you sorted!