I'll let you know 1 simple grip secret. Babolat grip size is a bit bigger than others, so grip 3 of bbl is about 3.5 of wilson, so that shows why you felt good changing from a L4 wilson to L3 babolat
nik do you know of anyone especially on the pro tour who shaves the handle or makes it into a 4 sided handle or removes the 8 bevels to make it round because when i played hockey many players were changing their grips in so many different ways thank you
If you know your fractions, then understanding grip sizes is not that complicated. Grip sizes start from 4" and go up to to 4.5" as follows: Grip size 0 = 4 0/8 = 4 Grip size 1 = 4 1/8 Grip size 2 = 4 2/8 = 4 1/4 Grip size 3 = 4 3/8 Grip size 4 = 4 4/8 = 4 1/2
@@opencurtin You literally just insert the grip size # in front of the 8. There's being bad at math and then there's not being able to count to 5. If there is a pizza cut into 8 slices and you eat 4, that's half the pizza. Either way all that matters is that you know what size fits your hand.
I play a 4 5/8. I'm 6'2", and 185. The larger grip size fills my hand. I can hold is looser; too small and I'm clenching it. With so much grip, I have a very stable, very dependable one-hand backhand. It's great for groundstrokes. the only reason I'd think a small grip would be a benefit for me is adding a bit more spin on my serve. So 4 5/8th is good; for me, prevents tennis elbow from gripping too tightly.
I've stayed up many nights debating on my grip size. I've been using a 1/2 for the past two years but developed some really bad tennis elbow. I decided to dust off an older racquet that was a 3/8 and I have committed to the smaller grip for good. I bring my 1/2's with me on the practice court and now they feel way too big. I think the grip size was actually causing part of the tennis elbow like you said; I was gripping it too tightly because I would be worried it would fall out of my hand. I'm a big guy too, 6'3" 220 pounds, so a bigger grip seemed compatible but I would recommend trying a 3/8 because you get more maneuverability with it too.
I used to play with a 4 1/2 (L4), and I would be really picky about it too. But recently I switched to 4 3/8 (L3), and I find that I can use it just as comfortably. Plus, it's an easier grip size to find.
Ok this is interesting because a grip that is too small can also cause similar issues ie. Hand, wrist, arm pain. I am 5ft6 and i have always used Grip 3 until the past couple years i started developing wrist pain and i went up a size or more by adding 3 overgrips! It helped me use my wrist less and assisted with my recovery! And now i play with Grip 4 + 1 overgrip! I still have Grip 3 rackets but they have 2 overgrips and a thicker replacement grip. Then factor in the fact that different manufacturers make racket handles differently.. so dont think you are Grip 3 means Grip 3 for life! 😁
Exactly right! I play padel, the exact same thing happened to me. I used a racket with a 4 1/8 handle with 3/4 overgrips and it threw the balance off. Now I switched to a Wilson and the grip size is 4 1/4 and I just need 1 overgrip, without cramps and elbow problems.
Regarding the finger test. I see a problem because my non-dominant index finger fits snugly in both 4 3/8 and 4 1/2 grip sizes. Is it indeed the case that either size would work both for myself and yourself too?
I have the same fit you describe. Grip size no.3 + overgrip seems about right, or No.3 with a half-size enlarger underneath. I have an Eastern forehand grip and wonder if that makes me prefer the slightly fuller size - who knows for certain? Grip No.4 + overgrip is too much for me though. Different brands are all sized slightly differently too, just to make it all simpler!
I played with a grip 4 once when I borrowed a racquet from a friend. I normally play grip 3. It was the first time I ever hand cramps in my hand after our session.
By measurement, my grip is between L3 n L4. But by play, a L2 w. Overgrip feels way more comfortable. Then I tried wrapping 2 overgrip to mimic L3 and didn't like it at all. It's like I can't grip on firmly to the racket. Go to court w 2 over grip n in-between after about 1 hr remove 1 overgrip. Then u will know whether u prefer a bigger or smaller grip size.
I’d think that the smaller the object is, the easier to hold it tighter. When the grip is big, one has to open the hand more to hold it and therefore hold it light. When we are tight, we tend to make a fist and vice versa. So if one has tennis elbow, he should go up on grip size.
I agree. Simple test Have a buddy hold a racquet with a zero grip and try to pull it away. Now do it with a 5 or even bigger! More surface area = more contact with the hand which is also in a more open position.
From my dozen years of experience I would choose one size lower grip size than typical theory suggests; its better if its too small than to big, because you can't do anything about it; if its too small you can always add overgrip, and add lead if you don't like the balance; still by adding an overgrip you make grip a little softer and more comfortable; with bigger sizes u can't do anything about it besides selling..
I play with the 4 1/2 grip and I have a second racquet with a 4 3/8 and I do like the 4 3/8. What my coach used to do is stop us in practice during a set, and make us play with a wooden racquet, and then we would play a few games like that, then we switched back to our own racquets, and he also had us change racquets with their opponents and we had to play with our opponents racquet during practice matches. So I really don’t get attached to certain racquets. I do have a racquet I play with and it’s the Wilson Profile 95sq Kuebler and that racquet is amazing for my flat strokes and volleys! Nick I lost another 10 pounds doing your tennis drills and the big man is moving better, I was playing doubles with some 4.5 players and I hadn’t played higher level of doubles in 25 years, my first service I hit 4 aces and I won 7 points in a row on my return of serve. Just by watching your videos and learning to hit with a little more topspin and working on my foot work with mini cones, I was jumping all over this cocky guy serve, I was playing against. The guy was a complete snob, and was talking shit about old people I play doubles with, the lady that is my doubles partner is 89 years old and other partner Which is a guy is 87 years old, and the snob was saying why do I play tennis with the old people, and they have nothing to offer me. I told him, I have access to some of the most wisest, knowledgeable, and kindest people in the world. I also told him if a person loves tennis, then they would play any level player and enjoy the game of tennis. The guy wanted me to join the league and train with him, that would be cool, but the guy wanted to do is keep me from playing tennis with my older friends and put them in a bad way. So I switched it up on him and told him he can play doubles with us, and then the snob came out, and he made me want to humble him, which I most certainly did, because 8 of his friends watched me ace, and destroy his first and second serve, I played so hard that day, I literally had to soak my body in ice bath. I was so sore, the point is, if you are nice enough to teach people tennis on you tube, and donate your time and experience just for people you don’t even know, so they can learn tennis, then I should be respectful enough to you to play tennis with anyone and enjoy the game. I just wanted to thank you and share my tennis journey with you. GOD bless you and yours my friend.
Thank you this is very informative I have two old rackets at Size 3 and bought a new one at the same size 3 and love it now I want another one and it’s sold out I’m sad Dunlop
I was the one who asked you this question, so thanks for the answer & video, Nick! I did buy a new racket with 4 3/8” grip (going down from 4 1/2”) and it made a huge difference. Suddenly I can execute shots in extreme situations with a much higher success rate!
Man, I am almost doing the same thing.. I think it's very strange to hold a thinner grip, but it's being impossible to find 4 1/2 in Brazil lately... I don't know why... I am thinking about switching my game from Aeropro Drive to Head 360+ Speed MP or Pure Drive 2021... I need more power but I don't wanna lose control...
I cant tell exactly what brand your older frame is - Id like to say Head or Wilson. Im an L4 in those brands but an L3 in Babolat and Yonex as their sizes run bigger. I think that may be what happened here as your new frame is a Babolat.
Thanks for the video!! I contend that general grip sizes have gotten bigger over the past 10-15 years. What was 4 1/2 15 years ago, is smaller than today’s 4 1/2, in my opinion
May i know what grip size length it showed for your index finger/bottom palm test? Also, would you still recommend the smaller size? I too have small hands and contemplating between 4 1/8 and 4 1/4.
Very easy to remember grip sizes. All you have to remember is that European size 0 is 4” and that from there each grip size increase is 1/8th of an inch: 4, 4 1/8, 4 2/8 ( 2/8 = 1/4), 4 3/8, 4 4/8 ( 4/8 = 1/2 ), 4 5/8. Some 3rd grade math helps too, 😂
There is a another reason, players wasn t use their wrists to produce spin and kick on the serve and with a bigger grip, you cannot produce effect because you cannot use your wrist
the US grip size system is really simple ... it's literally inches measured in 1/8 fractions. So size 0 is 4 inches 0/8s, size 1 is 4 inches 1/8s, size 2 is 2/8s simplified to 1/4, 3 is 3/8, 4 is 4/8 simplified to 1/2 and 5 is 5/8s of an inch
Since the grip-finger test seems pretty ubiquitous, why aren’t more people using larger grips? Surely a 1/4 or 3/8 is too small for most players over 6 ft tall
Great video Nic, I would also like to add if grip size is too big, there's a risk of hurting the ulnar side wrist which, in serious enough situations, can mean the end of tennis for recreational players. If unsure, always go for smaller grip size because overgrips can be applied, but you can't downsize a grip that's too big.
Hi, can you say why larger grip poses a risk of ulnar side wrist issues? I am having some mild pain in this area and use a 4 1/2" grip. I switched to a ProKennex racket which has helped a lot but still some lingering pain. Thanks.
@@ItMaker5000XLI'm not a trained physio but I'll try to explain. There are actually a few other factors so I'll add them in. Firstly, as recreational players, we won't often or consistently have the best or correct technique when hitting. So if you find yourself hitting jammed forehands frequently (contact with ball too close to your body) you're putting a lot more stress on your wrist to force the racquet to follow through. This can happen on a double backhand as well. Side note: the ulnar side wrist injury is actually one of Nadal's injuries (and I think Delpo had this injury too) many years ago, I believe 2016 or sth. Basically, anytime you hit the ball in a position that hyperextends your wrist beyond its usual flex range, that is what accumulates damage in your wrist (can be ulnar or radial side when we explain it this way). Keeping the above point in mind, that's when we look at the grip size of the racquet. Recreational players need to remember the power and spin is not generated by the arm itself, and hence the wrist shouldn't be used to force power or spin because the muscles/tendons in the wrist are for flexibility not power. However, a grip size that is too big will cause your swing to change mechanically without you realizing. The easiest way to see how is to do a shadow forehand with the end of a baseball bat - you will notice that where the 'racquet' connects with the ball, there is significantly more force exerted from your wrist to follow through. If you were to actually hit a ball, all the shock and vibration of the racquet then gets focused into the ulnar side wrist. This is a similar feeling to the jammed forehand that I mentioned just now. Lastly I believe Nic explained this before but pronation is a byproduct of the swing and shouldn't be forced (via the wrist). For myself I ended up forcing the pronation because of the big grip. And with the issue of jammed forehands, I took myself out for nearly a year after sustaining this injury. A grip size that's too big isn't the main reason for an ulnar side wrist injury, but it's definitely one of the contributing factors. After switching to a smaller grip I highly recommend working with a coach to see if you're doing anything stroke-wise that might be risky for your wrist as well.
@@nijiak Wow thank you so much. I have done video analysis on myself and notice that almost all of my errors are when I am too close to the ball. I will try the baseball bat experiment just to see if I can better understand it. I too have noticed that serving is quite bad on my wrist... I have wondered about my wrist angle at contact and related things. So much to think about. Thank you for the explanation.
@@ItMaker5000XL prevention is better than cure, get a WristWidget so that you don't worsen the strain. Game-wise you should pay attention to what you're doing with your wrist, if you find yourself exerting strength from your wrist for whichever part of your game, you need to adjust that part. serve-wise my opinion is to avoid kick serves for now, but same as above don't use your wrist to exert any form of power / generate spin when serving, it's not meant to do that.
Thanks for this. There has been a trend to go smaller for some odd reason. I can no longer find frames in my actual size 5/8. I've gone down to 4 1/2. Everybody is using child size grips these days...
This video is very timely for me, because just yesterday I was talking to my brother about the size of the grips. Following the protocol, the right grip for me would be 3, but I got used to playing with grip 2 and now I only feel comfortable with the smallest one. The advantage of the larger/correct grip for any player will be to give more stability and the grip below will allow you to have more freedom to change angles more easily and more freedom in the wrist right Nic ? Thanks
yes, stability is needed when you return serve (if you cannot center everything or you play with 100 or ++ head size). changing grip is indeed easier using smaller one.
I'm guessing that babolat PD grip sizing is similar to PA, which means they're a full size larger, at least the ones I've tried. My Babolat in size 3 measures exactly 4 !/2 inches, while my size 3 Prince Warrior is just about 4 3/8 inches(just shy).
I find that a smaller grip can make volleys die sometimes when hitting a bit off the sweet spot. Then I put on an extra overgrip. But I feel the racket gets more maneuverable in general.
Noticed this too! That's why I only play with the original grip now and just use a lot of grip lotion to keep it tacky. Then every 3-4 months, I replace the original grip (called replacement grips, I think, instead of overgrips).
Hi, Great video. Just a question...I have used 4 1/4 grip always but then got another 2nd hand 4 3/8 grip. Do you think that is ok or should I stick to 4 1/4 but 4 3/8 is not that much difference in term of Size grip , Control, Power, top spin or might get tennis elbow due to slightly bigger?
I use a grip size where my hand can basically touch, I would never change it, but I think it's really about preference. My hand also hangs down below the racket.
I have two Wilson Blade 98’s but the grip sizes are slightly different. One is a 4 3/8 and the other is 4 1/4. I like the 4 3/8 best. I was told to just add grip tape to my 4 1/4 racquet to make it match my 4 3/8. Does this work? I can’t tell if I can feel a difference or if it’s all in my head. But I tend to prefer the 4 3/8.
One inportant aspect surprisingly not talked about in video is use of standard grip and. Overgrip on Racket handle. This will make grip size feel bigger. I fell comfortable with a 4 1/2 inch grp. But if I add a grip and overgrip, the racquet feels more like a 4 5/8 inch grip. Too big for me. So I prefer to use a 4 3/8 inch grip then I add the grip and overgrip and it comes to 4 1/2 inch which is perfect for me. Smaller grips then to give you more control swinging racquet. Of course, not all players use a grip and overgrip so this is a consideration in choosing racquet grip. I hear that Nadal prefers really small racquet grip so he can generate more racquet head speed.
Nice video Nick. I like the end where you talk about the evolution in the last 50 years. I thought people went smaller for spin, not stability-that a smaller grip could give more whip. But what you said makes sense. I’m curious if you have a video on weight of racquets and the benefits of going heavier or lighter. I went from 10.4 unstrung to 10.6 and it has completely changed my game. My ball is heavier, I feel I have more control, but also more power. It’s just all around better, and it makes me want to go up in weight again…
I need help with my strings and strong tension. I use a pro staff 97 and play with a lot of spin, right now I use babolat rpm soft 30/16 with 55lb tension, I’m not a huge fan of this??. Should I switch it a hybrid string set up??
I was in a tennis shop recently and held several racquets. A 4 1/4 Babolat Pure Aero grip was clearly larger than the 4 3/8 Wilson Blade grip. I'm not sure if it was because the Babolat grip was more cushioned or of the actual mold/pallet was larger, but the difference was clearly noticeable.
The grip sizing isn't that complicated... All grip sizes start at 4 inches. Beyond that the fractions are in 8ths. 0/8, 1/8/, 2/8, 3/8, 4/8, 5/8... So 2/8 is a 1/4 and 4/8 is a 1/2.
How important are the bevels on the grips? I accidentally bought a size 1 racket and put two large over grips but the grips have become more rounded and curved.
converting between imperial and metric grip sizes is easy. They’re all in inches, but the metric countries cut out the extra numbers 4 0/8 = 0 4 1/8 = 1 4 1/4 (=2/8) = 2 4 3/8 = 3 4 1/2 (4/8) = 4 And so on
Those aren't metric. Metric is 0 = 101.6mm, 1 = 104.775mm, 2 = 107.95mm, 3 = 111.125mm, 4 = 114.3mm, and so on. The grip sizes 0-6 are just European sizes and can vary by manufacturer.
Nice videos again Nick. I just bought the Kischbaum Orange Super Smash as recommended by you on another video and waiting for it. I am looking to record my trainings and games from court level as you do. Can you share the equipment (camera) that you are using? The fear I have is a ball hitting the tripod and camera falling and crashing. How do you handle that? Best and congrats for your videos. They are very instructive and helpful for me.
I have really small hands, but I play with size 4, I just find it very comfortable and I have a firmer more secure grip. By the standard measurement technique my grip size is 2, but that just feels horrible for me.
I went down from 5 to 4 👍🏼like you said grip sizes have been going down, it is the modern way. I think Roger and Rafa popularized the trend too- surprise surprise 😉
wot a lot of bull a smaller grip thats not your correct size will make you hold on to it more than a slightly bigger grip,bn there thats why iv kept to my corect size grip
The same thing happened to me I used a 4 1/2 but then I went down to 4 3/8 what I did was just use a thinner replacement grip and it worked fine. Also you forgot about grip size 6 4 3/4 which is what Pete Sampras used.
Another low quality vlog with mistake. Babolat is well known for its larger than stated grip size. Another one switch to babolat has to go down size and make up with thicker over grip. Nothing new or creative. Old leather grip may become denser but it’s never a reason to go down size.
Hi mein Bester, guter Beitrag - wie immer - Aber Du irrst Dich in einem Punkt. Da ich die selbe Erfahrung gemacht habe. Babolats Griffe sind eine Nummer zu groß! Ein Babolat Zweier ist ein Yonex Dreier-Griff! Ich hatte genau die selben Probleme. Hab´s mit Griffbändern versucht zu lösen, aber damit verschiebt sich die Gesamtbalance zu sehr nach unten. Mach mal die Basisbänder alle ab und messe es nach wenn Du willst. LG Berthold
Teaching Anna How To Replace Overgrip
👉🏻 ua-cam.com/video/NaKI13wznbg/v-deo.html
I'll let you know 1 simple grip secret. Babolat grip size is a bit bigger than others, so grip 3 of bbl is about 3.5 of wilson, so that shows why you felt good changing from a L4 wilson to L3 babolat
nik do you know of anyone especially on the pro tour who shaves the handle or makes it into a 4 sided handle or removes the 8 bevels to make it round because when i played hockey many players were changing their grips in so many different ways thank you
If you know your fractions, then understanding grip sizes is not that complicated. Grip sizes start from 4" and go up to to 4.5" as follows:
Grip size 0 = 4 0/8 = 4
Grip size 1 = 4 1/8
Grip size 2 = 4 2/8 = 4 1/4
Grip size 3 = 4 3/8
Grip size 4 = 4 4/8 = 4 1/2
The decimal usage is easier for people who are crap at math
@@opencurtin You literally just insert the grip size # in front of the 8. There's being bad at math and then there's not being able to count to 5. If there is a pizza cut into 8 slices and you eat 4, that's half the pizza. Either way all that matters is that you know what size fits your hand.
I play a 4 5/8. I'm 6'2", and 185. The larger grip size fills my hand. I can hold is looser; too small and I'm clenching it. With so much grip, I have a very stable, very dependable one-hand backhand. It's great for groundstrokes. the only reason I'd think a small grip would be a benefit for me is adding a bit more spin on my serve. So 4 5/8th is good; for me, prevents tennis elbow from gripping too tightly.
I agree.
A larger grip allows me to relax my hand, more surface area for contact. 4 7/8 here.
I've stayed up many nights debating on my grip size. I've been using a 1/2 for the past two years but developed some really bad tennis elbow. I decided to dust off an older racquet that was a 3/8 and I have committed to the smaller grip for good. I bring my 1/2's with me on the practice court and now they feel way too big. I think the grip size was actually causing part of the tennis elbow like you said; I was gripping it too tightly because I would be worried it would fall out of my hand. I'm a big guy too, 6'3" 220 pounds, so a bigger grip seemed compatible but I would recommend trying a 3/8 because you get more maneuverability with it too.
Glad your arm is better
I used to play with a 4 1/2 (L4), and I would be really picky about it too. But recently I switched to 4 3/8 (L3), and I find that I can use it just as comfortably. Plus, it's an easier grip size to find.
Thanks!
Thank you so much 🙏
Ok this is interesting because a grip that is too small can also cause similar issues ie. Hand, wrist, arm pain. I am 5ft6 and i have always used Grip 3 until the past couple years i started developing wrist pain and i went up a size or more by adding 3 overgrips! It helped me use my wrist less and assisted with my recovery! And now i play with Grip 4 + 1 overgrip! I still have Grip 3 rackets but they have 2 overgrips and a thicker replacement grip. Then factor in the fact that different manufacturers make racket handles differently.. so dont think you are Grip 3 means Grip 3 for life! 😁
Exactly right! I play padel, the exact same thing happened to me. I used a racket with a 4 1/8 handle with 3/4 overgrips and it threw the balance off. Now I switched to a Wilson and the grip size is 4 1/4 and I just need 1 overgrip, without cramps and elbow problems.
Regarding the finger test. I see a problem because my non-dominant index finger fits snugly in both 4 3/8 and 4 1/2 grip sizes. Is it indeed the case that either size would work both for myself and yourself too?
I have the same fit you describe. Grip size no.3 + overgrip seems about right, or No.3 with a half-size enlarger underneath. I have an Eastern forehand grip and wonder if that makes me prefer the slightly fuller size - who knows for certain? Grip No.4 + overgrip is too much for me though. Different brands are all sized slightly differently too, just to make it all simpler!
I played with a grip 4 once when I borrowed a racquet from a friend. I normally play grip 3. It was the first time I ever hand cramps in my hand after our session.
This is an obvious sign for too big. But usually it's not that obvious for one size difference.
By measurement, my grip is between L3 n L4. But by play, a L2 w. Overgrip feels way more comfortable. Then I tried wrapping 2 overgrip to mimic L3 and didn't like it at all. It's like I can't grip on firmly to the racket. Go to court w 2 over grip n in-between after about 1 hr remove 1 overgrip. Then u will know whether u prefer a bigger or smaller grip size.
I’d think that the smaller the object is, the easier to hold it tighter. When the grip is big, one has to open the hand more to hold it and therefore hold it light. When we are tight, we tend to make a fist and vice versa. So if one has tennis elbow, he should go up on grip size.
I agree.
Simple test
Have a buddy hold a racquet with a zero grip and try to pull it away. Now do it with a 5 or even bigger!
More surface area = more contact with the hand which is also in a more open position.
From my dozen years of experience I would choose one size lower grip size than typical theory suggests; its better if its too small than to big, because you can't do anything about it; if its too small you can always add overgrip, and add lead if you don't like the balance; still by adding an overgrip you make grip a little softer and more comfortable; with bigger sizes u can't do anything about it besides selling..
I play with the 4 1/2 grip and I have a second racquet with a 4 3/8 and I do like the 4 3/8. What my coach used to do is stop us in practice during a set, and make us play with a wooden racquet, and then we would play a few games like that, then we switched back to our own racquets, and he also had us change racquets with their opponents and we had to play with our opponents racquet during practice matches. So I really don’t get attached to certain racquets. I do have a racquet I play with and it’s the Wilson Profile 95sq Kuebler and that racquet is amazing for my flat strokes and volleys! Nick I lost another 10 pounds doing your tennis drills and the big man is moving better, I was playing doubles with some 4.5 players and I hadn’t played higher level of doubles in 25 years, my first service I hit 4 aces and I won 7 points in a row on my return of serve. Just by watching your videos and learning to hit with a little more topspin and working on my foot work with mini cones, I was jumping all over this cocky guy serve, I was playing against. The guy was a complete snob, and was talking shit about old people I play doubles with, the lady that is my doubles partner is 89 years old and other partner Which is a guy is 87 years old, and the snob was saying why do I play tennis with the old people, and they have nothing to offer me. I told him, I have access to some of the most wisest, knowledgeable, and kindest people in the world. I also told him if a person loves tennis, then they would play any level player and enjoy the game of tennis. The guy wanted me to join the league and train with him, that would be cool, but the guy wanted to do is keep me from playing tennis with my older friends and put them in a bad way. So I switched it up on him and told him he can play doubles with us, and then the snob came out, and he made me want to humble him, which I most certainly did, because 8 of his friends watched me ace, and destroy his first and second serve, I played so hard that day, I literally had to soak my body in ice bath. I was so sore, the point is, if you are nice enough to teach people tennis on you tube, and donate your time and experience just for people you don’t even know, so they can learn tennis, then I should be respectful enough to you to play tennis with anyone and enjoy the game. I just wanted to thank you and share my tennis journey with you. GOD bless you and yours my friend.
Thank you for your support and glad you’re playing better
Thank you this is very informative I have two old rackets at Size 3 and bought a new one at the same size 3 and love it now I want another one and it’s sold out I’m sad Dunlop
I was the one who asked you this question, so thanks for the answer & video, Nick! I did buy a new racket with 4 3/8” grip (going down from 4 1/2”) and it made a huge difference. Suddenly I can execute shots in extreme situations with a much higher success rate!
Man, I am almost doing the same thing.. I think it's very strange to hold a thinner grip, but it's being impossible to find 4 1/2 in Brazil lately... I don't know why... I am thinking about switching my game from Aeropro Drive to Head 360+ Speed MP or Pure Drive 2021... I need more power but I don't wanna lose control...
I cant tell exactly what brand your older frame is - Id like to say Head or Wilson. Im an L4 in those brands but an L3 in Babolat and Yonex as their sizes run bigger. I think that may be what happened here as your new frame is a Babolat.
Thanks for the video!! I contend that general grip sizes have gotten bigger over the past 10-15 years. What was 4 1/2 15 years ago, is smaller than today’s 4 1/2, in my opinion
Me too.
I dropped from 4 3/8 to 4 1/8. Huge difference for me. I also don’t have big hands so it was a game changer.
May i know what grip size length it showed for your index finger/bottom palm test? Also, would you still recommend the smaller size? I too have small hands and contemplating between 4 1/8 and 4 1/4.
Very easy to remember grip sizes. All you have to remember is that European size 0 is 4” and that from there each grip size increase is 1/8th of an inch: 4, 4 1/8, 4 2/8 ( 2/8 = 1/4), 4 3/8, 4 4/8 ( 4/8 = 1/2 ), 4 5/8. Some 3rd grade math helps too, 😂
There is a another reason, players wasn t use their wrists to produce spin and kick on the serve and with a bigger grip, you cannot produce effect because you cannot use your wrist
Grip size test: 2:46
Thanks bro
the US grip size system is really simple ... it's literally inches measured in 1/8 fractions. So size 0 is 4 inches 0/8s, size 1 is 4 inches 1/8s, size 2 is 2/8s simplified to 1/4, 3 is 3/8, 4 is 4/8 simplified to 1/2 and 5 is 5/8s of an inch
not as simple as if it was in mm :)
@@rikh78 yes but if you have all fractions in x/8 fractions, then the numbers are directly correlated with each other i.e. size 0 is 0/8s etc
@@001niwrad i know :)
@Tom R Ofcourse it's super simple but clearly, he has trouble with fractions !! :))
Sure, like 1,2,3,4,5 is not simpler smh. The american measurement system makes no sense, temperature, speed, weight you name them, many more.
Since the grip-finger test seems pretty ubiquitous, why aren’t more people using larger grips? Surely a 1/4 or 3/8 is too small for most players over 6 ft tall
Did exactly the same process, best decision I ever made!
Great video Nic, I would also like to add if grip size is too big, there's a risk of hurting the ulnar side wrist which, in serious enough situations, can mean the end of tennis for recreational players. If unsure, always go for smaller grip size because overgrips can be applied, but you can't downsize a grip that's too big.
Hi, can you say why larger grip poses a risk of ulnar side wrist issues? I am having some mild pain in this area and use a 4 1/2" grip. I switched to a ProKennex racket which has helped a lot but still some lingering pain. Thanks.
@@ItMaker5000XLI'm not a trained physio but I'll try to explain. There are actually a few other factors so I'll add them in.
Firstly, as recreational players, we won't often or consistently have the best or correct technique when hitting. So if you find yourself hitting jammed forehands frequently (contact with ball too close to your body) you're putting a lot more stress on your wrist to force the racquet to follow through. This can happen on a double backhand as well. Side note: the ulnar side wrist injury is actually one of Nadal's injuries (and I think Delpo had this injury too) many years ago, I believe 2016 or sth. Basically, anytime you hit the ball in a position that hyperextends your wrist beyond its usual flex range, that is what accumulates damage in your wrist (can be ulnar or radial side when we explain it this way).
Keeping the above point in mind, that's when we look at the grip size of the racquet. Recreational players need to remember the power and spin is not generated by the arm itself, and hence the wrist shouldn't be used to force power or spin because the muscles/tendons in the wrist are for flexibility not power. However, a grip size that is too big will cause your swing to change mechanically without you realizing.
The easiest way to see how is to do a shadow forehand with the end of a baseball bat - you will notice that where the 'racquet' connects with the ball, there is significantly more force exerted from your wrist to follow through. If you were to actually hit a ball, all the shock and vibration of the racquet then gets focused into the ulnar side wrist. This is a similar feeling to the jammed forehand that I mentioned just now.
Lastly I believe Nic explained this before but pronation is a byproduct of the swing and shouldn't be forced (via the wrist). For myself I ended up forcing the pronation because of the big grip. And with the issue of jammed forehands, I took myself out for nearly a year after sustaining this injury.
A grip size that's too big isn't the main reason for an ulnar side wrist injury, but it's definitely one of the contributing factors. After switching to a smaller grip I highly recommend working with a coach to see if you're doing anything stroke-wise that might be risky for your wrist as well.
@@nijiak Wow thank you so much. I have done video analysis on myself and notice that almost all of my errors are when I am too close to the ball. I will try the baseball bat experiment just to see if I can better understand it. I too have noticed that serving is quite bad on my wrist... I have wondered about my wrist angle at contact and related things. So much to think about. Thank you for the explanation.
@@ItMaker5000XL prevention is better than cure, get a WristWidget so that you don't worsen the strain. Game-wise you should pay attention to what you're doing with your wrist, if you find yourself exerting strength from your wrist for whichever part of your game, you need to adjust that part.
serve-wise my opinion is to avoid kick serves for now, but same as above don't use your wrist to exert any form of power / generate spin when serving, it's not meant to do that.
very informative thank you
Thanks for this. There has been a trend to go smaller for some odd reason. I can no longer find frames in my actual size 5/8. I've gone down to 4 1/2. Everybody is using child size grips these days...
There's also grip shape difference between brands..Head vs Babo vs Yonex for example.
Absolutely
I have a narrov hand but long fingers and I am exactly somewhere between L3 and L4.
This video is very timely for me, because just yesterday I was talking to my brother about the size of the grips.
Following the protocol, the right grip for me would be 3, but I got used to playing with grip 2 and now I only feel comfortable with the smallest one.
The advantage of the larger/correct grip for any player will be to give more stability and the grip below will allow you to have more freedom to change angles more easily and more freedom in the wrist right Nic ?
Thanks
yes, stability is needed when you return serve (if you cannot center everything or you play with 100 or ++ head size). changing grip is indeed easier using smaller one.
I'm guessing that babolat PD grip sizing is similar to PA, which means they're a full size larger, at least the ones I've tried.
My Babolat in size 3 measures exactly 4 !/2 inches, while my size 3 Prince Warrior is just about 4 3/8 inches(just shy).
I find that a smaller grip can make volleys die sometimes when hitting a bit off the sweet spot. Then I put on an extra overgrip. But I feel the racket gets more maneuverable in general.
I did the same last year despite my XXL hands. But with an over grip the 4-3/8 becomes a 4-1/2 again …
Noticed this too!
That's why I only play with the original grip now and just use a lot of grip lotion to keep it tacky. Then every 3-4 months, I replace the original grip (called replacement grips, I think, instead of overgrips).
I can pretty much use any grip size except for 4 1/8.
Hi,
Great video.
Just a question...I have used 4 1/4 grip always but then got another 2nd hand 4 3/8 grip.
Do you think that is ok or should I stick to 4 1/4 but 4 3/8 is not that much difference in term of Size grip , Control, Power, top spin or might get tennis elbow due to slightly bigger?
I use a grip size where my hand can basically touch, I would never change it, but I think it's really about preference. My hand also hangs down below the racket.
How to understand grip sizes:
0 = 4 and 0/8 = 4
1 = 4 and 1/8 = 4 1/8
2 = 4 and 2/8 = 4 1/4 (since 2/8 = 1/4)
3 = 4 and 3/8 = 4 3/8
4 = 4 and 4/8 = 4 1/2 (since 4/8 = 1/2)
5 = 4 and 5/8 = 4 5/8
6 = 4 and 6/8 = 4 3/4 (since 6/8 = 3/4)
etc.
i focuses on grip shape, I went from square grip shape, to more diamond grip shape. This makes more sense to me.
I have two Wilson Blade 98’s but the grip sizes are slightly different. One is a 4 3/8 and the other is 4 1/4. I like the 4 3/8 best. I was told to just add grip tape to my 4 1/4 racquet to make it match my 4 3/8. Does this work? I can’t tell if I can feel a difference or if it’s all in my head. But I tend to prefer the 4 3/8.
One inportant aspect surprisingly not talked about in video is use of standard grip and. Overgrip on Racket handle. This will make grip size feel bigger. I fell comfortable with a 4 1/2 inch grp. But if I add a grip and overgrip, the racquet feels more like a 4 5/8 inch grip. Too big for me. So I prefer to use a 4 3/8 inch grip then I add the grip and overgrip and it comes to 4 1/2 inch which is perfect for me. Smaller grips then to give you more control swinging racquet. Of course, not all players use a grip and overgrip so this is a consideration in choosing racquet grip. I hear that Nadal prefers really small racquet grip so he can generate more racquet head speed.
Hey, Nick!
So if a player is not sure whether to go with 4 1/4 or 4 3/8 it’s usually better to go for the smaller one?
I know you didn't ask me, but IMO go with the smaller grip size if you're in between two sizes.
Whats your hand size . I use a size 3 my hand is 19cm to the middle finger
Nice video Nick. I like the end where you talk about the evolution in the last 50 years. I thought people went smaller for spin, not stability-that a smaller grip could give more whip. But what you said makes sense. I’m curious if you have a video on weight of racquets and the benefits of going heavier or lighter. I went from 10.4 unstrung to 10.6 and it has completely changed my game. My ball is heavier, I feel I have more control, but also more power. It’s just all around better, and it makes me want to go up in weight again…
ua-cam.com/video/5-MfT5U3HEQ/v-deo.html
What is the downside to having a grip which is too small?
I need help with my strings and strong tension. I use a pro staff 97 and play with a lot of spin, right now I use babolat rpm soft 30/16 with 55lb tension, I’m not a huge fan of this??. Should I switch it a hybrid string set up??
i recently tried Volkl Cyclone at 23kg/50 lbs for the first time and really liked it, it's cheap too!
Grip sizes also feel different based off brand
For the sizes: size x is 4 x/8
Babolat is sized larger. So a 3/8 is actually a 1/2" fyi
Different shape grip
I was in a tennis shop recently and held several racquets. A 4 1/4 Babolat Pure Aero grip was clearly larger than the 4 3/8 Wilson Blade grip. I'm not sure if it was because the Babolat grip was more cushioned or of the actual mold/pallet was larger, but the difference was clearly noticeable.
The grip sizing isn't that complicated... All grip sizes start at 4 inches. Beyond that the fractions are in 8ths. 0/8, 1/8/, 2/8, 3/8, 4/8, 5/8... So 2/8 is a 1/4 and 4/8 is a 1/2.
Is it just me? The grip sizes are slightly bigger than they used to be. The 3/8 grip I use is too big so I buy 1/4 grips now.
Thank you very much That’s what I’m thinking to do…
How important are the bevels on the grips? I accidentally bought a size 1 racket and put two large over grips but the grips have become more rounded and curved.
It's all personal preference
I. want to order online racket which size I should by G3 (4 3/8 or G2 (4 1/4)???
Go to your local store and try the sizes. One will naturally feel better. Also consider that you will add overgrip making the handle slightly thicker.
converting between imperial and metric grip sizes is easy. They’re all in inches, but the metric countries cut out the extra numbers
4 0/8 = 0
4 1/8 = 1
4 1/4 (=2/8) = 2
4 3/8 = 3
4 1/2 (4/8) = 4
And so on
Those aren't metric. Metric is 0 = 101.6mm, 1 = 104.775mm, 2 = 107.95mm, 3 = 111.125mm, 4 = 114.3mm, and so on. The grip sizes 0-6 are just European sizes and can vary by manufacturer.
Lol the US vs Europe grip size equivalents have nothing to do with the metric system
How tall are you Nick?
1,95
Nice videos again Nick. I just bought the Kischbaum Orange Super Smash as recommended by you on another video and waiting for it.
I am looking to record my trainings and games from court level as you do. Can you share the equipment (camera) that you are using? The fear I have is a ball hitting the tripod and camera falling and crashing. How do you handle that? Best and congrats for your videos. They are very instructive and helpful for me.
The US grip sizes aren't that hard to understand. Take the grip size, divide it by 8 and add 4
1 is 1/8, 2 is 2/8=1/4, 3 is 3/8, and 4 is 4/8=1/2. And 0 is 0/8
I have really small hands, but I play with size 4, I just find it very comfortable and I have a firmer more secure grip. By the standard measurement technique my grip size is 2, but that just feels horrible for me.
4， 4 1/8 ，4 2/8， 4 3/8， 4 4/8， 4 5/8
Just so you know babolat grips tend to be bigger than other manufacturers
I went down from 5 to 4 👍🏼like you said grip sizes have been going down, it is the modern way. I think Roger and Rafa popularized the trend too- surprise surprise 😉
Right way to go. 5 was too big for you 🙌🙌
Now you’re whipping that FH with ease
wot a lot of bull a smaller grip thats not your correct size will make you hold on to it more than a slightly bigger grip,bn there thats why iv kept to my corect size grip
Starts at 4 and goes up 1/8” each size. 25 years and you still can’t realize that? 😅
Different Brands have Different Girths, Personal Preference !!!!!!
But Mr. Intuitive guy here is confusing us hehehee
The same thing happened to me I used a 4 1/2 but then I went down to 4 3/8 what I did was just use a thinner replacement grip and it worked fine.
Also you forgot about grip size 6 4 3/4 which is what Pete Sampras used.
One aspect n
Another low quality vlog with mistake. Babolat is well known for its larger than stated grip size. Another one switch to babolat has to go down size and make up with thicker over grip. Nothing new or creative. Old leather grip may become denser but it’s never a reason to go down size.
Hi mein Bester, guter Beitrag - wie immer - Aber Du irrst Dich in einem Punkt. Da ich die selbe Erfahrung gemacht habe. Babolats Griffe sind eine Nummer zu groß! Ein Babolat Zweier ist ein Yonex Dreier-Griff! Ich hatte genau die selben Probleme. Hab´s mit Griffbändern versucht zu lösen, aber damit verschiebt sich die Gesamtbalance zu sehr nach unten. Mach mal die Basisbänder alle ab und messe es nach wenn Du willst. LG Berthold
2/8 = 1/4 and so on
Baboat is bigger than wilson
If you're switching I'm switching.
😂😂 don’t do that. It’s gotta be right for you
25 years and you still don't understand the imperial measuring system? You lost me then...
I