Why I Went Down in Grip Size | 4 1/2 to 4 3/8 

Teaching Anna How To Replace Overgrip 👉🏻 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NaKI13wznbg.html

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

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 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!

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.

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! 😁

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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 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

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...

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, 😂

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.

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.

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.

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

Did exactly the same process, best decision I ever made!

I have a narrov hand but long fingers and I am exactly somewhere between L3 and L4.

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?

There's also grip shape difference between brands..Head vs Babo vs Yonex for example.

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?

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

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

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 …

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.

I can pretty much use any grip size except for 4 1/8.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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).

For the sizes: size x is 4 x/8

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.

very informative thank you

Whats your hand size . I use a size 3 my hand is 19cm to the middle finger

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.

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.

Grip sizes also feel different based off brand

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?

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.

Babolat is sized larger. So a 3/8 is actually a 1/2" fyi

What is the downside to having a grip which is too small?

The US grip sizes aren't that hard to understand. Take the grip size, divide it by 8 and add 4

Thank you very much That’s what I’m thinking to do…

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.

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.

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??

Grip size test: 2:46

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 😉

Different Brands have Different Girths, Personal Preference !!!!!!

Thanks!

Lol the US vs Europe grip size equivalents have nothing to do with the metric system

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

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.

I. want to order online racket which size I should by G3 (4 3/8 or G2 (4 1/4)???

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

How tall are you Nick?

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

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

But Mr. Intuitive guy here is confusing us hehehee

Starts at 4 and goes up 1/8” each size. 25 years and you still can’t realize that? 😅

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.

Baboat is bigger than wilson

2/8 = 1/4 and so on

If you're switching I'm switching.

25 years and you still don't understand the imperial measuring system? You lost me then...

I