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The Grip

When playing tennis it is important to consider the grip. This
is used to hold the tip of the racket from the frame.

You must find the correct size of tennis grip for your hand
because you can damage your wrist if it is too small or cause
hand strain if it is too big. To figure out what grip is the
right size for you, take a tape measure and measure the hand you
hold the racquet with.

The measurement you are looking for is the length between the
middle of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That is the
finger next to your little finger. This length should be the
same distance as the grip around the handle of the racquet.
Young people will be less than four inches where as an average
woman is about four and an eighth to four and three eighth
inches. A man is about four and a half inches to four and three
fourth inches.

This grip must be replaced when it wears smooth or begins to
separate from the handle. It is best to change it often
depending on how many times you play tennis a week. The type of
grip recommended for your racquet can be found in the inside
throat. There are two types of replacement tennis grips.

Those are "cushioned" and "firm". The firm is made of high
density calfskin, or cowhide leather. This is preferred by those
players who want to feel the ball meet the racquet. If you want
relief for your hand, you should choose the cushioned grip.
However this choice makes it hard to feel the ball touch your
racquet.

When your grip pores are clogged up by dirt or sweat, the grip
becomes hard and at this time you can purchase an overgrip.
Overgrips are temporary grips that should be replaced once for
every five times you play tennis. They become gluey if not
changed and this can affect your game. If you buy certain
artificial overgrips they may be easier to clasp then the
leather types.

Based on the adhesive used there are three types of overgrips
available. "Soft" has less friction and causes less blistering
but you have to grip it harder to stop it from twisting when
hitting off center balls. "Tacky" can give a person a lot of
blisters but it does prevent slippage and "Dry" has a flypaper
feel, this gives a player a good grip but the stickiness can
slow them down when they want to change the handle fast.

It is important to consider your tennis grip for power. It will
help you reduce the amount of energy you extend hitting the ball
into the opposing court thereby maintaining your stamina.