Tennis Grip Too Big or Too Small? Here's the Easy Fix

Tennis Racquet Grip Size Guide

Choosing the correct tennis racquet grip size is essential for comfort, control, and injury prevention. Grip sizes are measured in inches and refer to the circumference of the racquet handle.

Pro tip: If you're between sizes, choose the smaller grip. You can always increase grip size using overgrips or a heat-shrink sleeve.

How to Tell If Your Grip Is the Wrong Size

Signs Your Grip Is Too Big

When your handle is oversized, there will be some signs. First and foremost, if your racquet’s grip feels bulky, like you can’t properly hold and swing the racquet, it’s probably too big. Other signs include wrist restriction when trying to generate topspin, especially on forehands and kick serves. The racquet feels clunky during quick grip changes between Eastern and Continental grips. You might experience unusual forearm fatigue because your muscles work harder to control the larger handle. Many players also report feeling disconnected from their shots, as if the racquet isn't responding precisely to their hand movements.

For years, I played with a grip too big for my hand. I developed strange habits, and not to mention, the racquet would often spontaneously fly out of my hand.

Signs Your Grip Is Too Small

An undersized grip forces you to squeeze much harder than necessary to maintain control. You'll notice the racquet twisting in your hand on off-center hits, particularly when hitting late or stretched wide. This over-gripping often leads to hand cramping, forearm tightness, or elbow soreness after long practice sessions. Blisters between your fingers or on your palm are another clear indicator that you're compensating for an inadequate grip size with excessive pressure.

If Your Grip Feels Too Big

The solution involves reducing the thickness of your grip wrap through strategic removal or replacement.

Step 1: Remove the Overgrip. Start with the simplest fix by peeling off your current overgrip. This instantly reduces the handle circumference and gives you a baseline feel for the underlying replacement grip. Hit some balls without any overgrip to test whether this solves the problem. Many players, however, prefer the feel of an overgrip.

Step 2: Switch to a Thinner Overgrip If you need some cushioning but want to minimize bulk, try an ultra-thin overgrip. These maintain the tackiness and moisture absorption you want without significantly increasing handle size. The classic Tourna Grip overgrip is an incredible option for this.

Step 3: Replace with a Thinner Replacement Grip. For a more permanent solution, remove the base replacement grip entirely and install a thinner version. This approach reduces the handle circumference more dramatically than just changing overgrips. The process requires more time and effort, but it's worth it if your racquet feels noticeably oversized even without an overgrip. While many Replacement Grips are thick and chunky, some, like the Wilson Roger Federer Leather Replacement Grip, are significantly thinner. That said, what you gain in slimness, you lose in cushioning.

If these steps still leave your grip feeling too large, you may need to consider that the racquet's base grip size doesn't match your hand.

If Your Grip Feels Too Small

Building up your handle thickness requires adding layers or switching to bulkier grip options.

Step 1: Add One Overgrip. The most straightforward solution is wrapping a fresh overgrip over your existing setup. A single overgrip typically increases grip size by about 1/16 of a standard grip size, which is perfect for players caught between official sizes. This change is completely reversible and costs under ten dollars. My personal favorite is the Wilson Pro Overgrip.

Step 2: Add a Second Overgrip (If Needed). Players with larger hands sometimes benefit from stacking two overgrips. While it’s somewhat unconventional, it can do the trick. Apply the first layer smoothly, then add the second overgrip directly on top. Test this setup during practice before committing, as some players find double-wrapped grips feel too spongy or rounded.

Step 3: Use a Thicker Replacement Grip. For a more solid, permanent feel, replace your base grip with a thicker model. Thick replacement grips provide more stability than multiple overgrip layers and maintain crisp bevel definition. This option works best when you're confident about needing a larger handle long-term.

Remember to avoid excessive layering, as too many wraps can blur the octagonal shape that helps with proper hand placement.

Pro Tips for Getting It Right

Your grip should feel secure without requiring a death squeeze. You should maintain control during aggressive swings while keeping your hand and forearm relaxed between points. Before trimming excess tape, hit several shots to confirm the new size feels right. When rewrapping, maintain consistent tension to preserve the beveled edges that guide your hand position. Replace worn grips promptly, as compressed padding changes the effective grip size and can gradually throw off your feel.

Fixing Your Grip Should be Easy

Fixing grip size problems doesn't require expensive equipment changes or trips to the pro shop. Small adjustments to your grip wrap can immediately improve your comfort, control, and confidence on court. Start with reversible changes like adding or removing overgrips before making permanent modifications. With a properly sized handle, you'll play better tennis and reduce your injury risk.