If your tennis racquet feels like it wants to twist in your hand, or you’re gripping too tight to keep it steady, the first thing to check isn’t your technique. It’s often your grip size.

Tennis Racquet Grip Size: How to Choose the Right Fit

What does grip size actually change?

Grip size affects how securely you can hold the racquet without over-squeezing. Too small and your hand can feel cramped, you may add extra tension, and the racquet can rotate a little on off-centre hits. Too big and it can be harder to change grips quickly, especially on serves, volleys and quick reaction shots at the net.

Most players notice it in two places: comfort (hot spots, blisters, forearm fatigue) and control (how steady the face feels at contact). The goal is a grip size that lets you hold the racquet firmly, but still relax your hand between shots.

How do I measure my grip size at home?

You can get a good starting point at home with either method below. Both are quick, and you do not need special tools.

Method 1: The “finger gap” check

Hold the racquet in a forehand grip (as if you’re about to hit a topspin forehand). With your other hand, try to slide your index finger into the gap between your fingertips and the base of your thumb on your gripping hand. If your finger fits neatly, you’re in the ballpark. If there’s no room, the grip may be too small. If there’s lots of room, it may be too big.

Method 2: Measure your hand

Open your playing hand and measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That measurement roughly maps to common grip sizes (often labelled in inches). It’s not perfect, but it’s a helpful cross-check if you are between sizes.

One practical tip: if you already own a racquet that feels comfortable, check the grip size printed on the butt cap and use that as your baseline.

Between sizes: should I go up or down?

This is the most common question we hear in-store. If you are truly between sizes, many players prefer to start with the slightly smaller grip and build it up.

The reason is simple: it’s easier to make a grip thicker than it is to make it thinner. An overgrip adds a touch of size and changes the feel, and some players like the extra cushioning. Going the other direction is limited. If the grip is too big from the start, your only real option is removing grip layers, and that can leave the handle feeling harsh or uneven.

There are exceptions. If you have larger hands, play a lot of doubles, or tend to hit flatter through the court, a slightly bigger grip can feel more stable. If you rely on quick grip changes, heavy topspin, or you like a very “whippy” feel, slightly smaller can feel more natural.

Overgrip or replacement grip: what’s the difference?

They do different jobs, and using the right one can solve the “my grip feels wrong” problem without changing racquets.

Replacement grip (the base layer)

A replacement grip sits directly on the handle. It’s thicker, usually more cushioned, and it sets the main shape of the grip. If your grip feels hard, slippery, or worn through, a replacement grip is the reset button. It can also help if you want a slightly larger overall feel without stacking too many overgrips.

Overgrip (the top layer)

An overgrip wraps over your existing grip. It’s thinner, cheaper to replace, and it’s the go-to for sweat control and tackiness. Many players re-wrap an overgrip every few sessions in winter, and more often in summer or if they have sweaty hands.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself what’s bothering you. If it’s slipperiness or sweat, overgrip first. If it’s discomfort, hard edges, or the grip feeling “dead”, consider a replacement grip.

What about juniors, smaller hands and growing players?

For juniors, grip size is often the hidden reason a racquet feels too heavy or awkward. If the handle is too big, kids tend to “palm” the racquet and lose fine control. A smaller, manageable grip helps them swing freely and change grips without fighting the handle.

Kids also grow quickly, and the right answer can change over a season. If you’re buying for a junior who plays weekly, it’s worth checking grip comfort every few months, especially if they’re getting blisters in the same spot or complaining that the racquet “shakes” on contact.

How tight should my grip feel when I’m playing?

Even with the right grip size, most players hold the racquet too tightly when matches get tense. A simple check is to rate your grip pressure out of 10. Between points, aim for a 2–3 out of 10, then firm up briefly on contact. If you feel constant forearm tension, try a fresh overgrip for tackiness, and make sure the grip size isn’t forcing you to squeeze.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

• Yonex Super Grap Overgrip for a tacky feel that many players like in cooler weather or indoor courts.
• HEAD Pro Grip Overgrip if you want an easy, everyday overgrip to refresh the feel without changing your base grip.
• HEAD Xtreme Soft Overgrip if you prefer a softer, more cushioned wrap on top.
• HEAD Hydrosorb Pro Replacement Tennis Grip when your base grip is worn and you want to restore comfort and shape.
• Babolat Syntec Pro Replacement Tennis Grip as a solid base option for players who like a firmer, more connected feel.
• HEAD Ti S6 Original Tennis Racquet as an example of a racquet many players compare in-store, where grip feel and hand comfort matter just as much as specs.
• Adult tennis racquets if you’re comparing frames and want to check available grip sizes before you decide.
• Shop all tennis for balls, racquets, grips and the rest of your kit in one place.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

• Buying a racquet on power, then ignoring comfort. If your hand or forearm feels sore after every hit, re-check grip size and refresh the grip first.
• Stacking too many overgrips. Two overgrips can work, but if the handle feels spongy or uneven, swap the base grip instead.
• Keeping a worn grip for too long. If the grip is shiny, slipping, or has flat spots, it’s past time. Fresh grip equals better control.
• Wrapping an overgrip with gaps. Overlap consistently so you do not create ridges that cause blisters.
• Chasing the “perfect” size and forgetting feel. Use measurements to narrow it down, then choose the one that lets your hand relax.

FAQ

Do I need to change grip size if I wear a glove?
Most tennis players do not wear a glove, but if you do (or you tape fingers), it adds thickness. Start with the grip that feels right with your normal setup, then fine-tune with an overgrip. If you change setups often, consider keeping a spare overgrip in your bag so the feel stays consistent.

How often should I replace an overgrip?
If you play weekly, many players re-wrap every few sessions, sooner if it gets slippery or the tackiness is gone. In winter you might get more life out of it. In summer, sweat and dirt can make it feel worn quickly. If you notice your hand squeezing more to stop the racquet slipping, it’s time.

Can a different grip help with tennis elbow?
A comfortable grip can reduce how hard you squeeze the racquet, which may help some players feel less forearm fatigue. That said, elbow pain can have many causes, including technique, string setup and training load. If pain sticks around, get it checked by a physio or GP.

Is it better to go thicker for more control?
Control is more about having a stable, repeatable hold. Some players feel more secure with a slightly larger grip, others lose feel and struggle to change grips. If you are unsure, start slightly smaller and add an overgrip so you can adjust in small steps.

My hands get sweaty, what should I try first?
Start with a fresh overgrip and change it often enough that it stays grippy. If sweat is heavy, keep a towel courtside and consider rotating two racquets so the grip has time to dry between games. A worn base grip can also feel slippery, so replacing that can help too.

Still deciding?

Drop into our Moorabbin, Preston or Kilsyth stores to feel a few grip sizes in your hand and compare overgrips side by side. If you’re shopping online, our team can help you work out a sensible starting point for your racquet and playing style.