Walk into any tennis shop and you’ll quickly discover that racquets come in different grip sizes. Most players know they should choose the right one, but very few actually know what “right” looks like.
Grip size is important because it affects comfort, control, spin, and even your risk of injury. A grip that’s too big or too small can make tennis harder than it needs to be.
The good news is that finding the right grip size is usually straightforward.
What Is Grip Size?
Grip size refers to the circumference of the racquet handle.
Adult tennis racquets are typically available in the following sizes:
| Grip Size | Circumference |
| L0 | 4″ (100mm) |
| L1 | 4 1/8″ (105mm) |
| L2 | 4 1/4″ (108mm) |
| L3 | 4 3/8″ (111mm) |
| L4 | 4 1/2″ (114mm) |
| L5 | 4 5/8″ (118mm) |
In New Zealand, most adult players use either an L2 or L3 grip.
Most women and juniors moving into adult racquets will typically use an L1 or L2.
Most men will generally fall into the L2 or L3 range.
L4 and L5 grips are becoming increasingly uncommon.
Why Grip Size Matters
Many players assume grip size is simply about comfort, but it affects much more than that.
A grip that is too small often causes players to squeeze the handle harder to maintain control. This increases tension in the forearm and can contribute to blisters, arm fatigue and, in some cases, tennis elbow.
A grip that is too large can make it difficult to change grips quickly, reduce wrist mobility, and make it harder to generate racquet head speed and spin.
The goal is to find a grip that allows you to hold the racquet securely without excessive squeezing.
The Traditional Finger Test
For decades, coaches and racquet specialists have used a simple fitting method.
- Hold the racquet in your normal forehand grip.
- There should be enough space between your fingertips and the base of your thumb to fit the index finger of your other hand.
- If there is no room, the grip is probably too small.
- If there is a large gap, the grip is probably too big.
This method isn’t perfect, but it remains a useful starting point.
The Ruler Method
If you want a more precise measurement, you can measure your hand.
Place your dominant hand flat with your fingers together.
Measure from the middle crease of your palm up to the tip of your ring finger.
That measurement will usually correspond closely to your ideal grip size.
For example:
- Around 100mm = L0
- Around 105mm = L1
- Around 108mm = L2
- Around 111mm = L3
- Around 114mm = L4
Again, this provides a starting point rather than a definitive answer.
Why Modern Players Often Use Smaller Grips
If you compare today’s professional players to previous generations, you’ll notice a trend towards slightly smaller grip sizes.
A smaller grip allows:
- More wrist movement.
- Easier grip changes.
- Greater racquet head speed.
- Increased topspin potential.
This is one reason many modern players use a grip size that is slightly smaller than traditional fitting guides would recommend.
However, smaller isn’t always better.
Many recreational players hear that professionals use smaller grips and immediately assume they should do the same. In reality, professional players have exceptional hand strength, timing and technique.
What works for them may not work for you.
Can Overgrips Change Grip Size?
Yes.
Every overgrip adds a small amount to the circumference of the handle.
One overgrip will typically increase the feel of the grip by approximately half a grip size.
This is why many players buy a racquet slightly smaller and then add an overgrip to achieve their preferred feel.
For example:
- An L2 with one overgrip often feels close to an L3.
- An L1 with one overgrip often feels close to an L2.
This flexibility makes it easier to fine-tune your setup.
What Grip Size Do Most Coaches Recommend?
Most coaches would rather see a player slightly too small than slightly too large.
A grip that is slightly small can be adjusted with an overgrip.
A grip that is too large is much harder to reduce.
That doesn’t mean choosing the smallest grip possible. It simply means leaving yourself some room to customise the handle if needed.
Signs Your Grip Size Is Wrong
You may need to reconsider your grip size if:
- The racquet twists in your hand frequently.
- You feel like you’re constantly squeezing the handle.
- You develop blisters in the same areas repeatedly.
- Your forearm becomes fatigued quickly.
- Changing grips feels awkward or slow.
- The racquet feels cumbersome during serves and groundstrokes.
These symptoms aren’t always caused by grip size, but they are often worth investigating.
The Best Way To Decide
Grip size is part science and part personal preference.
Measurements and fitting guides are useful, but they don’t replace actually hitting tennis balls.
Two players with identical hand sizes may prefer different grips because of their technique, playing style or simply what feels comfortable.
If you’re purchasing a new racquet, ask your coach for their opinion or visit a specialist tennis retailer who can watch you hold and swing the racquet.
The goal isn’t to find the “perfect” number. The goal is to find a grip that feels comfortable, allows you to play freely, and helps you stay relaxed throughout a match.
For most players, that’s far more important than whether the label on the butt cap says L2 or L3.
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