Jorge Capestany – TennisDrills TV

Grip Tension in Tennis

Understanding proper grip tension in tennis is difficult for many players. A grip that is too tight will decrease your ability to generate racquet head speed and may lead to injury. Conversely, a grip that is too loose may lead to a lack of control and poor technique.

As a teaching professional, I have noticed that it is not helpful for my students if I simply say hold it “looser” or “tighter” Because they do not know what that means. Looser or tighter than what? What they really need a reference point not just the verbal instruction.

Consequently, I now use a numbering system from 1-5 (1 being loose and 5 being tight). Now I can tell my student that they are holding the grip at a “4” tension and it should be a “2” tension. This makes more sense to them and is a better way to communicate with our players.

We know that new or nervous players tend to grip the handle too tight. We need to look for this in newer players. Other players tend to tighten their grip during match play, but not so much while practicing. 

Shot

Grip Tension

Serve

1-2

Groundstrokes

2-3

Overhead

2-3

Volleys

3

But what is the consensus as far as grip tensions for the various tennis shots. It is said that tennis should be played with a generally loose grip. To the right is a sample of what various shot might require in terms of grip tension:

The point of this article is not whether you agree with the numbers above as much as it is intended to get ups thinking about what the numbers should be. Take a look at your own strokes and that of any students you might work with and simply take a grip tension audit. Just pay attention to what the grip tensions are for various shots and determine if corrective action needs to be taken.

Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV

Jorge is the Founder of www.tennisdrills.tv - a video based website that shows more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Jorge is one of only nine people world-wide that is a Master Professional with both the USPTA and PTR. Jorge is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year. Jorge has coached hundreds of ranked juniors including 3 national champions.