Is there a way to reduce the grip size of a tennis racquet?

Question

I want to reduce 4 1/2 to 4 3/8.

Answer 1

Yes, there are ways to reduce the grip size of a racquet. Lots of them (including Babolat, Wilson, etc.) have the shavable compound on the handle. This technique, however, is extremely difficult. Here at Tennis Nation we have to shave the grip handles down with sandpaper, just rotating and shaving each bevel evenly. It is a tedious process and can result in being very inaccurate.

However, some racquets like Volkl have changeable handle palettes. These are palettes that you can order directly from the company or through your local tennis shop. They come in different grip sizes, so if you have a recent Volkl model, you're in luck!

When purchasing a racquet, we encourage you to purchase the smaller grip size (if you're stuck between a couple of sizes) mainly because it is MUCH easier to build up a grip rather than to shave it (unless it's Volkl, as stated above). Building up the grip is so much easier - we apply heatshrink tubes and they are also easy to remove if you change your mind later!

Good luck!

-Your pals at Brad Gilbert Tennis Nation

Answer 2

You used to be able to shave down the handles on old wood racquets. With today's racquets, any size adjustments have to be made with the grips or overgrip.

Your best bet is to try a thinner grip than what is on the racquet currently. It shouldn't be too hard. I actually managed to go the other way by building up a 4 3/8 to a 4/12 by simply using two layers of overgrip

Answer 3

spread your hand almost flat