Had surgery on my elbow in November and began playing again this past weekend. After talking to several tennis people, it appears that my injury was caused by gripping the racquet too tight. I have always gripped the racquet tight, and even had the same issue when I played golf.

I have always used the larger grip on a racquetball racquet. Any thoughts on switching to the smaller grip to help with this problem? Also, any helpful hints to stop gripping the racquet too tight. Our clubs tennis pro suggested putting a nail under the grip. Don't know if I like this, but I'm open to any suggestions. Don't want to have to go through this surgery again.

Thanks

Players overtighten their racquet grip for the same reason some poke instead of stroke their shot -- insecurity. They have the feeling that it gives them better control.

That's a false illusion.

The looser your grip, the easier it is to snap your wrist. The easier it is to snap your wrist, the better you are able to change the direction of a shot with a quick flick and whip a shot with maximum velocity.

Use the smallest diameter grip you can get; hold the racquet as loosely as possible without spinning it in your hand from the shot impact; choke down on the grip using as few fingers to hold the racquet as you can manage. Let centrifugal force from whipping loose joints do the work to accelerate the racquet head.

If you do these things, you won't get any elbow problems.

Try this "new" technique exclusively, screw whether you look foolish or lose games. Unless you have the coordination of a spastic mongoose in heat, in a few weeks you will catch on to it and never go back to your old way.

Control Freak

Players overtighten their racquet grip for the same reason some poke instead of stroke their shot -- insecurity. They have the feeling that it gives them better control.

That's a false illusion.

The looser your grip, the easier it is to snap your wrist. The easier it is to snap your wrist, the better you are able to change the direction of a shot with a quick flick and whip a shot with maximum velocity.

Use the smallest diameter grip you can get; hold the racquet as loosely as possible without spinning it in your hand from the shot impact; choke down on the grip using as few fingers to hold the racquet as you can manage. Let centrifugal force from whipping loose joints do the work to accelerate the racquet head.

If you do these things, you won't get any elbow problems.

Try this "new" technique exclusively, screw whether you look foolish or lose games. Unless you have the coordination of a spastic mongoose in heat, in a few weeks you will catch on to it and never go back to your old way.

I endorse this message... :)

I agree with what's been shared thus far. I would also include that you may want to check your grip and glove combo. Could be that you need a new grip or glove so when you hold the racquet handle more loosely, you have the confidence that it won't slip out of your hand.

Your hand will automatically tighten some on impact, so the racquet should not come out of your hand unless you let it go or your grip is wet and slippery.

Here's another factor to consider which may be partly contrary to some of the above: People tend to grip too tightly when their racquet handle is too small (to prevent it from turning in the hand when hitting the ball). Therefore, consider going up in grip size. A small difference (such as one additonal layer of grip tape) can make a big difference.

Another vote for smaller grip size. I know that I accidentally bought a racquet once with an XS (3 7/8") instead of a SS (3 5/8") and found myself having to grip the racquet much tighter to have some control. I still found that the racquet would turn in my hand upon impact and eventually was able to return it. Also, since you are a golfer, I am sure you are familiar with gripping the club "like you are holding a baby bird" (Ben Hogan?). Like someone said earlier about the light grip, try applying that technique to your racquetball grip.

I gotta say one thing about this forum...get a bunch of racquetball guys together, and we can solve the world's problems!:)

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to use the small grip and see what happens. Interesting, the other night I was asking a pro player about the pain and I sent him a link to a video of me playing. His first comment was..."you are swinging with only your right side....no wonder your elbow hurts." Something to think about. Hopefully a combination of the grip size and opening up my body when I swing will help.

I tried a smaller grip 2.5 weeks ago and wow did my elbow hurt. Went back to a larger grip and felt better right away. My 2 cents

Dan

RCYMCA

I tried a smaller grip 2.5 weeks ago and wow did my elbow hurt. Went back to a larger grip and felt better right away.

try a little more lubricant, that should help too

You guys are all on the right track. The pro player was the closest. The number one cause of elbow pain is swing. Grip can be a factor, but not nearly as much as swing. Start your swing with the racquet high in the air behind your head and your elbow bent at least 90 degrees. You should be facing one of the side walls. Step toward the front wall. Twist at the waist. Lead with your elbow, follow with the wrist, then the racquet. Bend your knees and swing through the ball. Follow through on a forehand should wrap around your waist. Follow through on the backhand brings the racquet around behind your back. This technique produces ultimate power with no pain. Take a lesson. Get it first hand. It will be the best money you ever spent.

...must be me, but why would you put a nail under your racquet it could be dangerous.