Michael Amador tennis tips for adults - Grip tension

Pros use various levels of grip tension while gripping the racquet for various shots. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the tightest, they typically use about a 5 to 7 grip tension level for most ground strokes, volleys, returns and serves.

Level 4 grip squeeze is good for drop shots. It softens the hand which absorbs tension deadening the shot. Level 3 and lower grip tension is too loose allowing the head of the racquet to twist in hand when the ball is hit outside the sweet spot. Most volleys are missed at the net due to level 3 tension instead of levels 6 or 7. Cautious players, who are i...