Overcoming Tension: 5 Practical Drills to Loosen Your Grip

Gripping too hard?

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of relaxed grip tension for achieving maximum feel and control. But what happens when you know your grip is too tight and, no matter how hard you try to relax it, you just can't? The frustration of overthinking can make the problem even worse.

The good news is, there are several simple tricks you can use to overcome this tension. These drills will help you loosen your grip and regain that crucial feel on the ball.

1. The "Stone Skipping" Drill

This is a fantastic tool for practice sessions when you're willing to give up some control. Imagine you are skipping a stone across water. The key is to completely let go of the shot and focus on a relaxed, fluid motion. Hit a few balls this way, allowing your grip to become as loose as possible. This action helps to reset your muscle memory and can make it easier to return to your normal stroke with a softer grip.

2. The "Hard-Soft" Grip Exercise

Between points or rallies, try this simple exercise. Deliberately squeeze your racquet grip as hard as you can for a moment, then immediately release all the tension and let your fingers go soft. This exaggerated contrast helps your hand and mind feel the difference between a tight and relaxed grip. The goal is to feel your fingers "melting" into the racquet handle, making it easier to maintain that relaxed feeling as you prepare for your next shot.

3. The "Open Fingers" Technique

This trick is particularly effective for groundstrokes and serves. After the ball leaves your strings, open up your four fingers and keep them spread throughout your follow-through. By intentionally opening your fingers, you physically prevent yourself from tightening up and gripping the racquet too hard. Over time, your mind will learn that you won't be holding on tightly after contact, which can lead to a more relaxed grip even before you make contact with the ball.

4. The "Pinky Up" Variation

If you tend to grip the racquet with excessive force, focusing on your little finger can be a powerful cue. Similar to the open-fingers technique, try opening just your little finger at the end of your follow-through. This small action can surprisingly help release tension in the entire hand. If you notice your little finger pointing up at the end of your stroke, this trick is likely to be very effective for you.

5. The "Extended Exhale"

Breathing is a powerful tool for controlling tension. As the ball leaves your strings, begin a long, slow exhale that continues as the ball travels over the net. Imagine you're trying to "blow" the ball over the net with your breath. This should be a smooth, controlled exhale, not a grunt, which can actually tense up your body. This breathing technique helps to relax your core muscles and can lead to a more fluid, tension-free stroke.

These last four drills (2-5) can be incorporated into your matches, as they won't have a negative effect on your shots. Give them a try during your groundstrokes and serves. Volleys are a different case and we will cover that in a future post!

Want to share your experience with these drills? Drop a comment below!