Hi, Well, we all know that the Indonesian Pairing of Sigit and Candra do grip up very high. This is made obvious when Sigit or Candra are defending. I saw this photo on www.badmintonphoto.com of Sigit in the Copenhagen Masters. I think the picture speaks for itself, a truly phenominal way of gripping, a way, in which i could not play with a grip that high. http://www.badmintonphoto.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=&products_id=1191 Matt
Matt, I doubt that they actually grip all the way on the shaft. My belief is that they were too lazy to trim the towel grip. Can you imagine if they actually do and hold the racquet like the table tennis players do (Eastern grip)???
I don't think we can generate any useful power if we grip too close or even past the balance point of a given racquet, although we'd have to grip pretty high to get there. I think one of the most likely reasons why Sigit rolled the overgrip up that high is to alter the balance point of the racquet i.e. make it more head-light for better reaction times. It also difficult to keep the racquet from twisting in one's hand if holding it completely by the shaft due to its small diameter.
WWC, I know he dont hold it that high ! But there must be a reason for him doing it, like you say, he doesnt hold that high. And its pure laziness if he cant be bothered to cut the grip, so, there must be a reason why? Matt
I grip pretty high when I play doubles (long time ago), especially when I am up front. The shuttle comes up to me so fast that I have no time to react and return properly if I don¡¯t grip up high. I always grip up high and hold the racquet up when I am up front. My thumb and forefinger will be gripping just below the shaft. Try it, you react a lot faster.
Some weired thoughts: 1. Grip high to confuse opponent. 2. Use the racket upside down, swing like a baseball bat... 3. same swing, however, to ur partner, when he makes a mistake???
With that much tape (especially if it's padded tape) at the base of the raquet, the balance of the raquet will be quite different - specifically the head of the raquet will feel lighter. Maybe Sigit prefers it like this - perhaps he finds it easier when doing his crazy defensive stuff (between the legs etc..)
I've noticed that Sigit sometimes wipes his hand dry on the shaft. That could be an additional functional aspect of the high grip. (Although I have actually seen him grip REALLY high up during rallies...)
I believe that is a towel grip, he may want to - 1. use the extra towel grip to wipe off his sweaty hands or 2. add weight to his racket shaft - at least a few grams more
I watched him playing in the All England and he was gripping on the shaft - particularly when defending.
Personally, I wonder why anyone would want to grip THAT high... a little over the top and then some. How does someone even apply grip that high? It's making his racquet look like a mp99! I'll attach the pic in case anyone's too lazy to look it up at badminton photo.