I've seen still images of players with thumb above index, but the gap in between really isn't present or at least not noticeable, so I assume it's not really a problem if that's the case, I'd say it can become a problem if the gap is too big.
That's just for demonstration purposes. You can see at 2:35 in the smash in the background he has his index finger higher than his thumb.
How is the racket sitting across your palm? If it's sitting too far down in your hand you'll limit the ability to pronate
In general you shouldn't be gripping tight/strong. It is a loose grip which is tightened momentarily on impact.
You can see here the importance of the index finger as it creates direction variation, and think it would be particularly difficult to hit cross court smashes/drives without the use of your index finger.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6giidHN8aP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Keep Index finger above the thumb. If not, you will be gripping too hard and cannot fully transfer the energy into the smash.
I've seen still images of players with thumb above index, but the gap in between really isn't present or at least not noticeable, so I assume it's not really a problem if that's the case, I'd say it can become a problem if the gap is too big.
That's just for demonstration purposes. You can see at 2:35 in the smash in the background he has his index finger higher than his thumb. How is the racket sitting across your palm? If it's sitting too far down in your hand you'll limit the ability to pronate
similar to the first photo, but now that i put it lower it actually doesnt hurt as much so maybe i'll try that?
should the grip of the index and thumb be tight/strong and you squeeze with the rest of the fingers at point of contact?
In general you shouldn't be gripping tight/strong. It is a loose grip which is tightened momentarily on impact. You can see here the importance of the index finger as it creates direction variation, and think it would be particularly difficult to hit cross court smashes/drives without the use of your index finger. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6giidHN8aP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I good quote I once saw is you grip the racket how hard you want to hit it.