A loose, slick grip can turn a comfortable racket into a distraction just when you need your hands to feel steady. The good news: changing an overgrip takes only a few minutes once you know where to start, how tightly to wrap it, and how to avoid a lumpy finish.
First, know which grip you’re changing
An overgrip is the thin, removable layer wrapped over the racket’s handle. It is the one most players replace often, especially when it gets sweaty, dirty, or smooth. A replacement grip is thicker and goes directly on the handle after the old grip is removed. Replacing one takes longer and is usually done less often.
If you’re looking for a quick change before a match, you probably mean an overgrip. Keep a fresh one, scissors, and a small piece of finishing tape in your bag. Some overgrips include finishing tape; check before you head to the court.
How to change an overgrip quickly
- Remove the old overgrip. Peel off the finishing tape, then unwind the grip from the top of the handle down to the butt cap. If it has stuck to itself, take your time rather than pulling hard enough to lift the underlying grip.
- Check the handle. Brush away loose adhesive or dirt. If the original grip is torn or badly worn, an overgrip may not sit evenly; replace the base grip when you have time.
- Find the starting end. Most overgrips have one tapered end. Peel off its backing if there is one, then place the narrow end against the handle near the butt cap. The grip should cover the edge of the cap slightly without blocking the flare that helps keep the racket from slipping out of your hand.
- Wrap upward with steady tension. Hold the racket securely and rotate it as you guide the overgrip around the handle. Each turn should overlap the previous one by roughly an eighth of an inch. A little tension keeps the wrap smooth; pulling too hard can stretch or distort it.
- Keep the overlap even. Follow the handle’s bevels and check the wrap as you go. If a turn starts to bunch or leave a gap, unwind it a little and correct it now. Small mistakes become more noticeable near the top.
- Finish at the top of the handle. When you reach the end, mark the angle where the grip should stop and trim the excess diagonally with scissors. Secure the end with finishing tape, wrapping the tape around the top edge. Press it down firmly.
- Check the feel. Hold the racket in your usual grip and make a few practice swings. Look for loose edges, wrinkles, or a handle that feels noticeably larger than before.
With a little practice, the process can take around two or three minutes. For a faster change during a match, remove the old overgrip before the changeover and have the new one unwrapped and ready. Don’t rush the final turns: a neat wrap is more useful than saving a few seconds and discovering a loose edge during a rally.
How to make the wrap feel right
Match your usual overlap
Overlap controls how much of the handle the grip covers and affects the finished feel. A tight, narrow overlap leaves more of the underlying grip exposed; a wider overlap creates a thicker, cushioned handle. Use a consistent overlap all the way up rather than adjusting it as you go.
Keep the handle’s bevels clear
The flat sides and edges of the handle help you sense racket orientation, especially when switching quickly between forehands and backhands. A very thick or uneven wrap can soften those cues. If you rely on feeling the bevels, avoid stretching the grip too much and keep the overlap modest.
Don’t compensate for a poor base grip
Adding layer after layer may make the handle too large and round. If the grip feels bulky, remove the extra overgrips instead of trying to wrap the next one more tightly. Players who need a different handle size should consider a properly sized replacement grip or a professional adjustment.
Five overgrips worth considering
Grip choice is personal: some players want a dry, absorbent feel, while others prefer a tackier surface. These familiar options cover several common preferences. Product feel can also vary with temperature, humidity, and how much your hands sweat.
| Overgrip | Feel | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | Tacky and soft | Players wanting an all-around feel |
| Tourna Grip Original | Dry and absorbent | Sweaty hands or humid conditions |
| Yonex Super Grap | Tacky with cushioning | Players who like a secure, comfortable hold |
| HEAD XtremeSoft | Soft and tacky | Players who favor a plush feel |
| Gamma Supreme Overgrip | Tacky with a firmer feel | Players looking for a durable-feeling option |
Wilson Pro Overgrip
A versatile pick with a soft, tacky feel that suits many recreational and competitive players. It offers a familiar balance of comfort and control, though players who want a very dry surface may find it too tacky. It’s a practical starting point if you’re not sure what you like.
Tourna Grip Original
This is a well-known choice for players whose hands get wet during long sessions. Its dry feel is particularly appealing in heat or humidity, and many players like how it absorbs sweat rather than feeling slick. It may feel less cushioned than tackier options, and its appearance can show dirt quickly.
Yonex Super Grap
Super Grap is a popular all-around option with a tacky surface and a comfortable amount of cushioning. It can work well for players who want the racket to feel secure without choosing an extremely dry grip. If you prefer a thin, sharply defined feel of the bevels, its cushioning may feel like more than you need.
HEAD XtremeSoft
This grip is a good candidate for players who enjoy a softer, plusher feel in the hand. That comfort can be welcome during extended practice or match play. The trade-off is that players who favor a firmer, more direct handle sensation may prefer a less cushioned option.
Gamma Supreme Overgrip
Gamma Supreme offers a tacky feel with a somewhat firmer impression than especially soft choices. It’s worth trying if you want a secure hold but don’t want the handle to feel overly padded. As with any tacky grip, players who sweat heavily may prefer a more absorbent, dry-feel model.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrapping too loosely: Loose sections can rotate or wrinkle as you play. Keep consistent tension throughout.
- Pulling too hard: Excessive stretching can make the grip thin or uneven. Aim for snug, not strained.
- Using too much overlap: This can make the handle bulky and round off the bevels.
- Skipping the finish tape: The final end may peel up. Secure it neatly so it doesn’t catch on your hand.
- Waiting until the grip is unusable: Change it when it starts feeling slick, shifting, or uncomfortable—not only when it looks worn out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change an overgrip?
There’s no fixed schedule. Change it when it loses its tack or absorbency, feels slick, or starts moving on the handle. A frequent player may replace one every few sessions; someone who plays occasionally may get much longer from it.
Can I change an overgrip during a match?
Players commonly change one during a changeover when a grip becomes too wet or slippery. Have the replacement ready and work quickly, but don’t sacrifice a secure wrap just to finish faster.
Should I wrap the grip tightly or loosely?
Use steady, moderate tension. The overgrip should sit firmly against the handle without being stretched thin or pulled so hard that it distorts.
Can I put a new overgrip over an old one?
You can, but it may make the handle larger and less defined. For a clean, consistent feel, remove the old overgrip first. If the handle still feels too small, consider a properly sized base grip rather than stacking layers indefinitely.
Final Thoughts
A quick overgrip change comes down to a few habits: start at the butt cap, overlap evenly, keep the handle’s bevels in mind, and secure the finish. Try a couple of grip types to find the surface that suits your hands and playing conditions, then keep a spare in your bag. A fresh, well-wrapped handle lets you focus on the next shot instead of adjusting your hand between points.
