A grip that starts creeping around the handle can make even a comfortable racket feel unreliable. The fix is usually a fresh wrap, but a neat result depends on more than pulling the material tight: start at the right end, overlap it evenly, and finish without creating a bulky ridge.
The instructions below cover an overgrip—the thin layer most players replace regularly—as well as the thicker replacement grip underneath. The basic technique is similar, but you should not remove the original grip when you are only changing an overgrip.
Choose the right grip for the job
An overgrip goes on top of the racket’s existing grip. It is thin, quick to replace, and available in tacky or absorbent finishes. A replacement grip replaces the thicker base layer and often adds more cushioning. If the handle feels comfortable and you just want a fresher or drier surface, use an overgrip. If the base grip is torn, badly worn, or coming loose, replace it instead.
Here are five popular overgrips, each suited to a slightly different preference. Feel is personal, so treat these as useful starting points rather than universal winners.
| Overgrip | Best suited to | Strengths | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | Players who want a familiar, balanced feel | Thin, comfortable, and tacky without feeling unusually textured | Can become slick as it wears or gets saturated with sweat |
| Tourna Grip Original | Heavy sweaters and humid conditions | Absorbent feel that many players prefer once their hands get damp | It can feel dry or less tacky when your hands are not sweating |
| Yonex Super Grap | Players looking for a soft, tacky all-rounder | Comfortable and grippy, with a cushioned feel for a thin overgrip | May feel too sticky to players who prefer a dry surface |
| HEAD XtremeSoft | Players who like a plush, tacky surface | Soft feel and good initial grip, with perforations on many versions | Softness can wear down with frequent play |
| Babolat VS Original | Players who want a notably thin wrap | Preserves more of the handle’s original shape and bevel feel | Offers less cushioning than thicker-feeling alternatives |
Before wrapping, check which side of your chosen grip is meant to face outward. Some overgrips have a protective film over the tacky surface, and some have a small adhesive tab at the tapered end. Follow the markings or instructions on the packet if they differ from the general steps below.
How to wrap an overgrip
- Prepare the racket. Take off the old overgrip, but leave the replacement grip underneath. Remove any leftover pieces of finishing tape. Wipe the handle dry so the new wrap has a clean surface to grip.
- Find the starting end. Unroll a short section and locate the narrow, angled end. Peel away any backing film as you go. If there is a small adhesive strip, use it to anchor the tip near the butt cap.
- Anchor it at the butt cap. Hold the racket so the butt cap faces you. Place the tapered end against the base of the handle and wrap it around the cap once, keeping the material flat. Leave enough coverage that the original grip does not show at the very bottom.
- Work up the handle. Move toward the racket throat in a steady spiral. Each turn should overlap the previous one by roughly one-eighth of an inch, or a few millimeters. The exact amount is less important than keeping it consistent: too little overlap can leave gaps, while too much creates ridges and adds bulk.
- Keep the wrap smooth. Use light, even tension and smooth the material with your thumb as you go. Pulling hard can stretch or narrow the overgrip, making it bunch later. Try to keep the edge aligned along one of the handle’s bevels rather than wandering across the flat faces.
- Finish near the throat. When you reach the top of the handle, stop before the racket frame. Cut the excess end at a diagonal so it lies flat. Wrap the finishing tape around the cut edge, overlapping the grip slightly so the end cannot lift.
- Check the result. Turn the racket in your hand and feel for lumps, loose spots, or exposed sections. If one overlap is badly uneven, it is usually easier to unwind and redo it than to keep adding tape.
Players sometimes ask which direction to wrap. There is no need to get caught up in a compass direction: the important thing is to keep the seam flat and secure, and to avoid leaving an edge that catches on your fingers. If the seam lifts during play, try wrapping in the opposite direction next time.
Replacing the base grip
For a replacement grip, first remove the overgrip, if there is one. Unwind the old base grip from the top of the handle down toward the butt cap, then remove any adhesive residue. Start the new replacement grip at the butt cap and follow the same steady, overlapping spiral toward the throat. Replacement grips are thicker, so keep the overlap especially even; uneven layers can change how the handle feels in your hand.
Use the adhesive strip or tapered end supplied with the grip to anchor it, and finish with the included tape. Do not remove the base grip if you are only trying to change the surface feel: wrapping directly over the bare handle can make it too firm and may noticeably change the handle size.
Common wrapping mistakes
- Uneven overlap: This creates ridges that can distract your hand or make the handle feel larger in some places.
- Too much tension: Stretching the wrap hard can make it narrow, distort the spiral, or pull the finish loose later.
- Gaps at the butt cap: Start with the tapered end securely anchored and cover the bottom edge neatly.
- Wrapping over a damp handle: Sweat or moisture can make the new grip shift. Let the handle dry before fitting it.
- Waiting until the grip is unusable: If it feels slick, starts fraying, or twists in your palm, replace it before an important match.
There is no fixed replacement schedule. A frequent player may change an overgrip every few sessions, while someone who plays occasionally may get much longer from one. Sweat, heat, and personal preference matter more than the calendar. If you begin gripping the racket harder because the handle feels slippery, that is a good sign to put on a fresh one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an overgrip directly on the handle?
You can, but it is generally better to apply it over a replacement grip. The base grip provides cushioning and protects the handle. Wrapping over bare material can make the handle feel harder and may change its size and shape.
How much should an overgrip overlap?
A small, consistent overlap—around one-eighth of an inch, or a few millimeters—is a good starting point. Overlap slightly more if you see gaps, but avoid stacking too much material in one area.
Should the overgrip cover the butt cap?
It should wrap securely around the base so the edge does not slip, but it should not create a thick lump over the cap. Keep the first turn flat and check that the finished handle still feels comfortable in your palm.
How often should I replace a tennis overgrip?
Replace it when it feels slick, loses its tack, starts to fray, or moves around the handle. Players who sweat heavily may need a new one after only a few sessions; others can use one much longer.
Final Thoughts
A good wrap should feel smooth, secure, and consistent from the butt cap to the throat. Anchor the tapered end carefully, keep the overlap even, and use moderate tension. Once you have done it a couple of times, the process takes only a few minutes—and a fresh grip can make your racket feel dependable again without changing anything about your swing.
