How to change an overgrip on a tennis racquet

How do you change a tennis racquet overgrip?

You’ll need the overgrip of your choice and ideally some scissors. The overgrip should come with some finishing tape, which you will need for the final step of this quick and easy process.

First remove the old overgrip (leave the grip underneath).

Next unravel the overgrip and peel off the protective plastic.

You start at the bottom of the racquet handle, attaching the end of the overgrip with the adhesive part, and you then wrap the overgrip around the racquet, taking care that the overlaps are small, smooth and all the same size. If you would like to have a thicker overgrip, wrap it so there are larger overlaps that will build up the thickness.

Stretch the overgrip slightly as you wrap it around the racquet as that will keep tension in the overgrip, though don’t pull it so tight that it gets too thin or rips (you may also wish to have a looser feel, in which case don’t put that much tension into the overgrip).

If you’re right-handed, wrap clockwise and if you’re a lefty, wrap anti-clockwise. That will give you the best possible feel and comfort.

Keep wrapping the overgrip until you reach the top of the handle. There will probably be some excess overgrip which you can remove by cutting with the scissors.

Making a diagonal cut will give you a cleaner, neater finish and help the overgrip to stay in place. To check you haven’t lost any tension in the overgrip, pull it slightly. Hold the overgrip and secure it with the finishing tape.

Do you put the overgrip over the original grip?

Yes, you leave the original grip on the handle, only removing the old overgrip before putting on a new one.

How often should I change my overgrip on my tennis racquet?

This depends on how often you play tennis. If you’re playing frequently, you will need to change the overgrip more often than if you’re only on the court occasionally. But unless you are competing at a very high level you probably don’t need to do what the professionals do and change your overgrip for every match.

You can often tell by the look and feel of the overgrip when it’s time to change it. Remember that it’s cheaper to replace the overgrip than the grip, and that the overgrip is designed to be changed regularly.

Which side of the overgrip faces out?

There will be an adhesive part on the overgrip. That side should be facing the grip of your racquet as that will help to hold it in place. So the other side faces out.

Can replacing the overgrip improve your performance?

Yes. A fresh overgrip means greater feel, control and comfort. A new, more absorbent overgrip will help to stop the racquet slipping in your sweaty hand.

Some overgrips can be slightly sticky, which will improve your grip, helping you to feel as though you’re in full control of the handle and the racquet.

Putting on a new overgrip can help you to feel more confident about your game, which is likely to enhance your performance. Regularly changing the overgrip on your racquet can also reduce the chance of blisters.

Is it necessary to customise the thickness of the grip?

Adding an overgrip is a way of building up the thickness of the grip. Some players like to have a larger grip and others choose to have it smaller – it depends on the size of your hand and size of the handle and also your personal preference. It’s easy to customize the thickness of the overgrip – simply build up the thickness with larger overlaps.