Tennis and padel overgrips: how to choose one and when to change it

An overgrip is the thin wrap that goes over your racket's original grip. It cushions, absorbs sweat and gives you something to hold on to. Because it wears out fast, it is also the first thing to check when your racket starts to slip.

Tacky or dry?

• Tacky overgrips feel slightly sticky when new. Great in dry conditions and for players with little sweat. When soaked, many turn slick.
• Dry overgrips feel more like fabric and absorb moisture well. Many players with sweaty hands in humid climates prefer them, especially when paired with a grip enhancer.

Thickness and grip size

Each overgrip adds a little thickness to the handle. One overgrip on a racket with the right grip size is usually enough. If the handle feels too thin, a second overgrip is a cheap way to build it up; if it feels too thick, your hand tires faster and you lose feel.

Signs it is time to change it

• The surface looks shiny or smooth where your hand sits.
• It stays damp or smells, even after drying.
• It is torn, thin or bunched at the top or bottom.
• Your racket twists in your hand even with dry palms.

How often depends on how much you play and sweat. Players who sweat a lot and play several times a week often change it every few sessions; many competitive players fit a fresh overgrip before every match.

How to wrap it without slips

1. Remove the old overgrip and wipe the base grip clean.
2. Start at the butt cap, with the tapered end, and wrap upwards.
3. Keep steady tension and overlap each turn by a few millimetres. Wrap direction is personal: use the one that feels most natural in your hand.
4. Finish at the top of the handle and secure it with the finishing tape.

Make a fresh overgrip last longer

• Play with clean, dry hands and wipe sweat with a towel between points.
• Use a grip enhancer such as ONGrip on your palm, so the overgrip does less of the work.
• Let your racket air out after playing instead of zipping it into a bag straight away.

Read more: 7 ways to stop your racket slipping and chalk vs grip spray vs towel. Ready for a steadier grip? See ONGrip.