How to wrap a tennis overgrip in 5 minutes
A fresh grip is the cheapest upgrade for your tennis racket. The racket sits more securely in your hand, you don't have to squeeze as hard and your arm is spared. In this guide we show you step by step how to wrap an overgrip, which side goes up, when to change it and which grips work best for sweaty hands.
▶ View all overgripsOvergrip or replacement grip?
Before you start, it's worth taking a quick look at the two types of grip:
Overgrip
A thin tape wrapped over the base grip. It's inexpensive, quick to change and provides grip and sweat absorption. When people talk about "changing the grip", they almost always mean the overgrip.
Replacement grip (base grip)
A thicker tape that sticks directly to the handle. It cushions and defines the shape of the grip. A base grip lasts much longer and is usually only replaced when it's worn or has gone hard.
When should you change your overgrip?
There's no fixed rule. Pros change before every match. For club players, a good rule of thumb is roughly every 6 to 10 hours of play, more often if you sweat a lot or in summer. At the latest, it's time for a new overgrip when you notice these signs:
✓ The grip feels smooth, greasy or shiny
✓ You have to squeeze harder to stop the racket from twisting
✓ The tape is discoloured, frayed or torn
✓ The tape has come loose or slipped
Which side goes up?
This is the most common question when wrapping. The answer is simple:
Outside (towards your hand): the side covered by the clear protective film. Peel the film off once the start is stuck to the handle.
Inside (towards the racket): the side with the short adhesive strip at the tapered end. Use it to fix the start at the butt of the handle.
Step-by-step: wrapping an overgrip in 8 steps
All you need is the new overgrip. The finishing tape is included in the pack, and with our trick you won't need scissors.
1. Remove the old overgrip
Remove the finishing tape and unwind the old overgrip. Be careful not to tear the base grip underneath. You can simply rub off any adhesive residue with your fingers.
2. Attach the tapered end to the handle
Peel the backing paper off the short adhesive strip. Place the tapered end at the bottom of the butt cap and press the adhesive strip down firmly.
3. Remove the plastic film
Now peel the clear protective film off the overgrip. Since the start is already stuck down, nothing slips.
4. First wrap along the edge of the handle
Guide the first wrap neatly along the edge of the handle so that the butt cap is fully covered. Then wrap from the bottom up. As a rule of thumb: right-handers wrap clockwise, left-handers anticlockwise (looking at the butt cap). This keeps the edges flat in the direction of the stroke. Some prefer it the other way round, so feel free to try both.
5. Overlap evenly and keep it taut
Keep the tape slightly taut and let each turn overlap the previous one by about 3 to 5 mm. Less overlap gives a flat, thinner grip, more overlap gives noticeable ridges and a slightly thicker grip. What matters is that the overlap stays the same along the whole handle.
6. Fold the end instead of cutting
Our trick: on the last wrap at the top of the handle, fold the straight end over at an angle. This gives a clean finish and you don't have to cut the tape at an angle.
7. Apply the finishing tape
Secure the end with the included finishing tape and wrap it all the way round the handle once. Press it down well so it holds even when you sweat a lot.
8. Done!
Your grip is ready for the next match. With a little practice, it takes less than five minutes.
Tip on grip size
An overgrip makes the handle about half a grip size thicker. If your grip is too thin, you can also wrap two overgrips on top of each other. If it's too thick, try a thinner base grip or an overgrip with less overlap.
Overgrips for sweaty hands
Overgrips mainly differ in how they feel. Broadly, there are two types:
Tacky
Feels slightly sticky and gives the best hold with dry hands. With a lot of sweat, however, it quickly becomes slippery. Ideal for the indoor season and players who don't sweat much.
Dry feel
Feels rather matt and absorbs sweat. The damper your hand, the better it grips. The first choice for sweaty hands and in summer.
Our tips for sweaty hands:
✓ Go for a dry-feel or perforated overgrip
✓ Change your overgrip more often, a soaked grip no longer holds
✓ Wear wristbands so less sweat runs into your hand
✓ Dry your hands with a towel at changeovers
✓ Keep a spare overgrip in your bag for long matches
Our recommendations
| Overgrip | Feel | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Tourna Grip | Dry feel | Very sweaty hands, summer |
| HEAD Prime Tour | Dry feel | Sweaty hands, many colours |
| Wilson Pro Overgrip Perforated | Slightly tacky, perforated | All-round, good sweat absorption |
| Babolat VS Original | Thin, slightly tacky | Direct feel, thin grip |
| HEAD Xtremesoft | Tacky, soft | Comfort, dry hands |
| Tourna Mega Tac | Very tacky | Maximum hold, indoor season |
Overgrip FAQ
Do I have to remove the old overgrip?
Yes, as a rule. Wrapping a new overgrip over an old one makes the handle thicker and the feel spongy. The exception: you deliberately want a thicker grip.
How long does an overgrip last?
Depending on how often you play, how much you sweat and the model, about 6 to 10 hours of play. Once the grip becomes smooth, it's time for a change.
Can I wrap an overgrip directly onto the bare handle?
We advise against it. Without a base grip there's no cushioning and the edges of the handle press uncomfortably into your hand. Always wrap a base grip first.
Does this also work for a padel racket?
Yes, the principle is the same. For padel there are special padel overgrips designed for the shorter handle.
Our conclusion
A new overgrip costs just a few francs, takes five minutes to wrap and makes a big difference. Change it regularly, wrap with an even overlap and choose a dry-feel grip if you have sweaty hands. That way you'll have the perfect hold in every match.
Find an overgrip or have it wrapped
Discover our overgrips and base grips online or visit our stores in Wallisellen and Aarburg. We're happy to advise you and wrap your new grip on the spot.
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