
Boost Your Game: How to Choose and Replace Tennis Racquet Overgrips
Tennis is a sport of precision, power, and finesse. Every detail counts, including the equipment you use. One often-overlooked but crucial part of a tennis player’s gear is the overgrip. This thin strap of tape can make a huge difference in your game, from protecting the racquet grip to giving you a firm hold. The last thing you want during the heat of the game is to have the racquet slip off your hand because of the sweat.
Let’s explore the purpose of tennis overgrips, the various types available, and the essential tips for replacing them. Once you have a thorough understanding, you can use them to enhance your performance on the tennis court.
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What Does an Overgrip Do?

Tennis overgrips serve several essential purposes, all of which contribute to a player’s ability to perform at their best. Here are the primary functions:
Improved Grip
The most apparent reason to buy quality tennis overgrips is to enhance the player’s grip on the tennis racket handle. A better grip means more control over the racket, which is crucial for executing various shots with precision and power. Whether you’re hitting a topspin forehand or a delicate drop shot, a secure grip is vital.
Absorption of Sweat
Tennis is a physically demanding sport that can cause players to sweat profusely. When sweat accumulates on your hands, it can lead to slippage, compromising your control over the racket. Overgrips are designed to absorb sweat and provide a dry, comfortable surface for your hands, ensuring a reliable grip even in hot and humid conditions.
Vibration Dampening
The impact of the tennis ball on the racket can generate vibrations that travel up the handle and into the player’s arm. Over time, these vibrations can lead to discomfort or even injury. Many overgrips are engineered to dampen these vibrations, reducing the risk of injuries like tennis elbow and improving overall comfort during play.
Customisation
Since they come in various thicknesses, textures, and materials, players are allowed to customise their grip to suit their preferences. Some players prefer a thicker grip for added power, while others opt for a thinner one for better feel and control. A tennis racquet overgrip provides the flexibility to fine-tune your racket handle to your liking.
Types of Tennis Overgrips

These tennis accessories are not one-size-fits-all. They come in various types, each catering to specific player preferences and playing conditions. Here are the most common types:
Tacky
These are known for their adhesive feel, which provides an exceptionally secure grip on the racket handle. They are an excellent choice for players who want maximum control and are often used by professionals. However, tacky overgrips may wear out more quickly than other types, so they require more frequent replacement.
Cushioned
Designed with extra padding to provide superior shock absorption, they are an excellent choice for players who want to minimise the impact of vibrations and reduce the risk of injuries like tennis elbow. These types offer a comfortable feel and are suitable for players who suffer from arm discomfort during play.
Perforated
The small holes or perforations that enhance sweat absorption make this type ideal for players who sweat heavily and need a grip that stays dry throughout a match. The perforations allow air to circulate, keeping your hands comfortable and preventing slippage due to sweat.
Dry
Dry overgrips are made from materials that are highly effective at absorbing moisture. They are designed to keep your hands dry and comfortable even in the most challenging playing conditions. These types are prefered by players who frequently play in hot and humid environments.
Tacky/Cushioned Hybrids
Hybrid models combine the benefits of tackiness and cushioning. They provide a secure grip while also offering shock absorption. They also strike a balance between control and comfort, making them a popular choice among intermediate and advanced players.
Overwraps vs. Replacements
Overwraps are thinner overgrips designed to be applied over an existing grip on your racket handle. They are ideal for players who want to fine-tune the grip size or add a layer of cushioning without changing the core grip. Replacement overgrips, on the other hand, are thicker and designed to completely replace the existing grip. Players use them when the original grip is worn out or when they want to change the feel of the handle entirely.
When to Replace Tennis Overgrips

Replacing your tennis overgrips at the right time is crucial to maintaining optimal performance on the court. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace yours:
• Loss of Tackiness: If it has lost its tackiness and feels slippery, it’s time for a replacement. Tacky overgrips, in particular, tend to lose their stickiness relatively quickly, so pay close attention to this sign.
• Visible Wear and Tear: This includes fraying edges, tears, or holes. These issues can affect your grip and comfort during play.
• Reduced Cushioning: If you’re using a cushioned overgrip and it no longer provides the same level of comfort and shock absorption, it’s time to replace it as it can lose its padding over time.
• Sweat and Dirt Buildup: Even if your overgrip still feels tacky, it can accumulate sweat, dirt, and grime over time. This buildup can make the grip less effective, so it’s a good idea to replace it periodically.
• Change in Thickness: If you’re using an overgrip to adjust the thickness of your handle, pay attention to any changes. It can compress and thin out with extended use, altering the grip size.
• Frequency of Play: The more frequently you play tennis, the more often you’ll need to replace your overgrip. Professional players may replace theirs after every match or practice session, while recreational players may replace them every few weeks or months, depending on usage.
How to Replace Them

Replacing tennis overgrips is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace one:
- Start by removing the old overgrip from the handle. Carefully peel it off, starting at the top and unwrapping it in a spiral motion. Be gentle to avoid damaging the handle or any grip tape underneath.
- Clean the racquet handle. If there’s any residue or adhesive left on the handle, use a towel or a damp cloth to clean it off.
- Unroll a new overgrip and remove the covering to get to the adhesive surface.
- Stick the narrowest end of the overgrip to the bevel of the racquet and wrap once fully all the way around the handle.
- Continue wrapping to the bottom of the handle, making sure you overlap about 1.25 mm. If there’s extra left, use scissors to remove it.
- Use the additional grip tape that comes with the overgrip to secure everything in place, and you are ready to hit the court!
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