What is a padel overgrip, and when should I change grip?

Home » Articles » Padel university » What is a padel overgrip, and when should I change grip?

One thing that newbie padel players neglect but top players highly value is the overgrip. You can have all the skills needed, but an ineffective and old overgrip will throw you off.

The overgrip, which you wrap around the racket handle, ensures you have extra grip, proper handling, and better sweat absorption.

That said, you must change padel overgrip regularly. But how often is “regular”?

Well, it depends on multiple factors. We’ll elaborate more below.

---

Grip vs. Overgrip: What is the difference?

Padel rackets already come with an original grip at the bottom, which is what we call the “normal grip.” The overgrip is the thinner that you overlay on top of it.

Many players have varying overgrip preferences. Some are okay with the normal one, but most would require 2-3 layers. The thickness improves the grip and stance depending on the hand size.

---

What is a padel overgrip?

Most players add this because, unlike a tennis grip, padel rackets only come in one grip size, so the adjustment is crucial to ensure effective shots.

Overgrips make the handle thicker and customized to the player’s comfort. It makes playing easier as you hit more accurately without injuring yourself.

A padel overgrip is a bandage-like material that players wrap around the padel racket handle for better grip. Very similar to those existing in other racket sport such as tennis, badminton, squash etc.

It seems like a simple sticky tape, but it changes the game – literally!

How many overgrips should you use?

It all depends on the player’s personal preference. Some professionals use none, while some use up to five overgrips. On average, players use 2-3.

Again, it’s all about what can improve your shot.

The number of overgrips doesn’t say anything about your skills. You should use the number that makes you feel good and comfortable while playing padel.

---

Why you need a grip on your racket

Overgrip is crucial in playing padel, as we keep mentioning. But how exactly does this piece of bandage tape improve your game?

1. Increases comfort while playing padel

Since there are no one-size-fits-all racquet handle options, players can’t exactly choose upon purchase. The adjustments are made possible by overgrips, which is a trial-and-error matter.

People with larger grips will find it difficult to hold a small racket for long periods. The same goes when you hold on to it too tightly.

And as we know, a strained hand is always bad news in sports like padel and tennis!

Adding an overgrip will make the racket handle thicker and easier on the palm, thus increasing the player’s efficiency.

The better the comfort, the better the striking performance and accuracy.

2. Allows padel player to maintain control

Padel and tennis players like you know that controlling your wrists and arms is vital on the court. Well, much of this comes from the palm grip.

Your grip should properly absorb the tension of the ball, leading to better control during the match.

Having a good grip also make you hit more accurately and quickly since you’re not struggling to move your racket around. It can greatly help you find the sweet spot thereby maximizing your accuracy.

3. Helps absorb sweat on the padel racquet handle

For people with sweaty palms, great news! Overgrips absorb sweat and moisture excellently, so there’s no room for a slippery handle here.

Sweat is inevitable when you play padel, so having a handle that absorbs all the sweat is a massive help while hitting the ball.

There’s a bit of variety with padel overgrip materials. The primary grip options are (1) tacky and (2) dry:

• Tacky padel grips are stickier than usual and are non-absorbent. It’s for padel players who don’t have sweaty hands and would like to stick their palms better to the handle’s surface. It helps the padel racket stay put as they make better shots on the court. Wilson Pro is a brand example that carries tacky padel overgrips.
• Dry padel grips are more absorbent. It’s not as durable as tacky grips, and the moisture might require more frequent changing, but it’s perfect for sweaty palms. Tourna Grip has many racket grip options that are dry and absorbent, preventing rackets from sliding off your hand as you hit the ball.

4. Prevents padel injuries

You’re more prone to shoulder and arm injuries without a proper padel racket grip. One wrong move can cause a sprain or worsen an existing condition.

One common condition is the tennis elbow. It results from strenuous arm activity, and your tendons are overworked. Padel and tennis players know how painful it is!

And while injured players are not encouraged to play, some who have no choice adjust the padel overgrip to aid them in court during the match.

5. Increases padel performance and hitting effectiveness

Overall, having a padel racket that suits your grip and comfort level will improve your performance.

It’s not a magic adhesive – you don’t become a padel or tennis professional by simply adding an overgrip, but it helps you play and serve the ball better.

Getting the best grips that match your padel racket and hand comfort is highly recommended. Only then can you play with ease without hurting yourself.

---

When should I change my padel overgrip?

There’s no universal rule when it comes to getting a new overgrip. You replace them as needed, and that “need” varies from one player to another.

But as a general rule of thumb, you should get a padel replacement grip at least once a month and even more when you have a match or play often.

During tournaments, players even switch up the replacement grip every round to ensure a fresh padel racquet every time they play.

Overgrips are inexpensive and often come in bulk, so frequent changes are not a problem, especially if they change your play performance (and even your athlete’s life!).

It would be best if you got a padel replacement grip when:

• Your padel grip is worn out and dirty
• You have sweaty hands, and your padel overgrip is wet
• It feels different while playing
• It’s time change (set a regular schedule: once a month or once every two weeks)

---

How to make your padel overgrip last longer

The most straightforward answer is not to play, which isn’t the answer we’re looking for. Changing padel racket overgrips (as it is with a tennis overgrip) is unavoidable.

Some factors, like sweat, are beyond your control. You also can’t help but play hard during games. The material is bound to get worn out, one way or another.

Perhaps you can purchase the more expensive and high-quality brands to make them last a little longer. But in the end, replacing the grip is a must.

---

How to change a padel racket overgrip

It’s easy to change the grip but often unfamiliar to most.

Here’s a basic step-by-step:

1. Remove the plastic on the sticky side (but don’t throw it away).
2. Start wrapping the grip using the thin end with the adhesive at the bottom part of the padel racket.
3. Use your thumb finger to hold it as you work your way up the padel racket handle.
4. If you like a thick bottom, wrap more of the roll before working your way up.
5. Wrap according to your desired thickness. If you want a thin grip, the first layer should be enough. If you want a thick grip, overlap as many as you like.
6. When you reach the end of the racket handle, grab the end and pull it off (or cut it with scissors, if available). The hand orientation doesn’t matter here. Lefties, pull with your left hand. Righties, use the right.
7. Using the plastic adhesive, wrap it around the end to secure it.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions – What is a Padel Overgrip and when should I change it?

---