How to regrip your tennis racket
Start by grabbing your new grip and some scissors. Most grips come with finishing tape included, but if not, some athletic tape will do the job.
How to regrip a tennis racket
Whether you’re switching out the base grip or adding an overgrip, here’s how to regrip your tennis racket.
Fresh grip, better game. Whether you're serving up aces or battling through long rallies, your tennis racket grip makes all the difference.
A worn-out grip affects your control, cause blisters, and generally take the fun out of your time on court. But don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to regrip your tennis racket.
Whether you’re switching out the base grip or adding an overgrip, all it takes is a few simple tools, a little patience, and a steady hand. Here’s how to give your tennis racket the love and care it deserves.
Step 1: Prep your gear
Take off the old grip if needed, and make sure your handle is clean and dry. Set aside the finishing tape—you’ll use it at the end. If you're applying an overgrip, keep the original grip in place.
Step 2: Peel & place
Remove the transparent outer film from the new grip. Find the tapered adhesive end and stick it firmly at the butt of the racket. Make sure the edge sits flush against the end cap.
Step 3: Wrap with control
Now the fun part: wrapping. Keep the grip under tension—not too tight—and begin winding up the handle.
- If you're right-handed, wrap clockwise.
- If you're left-handed, go anti-clockwise.
This helps your hand settle naturally on the grip.
Step 4: Keep it even
Overlap each layer by about ¼ to ½ a cm. More overlap = thicker grip. Less overlap = thinner grip. Go with what feels best in your hand.
Step 5: Smoothen it
As you reach the top, gently stretch the grip to smooth any bumps. Wind it slightly beyond the top edge of the original grip, up towards the throat of your racket.
Step 6: Trim the end
Mark where the new grip meets the end of the original grip with a pen. Unwrap the excess, trim along your line for a neat taper, then rewrap it for a clean finish.
Use your finishing tape to secure the end. Wrap it tightly in the same direction you gripped. For a professional finish, cut the end of the tape at an angle.
How often should you regrip your tennis racket?
If your grip feels slippery, uneven, or too thin, then it’s time. How often depends on how much you play.
If you’re a casual weekend player, every couple of months should do. But if you’re at the court multiple times per week, you might need to regrip every week or two, especially with overgrips.
Base grip vs overgrip: what’s the difference?
Your base grip is the foundation, offering comfort and cushioning. An overgrip wraps on top of it and is mainly for moisture control and feel.
Overgrips are easier to replace and are great if you sweat a lot or want to slightly alter the grip thickness.
