A worn, slippery grip is one of the most common — and most overlooked — reasons a racket starts to feel "off." When the handle turns in your hand or your palm slides mid-rally, it's usually not your technique. It's your grip. The good news is that regripping is a simple skill any player can learn in just a few minutes, and it makes an immediate difference in comfort and control.
This guide walks you through the whole process, from knowing which grip you actually need to wrapping it like a pro. Play pickleball too? The steps are nearly identical — here's how to regrip a pickleball paddle.
Replacement Grip vs. Overgrip: Know the Difference
Before you start, it helps to understand that "regripping" can mean two different things, because a racket handle has two possible layers.
The replacement grip (or base grip) is the cushioned layer wrapped directly onto the bare handle. It forms the foundation — the thickness, cushioning, and shape you feel when you hold the racket. You replace it occasionally, usually every several months to a year depending on how often you play.
The overgrip is a thin, tacky wrap applied over the base grip. It adds extra tackiness, absorbs sweat, and can be swapped out quickly. This is the layer most players refresh regularly — often every few matches — because it's cheap, fast, and keeps the handle feeling new.
Many players use "regrip" to describe either task. This guide covers both, so you're ready no matter which layer needs attention. New to grips entirely? Our beginner's guide to overgrips covers the basics first.
What You'll Need
- A new base grip, a new overgrip, or both
- A pair of scissors
- Finishing tape (usually included with the grip)
- Optional: a grip band to secure and hide the finished end
How to Replace Your Base Grip
1. Remove the old grip. Peel it off from the top of the handle down toward the butt cap. You'll usually find a small staple near the bottom holding the starting end — remove it or leave it, whichever you prefer.
2. Clean the handle. Wipe away any leftover adhesive or grime so the new grip adheres smoothly.
3. Start at the butt cap. Align the tapered, angled end of the new grip with the bottom of the handle and secure it with the small adhesive strip (or a staple).
4. Wrap upward with an even overlap. Peel the backing as you go and wind the grip up the handle, keeping a consistent overlap of about an eighth of an inch and steady tension throughout. Right-handed players typically wrap in a clockwise direction (looking down at the butt cap); left-handed players wrap counterclockwise. This keeps the overlapping edge tightening under your palm as you swing.
5. Trim and finish. When you reach the top of the handle, cut the grip at an angle for a clean edge and secure it with the finishing tape.
How to Apply an Overgrip
Applying an overgrip follows the same basic motion, just over your existing base grip.
1. Remove the old overgrip (if there is one) and peel off the previous finishing tape.
2. Start at the butt. Most overgrips have a thin, tapered end — begin there, lining it up with the bottom of the handle.
3. Wrap up the handle. Use the same overlap and direction as above, keeping the wrap snug and smooth without stretching it too tight.
4. Secure the end. Trim any excess, then finish with the included tape — or slide on a grip band for a cleaner, reusable hold that hides the tape entirely. Quality custom tennis overgrips are made from durable polyurethane that stays tacky through long sessions, and a silicone tennis grip band keeps the finished end from peeling while adding a clean, branded touch.
How Often Should You Regrip?
It depends on the layer and how hard you play:
- Overgrip: Every few hours of play, or whenever it starts to feel slick, hard, or discolored. Heavy sweaters may replace theirs after every match.
- Base grip: Every several months to a year, or once the cushioning flattens out and stops absorbing shock the way it used to.
A simple rule of thumb: if you find yourself gripping harder just to keep the racket steady, it's time for a fresh wrap.
A Few Pro Tips
- Keep your tension consistent from bottom to top — loose spots create bumps you'll feel in your hand.
- Maintain the same overlap the whole way up for a smooth, even finish.
- A grip band does double duty: it hides the finishing tape and stops the overgrip end from unraveling.
- Matching your overgrip color to the rest of your kit is an easy way to keep a coordinated look on court.
Regripping for Teams and Clubs
Because overgrips get replaced so often, they're one of the smartest items a team or program can brand. Every time a player wraps a fresh one, your logo lands right in their hand. A run of custom tennis gear — overgrips paired with grip bands and vibration dampeners — creates a uniform, professional look across your whole roster, and it doubles as fundraising or pro-shop merchandise.
Ready to Gear Up?
At Match Point Promotions, every order is personally handled by Shawn — a lifelong tennis player who reviews and designs each product before it ships. Since 2017, we've helped teams, clubs, and tournament organizers across the country put their brand on the gear players use every day.
Request a free quote today — no payment info required, just tell us what your team needs.
Match Point Promotions — #1 Source for Custom Racket Gear
Questions? Reach us at info@matchpointpromotions.com