If you play tennis regularly, you know how important it is to have a comfortable and secure grip on your racket. A good grip can improve your performance, prevent injuries, and enhance your enjoyment of the game. However, regripping your tennis racket can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips and steps to help you avoid trouble when regripping your tennis racket.
Why Regrip Your Tennis Racket?
There are two main reasons to regrip your tennis racket: to replace a worn-out or damaged grip, or to adjust the size and feel of your handle. A worn-out or damaged grip can lose its tackiness, absorbency, or cushioning, making it harder to control your shots and causing blisters or calluses on your hand. Replacing the grip can restore its original qualities and make it more comfortable and easier to use.
Adjusting the size and feel of your handle can also improve your game and comfort. The size of your handle should match the size of your hand, as measured by the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom crease of your palm. If your handle is too small, it can cause your hand to twist or slip during swings, leading to errors or injuries. If your handle is too large, it can make it harder to switch grips or generate power and spin, reducing your effectiveness on the court. Adding or removing layers of grip can help you achieve the optimal size for your hand.
The feel of your handle can also affect your performance and comfort. Some players prefer a softer and more cushioned grip, while others like a firmer and more textured grip. Some players want a more absorbent and anti-slip grip, while others want a more tacky and sticky grip. Choosing the right type of grip for your playing style and preference can make a big difference in how you hold and swing your racket.
How to Regrip Your Tennis Racket?
There are two ways to regrip your tennis racket: replacing the base grip or adding an overgrip. The base grip is the thick layer of synthetic or leather material that covers the bare handle of your racket. The overgrip is the thin layer of fabric or plastic tape that wraps over the base grip. You can replace the base grip when it is worn out or damaged, or when you want to change the size or feel of your handle. You can add an overgrip on top of the base grip when you want to customize the feel of your handle without changing its size.
Replacing the Base Grip
To replace the base grip, you will need a new replacement grip, scissors, and needle-nose pliers. Follow these steps:
- Remove the old base grip by sliding off the rubber collar at the top of the handle and peeling off the finishing tape that secures the grip. Unwrap the grip from top to bottom and discard it. If the grip is stapled to the butt cap of the racket, use needle-nose pliers to carefully pry up and remove the staple.
- Unroll the new replacement grip and remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive side. Find the tapered end of the grip and align it with the edge of the butt cap of the racket. Wrap the grip completely around the butt cap, making sure it is flush with it.
- Hold the racket upside down and wrap the grip upwards at a consistent angle, overlapping each spiral by about 1/16 inch (0.16 cm). Pull the grip slightly as you wrap it to avoid wrinkles or gaps. If you are right-handed, wrap clockwise; if you are left-handed, wrap counterclockwise.
- When you reach the top of the handle, cut off any excess grip with scissors, leaving enough to create a taper that is flush with the foam at the top of the handle. Use the finishing tape that comes with the new grip to secure it around the edge of the handle.
- Slide back down the rubber collar over the finishing tape and enjoy your new base grip.
Adding an Overgrip
To add an overgrip, you will need a new overgrip, scissors, and a rubber band (optional). Follow these steps:
- Remove the backing paper from the new overgrip and unroll it. Find the tapered end of the overgrip and stick it to the bottom corner of the butt cap leaving about 1/4 inch of the butt cap exposed.
- Hold the racket upside down and wrap the overgrip upwards at a consistent angle, overlapping each spiral by about 1/8 inch. Pull the overgrip slightly as you wrap it to avoid wrinkles or gaps. If you are right-handed, wrap clockwise; if you are left-handed, wrap counterclockwise.
- When you reach the top of the handle, fold and tuck the end of the overgrip under itself to create a smooth edge. Use the finishing tape that comes with the new overgrip to secure it around the edge of the handle.
- Use a rubber band to wrap around the top of the handle and over the finishing tape to keep the overgrip from unwrapping.
How Often to Regrip Your Tennis Racket?
There is no real answer to how often you should regrip your tennis racket, as it depends on several factors, such as how often you play, how hard you grip, how much you sweat, and how picky you are about your grip. In addition, if you have multiple rackets, it will take longer to wear out the grips, unless you always play one racket. However, a general rule of thumb is to replace your base grip once or twice a year, and to replace your overgrip every few weeks or months, depending on its condition and how often you play. You should always regrip your tennis racket whenever you notice signs of wear and tear, such as dirt, stains, tears, holes, loose parts, or loss of tackiness, absorbency, or cushioning.
Conclusion
Regripping your tennis racket is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your game and comfort. By choosing the right type and size of grip for your hand and playing style, and by replacing it regularly, you can avoid trouble and enjoy playing tennis more. Remember to follow the steps above to regrip your tennis racket correctly and safely.
