A fresh overgrip is the cheapest upgrade you can give your racket. It improves grip, absorbs sweat and makes the handle feel new again. It takes about two minutes once you know how.

When to change your overgrip

• It feels slippery or shiny
• It is torn, thin or has lost its tack
• You find yourself squeezing harder to hold the racket

In the UAE heat, regular players often need to change it more frequently than in cooler climates.

What you need

• A new overgrip (the VEA Overgrip 12-pack is PU, anti-slip and designed for padel)
• Scissors
• The finishing tape included with the overgrip

Step by step

1. Remove the old overgrip. Peel off the finishing tape and unwrap it. Leave the base grip underneath in place.
2. Peel the backing. Remove the protective film from the new overgrip. Keep the tapered end to start with.
3. Start at the bottom. Place the tapered end at the base of the handle, near the butt cap, and hold it in place.
4. Wrap with tension. Turn the racket while pulling the grip gently tight, overlapping each layer slightly. Keep the overlap even for a smooth feel.
5. Finish and secure. When you reach the top of the handle, cut off the extra length at an angle and secure it with the finishing tape.

Pro tips

• More overlap makes the handle thicker; less overlap keeps it thinner.
• Wrap in the same direction every time so the grip feels familiar.
• Keep a spare overgrip in your bag for tournaments or long sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a grip and an overgrip?

The base grip is the thicker layer fixed to the handle. An overgrip is a thin layer wrapped on top that you replace regularly.

Can I use a tennis overgrip on a padel racket?

Many overgrips work on both, but a padel-specific overgrip is designed for the shorter handle.