Rafael Nadal regrips his racquet between rounds, and he does it in under two minutes. Perhaps it comes with his expertise or that burst of adrenalin that accompanies all great achievements, or it is a skill that can be learned.
Everything in use in this world is liable to wear and tear. Since a racquet falls into that broad-spectrum, then it is subject to wear and tear. The racquet’s grip is the place most liable to wear, and that’s because it is the place where all the force for the game comes from.
This means that you may need to have your racquet regripped at regular intervals. Actually, how often you change your racquet’s grip depends on the force of your grip and the heat of your game.
There are people who belong to the school of thought that a racquet should get fixed by a professional. We agree that that is good advice. It is true that there are aspects of a racquet that cannot and should not be done at home – stringing for instance.
But gripping and regripping a tennis racquet is such a simple thing to do.
Also, it is a good idea that anybody who handles a racquet knows how to change its grip. It is almost like refueling your car. You may need to change your racquet’s grip more often than you can go to a professional, or you might just be the only one who can make your racquet’s grip into that comfortable feel you play best with.
TOOLS
There are tools that you need to make a successful job of changing your racquet’s grip. They are
- A needle or nose plier
- A pair of scissors
- Staple Gun
- Grip material
- Overgrip (optional)
Changing Your Racquet’s Grip (Step By Step Approach)
- Remove the old grip material and staple pins.
- Make sure the racquet’s handle is clean and devoid of old grip material or gum.
- Slide the collar out of the way before wrapping the grip on. This is easier than trying to slide the collar over a wrapped grip.
- Turn the racquet upside and attach the grip and wrap. NOTICE THAT the player’s orientation determines the direction of the wrap. If wrapping for a right-handed player, attach the grip so that you’re pulling from the right. If wrapping for a left-handed player, attach the grip and pull from the left.
- To wrap the grip, place the racquet’s head against your hip, hold the racquet grip firmly with one hand and the grip material with one hand, and gently rotate. Please make sure that the grip material overlaps slightly. This gives the grip coverage and texture.
- Once you have wrapped the grip to the tip, draw a straight line across the endpoint and trim with scissors.
- Secure the end of the grip with finishing tape and slide the collar down.
My grip is the way I like it. Why should I consider racquet regripping?
Grip changes over time, so they aren’t always visible. Grips need to be consistent. As they’re used, they become less sticky, compress to a smaller size, lose their cushioning, and get more slippery. All these changes make it hard to control the racquet. You tend to squeeze the handle longer, harder, and harder. This can lead to wrist problems, arm problems, elbow problems, and shoulder problems. Also, you can lose your grip and damage the racquet, or throw it away.
What’s the difference between a regular grip and an overgrip?
Regular grips are thick rubberized grips that are installed directly to the racquet handles. They provide cushioned surfaces and establish the desired grip size. Overgrips cover regular grips and are thinner than regular grips, but they are still replaceable. Overgrips can help you increase your grip size or add a tacky feel.
Should I replace my regular grip or add an overgrip?
Overgrips do not work well when you need a grip that holds up to wear and tear. You should always replace your grips before they become too loose or lose their cushioning.
How often should I replace my regular grip? Overgrip?
Grips should be inspected and changed regularly. Overgrips shouldn’t last longer than six hours of play.
How do I know if my grip size is correct for me?
Grip sizes are based on feel. If you experience arm or shoulder problems, your grip size should be checked before replacing grips.
To install an overgrip, that soft material that gives added comfort, the process is identical. The only difference is that you are not required to staple at the beginning.
Your tennis grip is important because it determines how you hold the racquet and strike the ball at the ideal height. Every pro player changes their grip regularly to make sure they are playing at their very best.