Key takeaway: To put on an overgrip, peel off the backing, stick the tapered (angled) end to the bottom of the handle, then wrap upward in overlapping turns — about 2–3 mm (1/8 in) of overlap each time — keeping firm, even tension so there are no wrinkles. Finish near the top, trim any excess, and seal the end with the finishing tape. The whole job takes around two minutes and works the same way for tennis, padel and pickleball.
What you’ll need
You only need three things: a fresh overgrip, a pair of scissors, and a clean, dry handle. Most overgrips — including every AIXO printed grip — come with a small piece of finishing tape rolled inside the packet. Set that aside before you start; you’ll need it for the last step, and it’s the piece people most often lose.
If you’re replacing an old overgrip, peel it off first and wipe the handle down so the new grip sticks cleanly. Sit down while you work — a stable base makes a noticeably neater wrap than standing up.
How to put on an overgrip: step-by-step
1. Unwrap the grip and find the tapered end
Take the overgrip out of its packet and unroll it. One end is cut at an angle (the tapered end) and usually has a small adhesive tab — that’s the end you start with. Peel the thin plastic film off the back so the sticky side faces outward when you wrap.
2. Anchor the tapered end at the bottom of the handle
Stick the angled end to the very bottom edge of the handle, just above the butt cap. Line it up so your first turn will run cleanly around the base without leaving a gap. Press the adhesive tab down firmly so it holds while you wrap.
3. Wrap upward with consistent overlap
Begin turning the grip around the handle, working from the bottom toward the top. Each new turn should overlap the previous one by roughly 2–3 mm (1/8 to 1/4 inch). Overlap too little and you’ll leave gaps; overlap too much and the grip runs out before you reach the top and feels bulky.
4. Keep firm, even tension
The single biggest difference between a pro-looking grip and a wrinkled one is tension. Pull the grip taut as you wrap so it stretches slightly and lies flat against the handle. Smooth, continuous tension is what eliminates air bubbles and wrinkles.
5. Finish near the top and trim
Stop wrapping once you reach the top of the grip area, just below where the throat widens. If there’s extra grip left over, cut it off at a clean angle with scissors so the end sits flush.
6. Seal it with the finishing tape
Take the finishing tape you set aside in step one and wrap it around the top edge of the overgrip to lock everything in place. This stops the end peeling back mid-rally. That’s it — your racket is ready to play.
Which direction should you wrap?
Wrap direction is a small detail that makes a real difference. The goal is for the overlapping seam to tighten under your hand as you swing, not peel open.
- Right-handed players: wrap so the grip travels up and around in a clockwise direction (viewed looking down at the butt cap).
- Left-handed players: wrap anti-clockwise — the mirror image.
If you get it the “wrong” way the grip still works fine, but the edge may lift slightly over time. When in doubt, copy how your previous grip was wound before you peel it off.
How much overlap is right?
Aim for a consistent 2–3 mm overlap. A tighter overlap gives a thicker, more cushioned feel and uses more of the grip; a wider spacing gives a thinner, tackier feel and a longer grip. There’s no single correct answer — it’s a feel preference — but consistency matters more than the exact amount. Uneven overlap is what creates lumps you’ll feel through your hand.
Tennis, padel or pickleball — any differences?
The technique is essentially identical across all three racket sports, because you’re wrapping a handle in every case. The main practical differences:
- Padel handles are often a little shorter and the racket is bottom-heavy, so most players use a single overgrip and finish slightly lower.
- Pickleball paddle handles are the shortest, so you may have a touch of grip left over — just trim it.
- Tennis racquets have the longest handles and can take a full grip, sometimes with a little stretch near the top.
In all three, the steps, overlap and tension are the same. If you can grip one, you can grip them all.
Common mistakes to avoid
Three things trip people up most often: losing the finishing tape (set it aside first), wrapping with too little tension (the cause of nearly every wrinkle), and starting with the square end instead of the tapered end (always start with the angled end). Avoid those and you’ll get a clean wrap on your first try.
FAQ
How long does it take to put on an overgrip?
About one to two minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times. Your first attempt might take five — the technique is quick to learn.
Do I remove the old overgrip first?
Yes. Peel off the old overgrip and wipe the handle clean before applying a new one. You can apply an overgrip directly over the original factory base grip, but you should not stack multiple worn overgrips, as that makes the handle too thick and slippery.
Which way does the sticky side face?
Outward. After you peel off the plastic backing, the adhesive side faces away from the handle so it grips your hand and holds its shape — the tackiness keeps the layers together.
How often should I replace my overgrip?
Most regular players change theirs every 2–4 weeks, or sooner if it feels slippery, shiny or frayed. Heavy or sweaty-handed players may go through one per week.
Can I use the same method for a padel or pickleball grip?
Yes — the wrapping technique, overlap and tension are the same for tennis, padel and pickleball. Only the handle length differs slightly.
Gear up with AIXO
A fresh grip is the cheapest upgrade in racket sports. AIXO overgrips fit padel, pickleball, tennis and squash: