How to Put On a Padel Overgrip (Correctly)

Wrapping an overgrip looks simple. Start at the bottom, wind up, tape at the top. In practice, most players do at least one thing wrong — usually tension control — and end up with a grip that feels uneven or unravels after a few sessions.

Here's the correct method, and what to watch for at each step.

What you need

One overgrip (25mm width for padel), finishing tape (most grips include it), and about three minutes. No tools required.

Step 1: Remove the old overgrip

Unwrap from the top down. The overgrip was applied bottom-up, so removing it top-down unwinds it cleanly. Peel off any residue from the base grip — a dry cloth is enough. The base grip underneath should be clean and not compressed unevenly. If the base grip is worn through or feels spongy, that's a base grip replacement job, not an overgrip job.

Step 2: Find the tapered end

Most overgrips have one end that's cut at a 45-degree angle. This is the starting end. Some come with a small adhesive strip at the tapered end to anchor it. Peel the backing off if present. If there's no adhesive, the tension of the wrap holds it — you don't need adhesive to start.

Step 3: Anchor at the bottom of the handle

Hold the racket face down, handle pointing up. Place the tapered end at the very bottom of the handle — right at the butt cap. Angle it so the point of the taper aligns with the butt cap edge. This is where most players rush: if you don't seat the first wrap cleanly against the butt cap, you'll have a gap at the bottom of your grip that collects sweat and peels early.

Step 4: Wrap upward with consistent tension and overlap

Begin wrapping upward in a spiral, overlapping each pass by about 3–4mm. The critical variable is tension — keep it consistent. Too loose and the grip will feel spongy and shift during play. Too tight and it compresses unevenly and can crack the overgrip material.

The target tension is firm but not strained. If the overgrip is stretching visibly as you wrap, you're pulling too hard. If it's laying flat without any tension, you're too loose. You want slight, consistent resistance throughout the wrap.

Keep your overlap consistent. An overlap that widens or narrows creates ridges you'll feel during shots. Consistent 3–4mm overlap gives you a smooth, even surface from bottom to top.

Step 5: Finish at the top of the handle

Stop wrapping when you reach the shoulder of the handle (where it meets the frame). Trim any excess — scissors or a clean tear if the grip is thin enough. The finishing tape anchors the top end. Wrap it tightly around the top of the overgrip, overlapping the edge slightly so it seals against the grip surface. Press it flat.

If the finishing tape isn't included, electrical tape cut to 10mm width works. Finishing tape that's too wide bunches; too narrow and it lifts during play.

What good wrap looks like

Even, consistent ridges from bottom to top. No gaps at the butt cap. No visible overlapping bunches. The top sealed cleanly with tape. When you hold the racket, the grip should feel uniform — no soft spots, no ridges you can feel through the palm.

How long it lasts

A properly applied overgrip on a padel racket lasts 3–6 hours of play in normal conditions. Humidity and sweat shorten this. When the surface starts to feel slick or the grip lifts at the edges, it's time to replace it — not tape over it. A five-minute rewrap restores full feel.