Wrapping a grip — whether it's a full replacement grip or an overgrip on top of the existing one — is one of the easiest paddle maintenance tasks once you know the technique. The most common mistakes are starting on the wrong end and pulling too tight, both of which cause the wrap to slip or bunch within a few sessions.
What You'll Need
- A grip wrap or overgrip (1 per wrap; some come in 3-packs)
- Scissors or a sharp knife (for trimming the final tape)
- Finishing tape — usually included in the package
- Optional: a hair dryer for tightening synthetic grips after wrapping
Step-by-Step (Right-Handed)
- Remove the old overgrip if you're replacing one. Leave the stock replacement grip on unless you're swapping it entirely.
- Find the tapered end of your new grip — one end is angled, the other is square. The tapered end goes at the butt of the handle.
- Peel back about 2 inches of the adhesive backing on the tapered end.
- Place the tapered end on the butt of the handle so it wraps around the bottom edge. Press firmly so it adheres.
- Begin wrapping upward toward the throat of the paddle. Pull the wrap snug — not stretched tight, just smooth — and overlap each wrap by about 1/8" to 1/4" with the previous one.
- Keep the spacing consistent. Rotate the paddle in your non-dominant hand as you wrap; let the grip pull do the work, not your wrist.
- Stop wrapping when you reach the top of the handle (where it meets the throat). Cut the grip with scissors to leave a straight edge that wraps cleanly around the handle once more.
- Apply the finishing tape over the cut edge to lock the wrap in place. Wrap the tape around 3 times for security.
Left-Handed Wrapping
The technique is identical but mirrored — start at the butt with the tapered end, wrap upward, but rotate the paddle in the opposite direction so the angle of overlap matches your wrist's natural twist on the forehand swing. The reason it matters: the overlap edge should face the direction your wrist rotates, otherwise your skin can catch the edge during play.
Common Mistakes
- Pulling the wrap too tight — it can stretch and shrink back, causing slippage in a few weeks
- Inconsistent overlap — leaves uneven lumps you'll feel during play
- Starting on the wrong end — the tapered end MUST go at the butt of the handle
- Forgetting the finishing tape — without it, the wrap unravels within a session
Bottom Line
Wrapping a grip takes three minutes once you've done it twice. Replacement grips last 4–8 weeks of competitive play; overgrips last 1–3 weeks. Most serious players keep a 3-pack of overgrips in their bag and re-wrap as soon as the current one starts sliding.