Padel grips

Padel grips

The grip is the only contact point between you and your racket. Everything you do, every shot, every stop, every smash, goes through that grip. And yet it is the component most players neglect the longest. A worn, too thick or too thin grip is one of the most underestimated causes of padel elbow and other arm complaints.

Two types of grip

• Basic grip: the thicker grip that goes directly around the handle of the racket. The racket comes with a factory basic grip. You can leave that in place or replace it with another basic grip that is thicker, thinner, leathery or softer, depending on what your hand needs.
• Overgrip: the thin grip wound over the basic grip. This is what most players replace regularly. It absorbs sweat, improves grip and adjusts the thickness of the handle. Overgrips are inexpensive, easy to change and have a direct effect on how the racket feels.

Grip thickness: why it genuinely matters

A grip that is too thin forces your hand to squeeze harder to maintain control. That constant muscle tension in the forearm and wrist is a direct trigger for epicondylitis, better known as padel elbow. A grip that is too thick causes the opposite problem: your hand cannot close properly, steering becomes less precise and you compensate with the arm instead of the rotational movement of shoulder and torso.

The right grip has the thickness at which you can hold the racket securely with a relaxed hand. As a rule of thumb: there should be just enough space for your little finger between your fingertips and the heel of your hand when you close your grip. Not sure? Ask for advice in the shop.

When to replace?

An overgrip should be replaced as soon as it loses its grip. That sounds obvious but many players play too long on a grip that has become smooth. The moment the grip slides, you unconsciously squeeze harder. Your muscle works harder than necessary. That is when injuries develop.

• Playing 2-3 times per week: replace your overgrip every 1-2 weeks.
• Playing once per week: replace every 3-4 weeks or as soon as you notice the grip is less tacky.
• Sweaty hands: replace more often. A wet grip slides faster than a dry worn grip. Also choose an absorbent overgrip material specifically made for sweat-sensitive hands.

Sweaty hands: a specific problem

With heavy sweating your overgrip slides even if it is not yet worn. Then you squeeze harder to compensate for the loss of control. That is the direct cause of overload in the forearm. Solve it with an absorbent overgrip, change more frequently and optionally use a wrist band to prevent sweat from the arm reaching the handle.

Let your racket dry before you put it in the bag after playing. A damp overgrip in a closed bag degrades quickly and loses its grip at the next session.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a basic grip and an overgrip?

A basic grip is thicker and sits directly on the handle of the racket. An overgrip is thin and is wound over the basic grip. Most players replace the overgrip regularly but leave the basic grip in place.

Can I use a tennis overgrip for padel?

In principle yes, but padel overgrips are often slightly shorter and sometimes adjusted in material for the specific movements of padel. A padel-specific overgrip gives better results in practice.

How do I know if my grip is too thin or too thick?

Too thin: you have to squeeze hard to maintain control. Your hand and forearm feel tense while playing. Too thick: your hand cannot close properly and your steering is less precise. Both situations increase the risk of injury at the elbow and wrist.