Quick answer: The best badminton grip for most players is a thin, tacky PU overgrip wound over a standard replacement grip, and it is swapped every two to four weeks. Switch to a towelling grip if your hands sweat heavily. Hold the racket with a relaxed "handshake" forehand grip, and build up with an extra overgrip only if the handle feels too small.
Your grip is the only part of the racket you actually touch, yet most club players only think about it when the handle goes slick halfway through a match. Get it right and you gain feel, wrist speed and control; get it wrong and you will squeeze too hard, tire your forearm and lose shots. This guide covers the types of badminton grip, how to pick a size, how to hold the racket properly, and how to regrip in under five minutes. Everything we recommend is in stock at Central Sports (centralsports.co.uk) at the time of writing.
Badminton grip types: overgrip, replacement grip and towel grip
There are three things people mean by "badminton grip", and they do different jobs. A replacement (base) grip is the cushioned layer that sits directly on the bare handle and sets your basic size and feel. An overgrip is a thin, tacky wrap that goes on top and is the part you change regularly. A towel grip is a looped, absorbent cotton wrap used instead of, or over, either of them.
PU overgrips such as the Yonex Wet Super Grap 3-pack are the default choice because they are light, tacky and cheap. Towel grips soak up sweat and suit hot halls, but they are bulkier and wear faster. You can browse every type in our badminton grips collection.
Tacky or dry: which badminton grip tape is best?
Tacky (wet-feel) grips give a sticky, locked-in hold and are best if your hands stay fairly dry. Dry or perforated grips feel smoother and absorb moisture, so they suit players who sweat. If you are unsure, start tacky and carry a towel grip in your bag for warm evenings.
Net players who rely on fine touch often prefer a thin tacky grip. The Yonex Super Grap Pure AC108EX is a thin, tacky all-rounder, and the Yonex AC402EX Towel Grip is the go-to for sweaty hands.
Badminton grip size: how thick should the handle be?
Most adult rackets arrive in a G4 or G5 handle, with G5 slightly slimmer. Because a bigger handle encourages a stiffer wrist, most good players favour the smaller size and add thickness only if needed. Wrapping an overgrip adds roughly half a grip size, so you can fine-tune with one or two layers. Go beyond two and the handle becomes bulky, which kills wrist snap.
A simple test: hold a forehand grip and slide a finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm. There should be a gap about a finger wide; if your fingertips dig into your palm the handle is too small, and a bigger gap means too large. Our racket finder helps you match handle size, weight and balance.
How to hold a badminton racket: the forehand and backhand grips
The foundation is the forehand (handshake) grip. Hold the racket head up and perpendicular to the floor, then shake hands with the handle so the V between thumb and forefinger sits on the top bevel. Keep your fingers loose, with a small gap between palm and handle, and only tighten on impact.
The backhand grip rotates the racket slightly so your thumb rests on the wider flat bevel, giving you a thumb "push" behind the shot. Many players also use a panhandle (frying-pan) grip as a beginner habit, which feels natural but limits your power and wrist movement; it is worth correcting early. Strong players adjust the grip by a few degrees constantly during a rally. If you are new to the game, our beginner's guide to playing badminton covers the basics around it.
How to regrip a badminton racket in five steps
- Peel off the old overgrip and the end tape, and discard it. If the base grip underneath is flat or hard, remove that too.
- Check the bare handle for glue residue or damage and wipe it clean.
- Start at the butt end. Peel back the adhesive strip, press the narrow end of the new grip flat against the bottom of the handle, and begin winding upwards.
- Wind at a slight angle, overlapping each turn by about a third, keeping steady tension so there are no wrinkles. Pull firmer for a slimmer, tighter finish.
- At the top, cut the grip at an angle to match the handle, then secure it with the finishing tape. Squeeze and twist to check for loose spots.
Whilst the racket is stripped, it is a good moment to check your strings too; our guide to badminton string types explains what to look for. If your palms stay damp, a pinch of grip powder before play helps.
How often should you change your badminton grip?
Replace an overgrip as soon as it feels slick, shiny or starts to unravel. For people who play two or three times a week that is typically every two to four weeks, and sooner in hot, humid halls. A replacement base grip lasts far longer, but swap it when the cushioning flattens or the handle feels hard. Overgrips cost roughly £2 to £6 each, making them the cheapest upgrade in the sport.
Top Picks from Central Sports
- Yonex Wet Super Grap 3 Pcs: the club-standard tacky overgrip in a three-pack, great value and available in many colours.
- Yonex Super Grap Pure AC108EX: a thin, tacky single with a clean, light feel for touch players.
- Yonex AC402EX Towel Grip: absorbent towelling for sweaty hands and summer sessions.
- Yonex AC420EX Hi Soft Grap: a softer, cushioned wrap for extra comfort and shock absorption.
- Yonex Grip Powder 2 AC470EX: keeps palms dry between points.
Browse our full badminton racket grips, the towel grip range and the wider Central Sports shop.
Badminton grip FAQs
What is the correct grip for badminton?
The basic forehand (handshake) grip: V of the hand on the top bevel, fingers relaxed, with a small gap between palm and handle. Rotate slightly towards a thumb grip for backhand shots.
What badminton grip is best?
A thin, tacky PU overgrip suits most players. Choose a towel grip if your hands sweat, and a cushioned replacement grip if you want more comfort.
What are the four grips in badminton?
Coaches usually talk about the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the panhandle grip and the bevel (a rotated variation). In practice you shift between them in a rally.
Does an overgrip make the handle bigger?
Yes. One overgrip adds about half a grip size, so use one or two layers to fine-tune the thickness without making the handle bulky.
How do I stop my badminton racket from slipping?
Fit a fresh tacky overgrip, use a towel grip or grip powder if your hands sweat, and relax your hold so you are not gripping tightly until the moment of impact.
Final word on choosing your badminton grip
The right badminton grip is cheap, quick to fit and makes an immediate difference to feel and control. Pick a thin tacky overgrip, swap it every few weeks, size it to your hand and keep your hold loose. Ready to refresh yours? Head to the Central Sports grips collection for next-working-day UK delivery on orders before 1:30pm, or pop into our Birmingham and Milton Keynes stores for advice on fitting.
