Quick answer: A tennis overgrip is a thin, replaceable layer of tape that sits over your racket's base grip to add tack, absorb sweat and keep the handle from slipping. Most club players should change it every 2 to 4 matches, or as soon as it turns slick or shiny. Wilson Pro Overgrip is the safe all-rounder; choose a tacky overgrip such as the Yonex Wet Super Grap or Aixo Nebula if your hands sweat.
A fresh overgrip is the cheapest upgrade in tennis. For roughly the price of a coffee, you get a firmer hold, less forearm strain and fewer mishits when the handle gets damp. At Central Sports we sell overgrips by the single, the three-pack and the box of 36 for clubs, so this guide covers what an overgrip actually does, how to choose one, how to fit it properly and when to bin it.
What is a tennis overgrip and how is it different from a replacement grip?
Your racket comes with a base grip, usually a cushioned synthetic or leather-effect strip that is stapled under the butt cap. This is the replacement grip. It is thick, it is built to last months, and it sets the feel and size of your handle.
An overgrip is a much thinner wrap that goes over the top. It is designed to be disposable. Because it is so thin, it only adds a tiny amount to your grip size, so you will not usually need to change from an L2 to an L3 just by adding one. If you are unsure about your size, read our tennis racket grip size guide first.
In short: the replacement grip is the foundation, the overgrip is the part that takes the wear. Replacing only the overgrip protects the cushioning underneath and keeps the shape of your handle consistent from one match to the next.
Tacky, dry or cushioned: which type of overgrip suits you?
Overgrips fall into three broad camps, and the right one depends almost entirely on how your hands behave on court.
- Tacky (wet feel): sticky to the touch from the first hit. Good for players who like to feel the handle grab, and for anyone who wants a bit of tack in cold, damp UK conditions. Examples: Yonex Wet Super Grap and Aixo Nebula Tacky.
- Dry (absorbent): a matt, slightly rough surface that soaks up sweat rather than feeling sticky. Best for heavy sweaters in summer. Examples: Yonex Dry Super Grap and Wilson Pro Overgrip.
- Cushioned or soft: a slightly thicker wrap that adds comfort and reduces vibration through the hand. Worth a look if you are coming back from arm soreness. Examples: Wilson Pro Comfort and Wilson Pro Soft.
If you do not know where you sit, start with a dry Wilson Pro Overgrip. It is thin, predictable and the one most club coaches recommend as a baseline.
How to put an overgrip on a tennis racket
Fitting takes about two minutes once you have done it once. It also fits other racket sports, so the same method works for squash and badminton handles.
- Peel off and bin the old overgrip. Check the base grip underneath is flat and not lifting.
- Unroll the new overgrip and peel back its backing. The tapered end has a strip of adhesive, and the other end has a thin roll of finishing tape.
- Start at the butt cap with the straight, non-tapered end flush against the bottom of the handle.
- Wrap upwards at a slight angle, overlapping each turn by a few millimetres so no base grip shows through. Keep it tight and even.
- When you reach the top, trim the tapered end so it sits square, then wrap it with the finishing tape just below the throat of the racket.
Pull the wrap firmly as you go. Loose wrapping is the number one reason an overgrip twists in the first set.
How often should you change a tennis overgrip?
There is no calendar answer, because it depends on sweat, playing time and conditions. As a working rule, a player who plays twice a week will want a fresh overgrip every two to four sessions. Heavy hitters and players who sweat a lot should lean towards every match.
The signs are easy to spot: the surface looks shiny, it feels smooth or greasy, it is peeling at the edges, or you are squeezing the handle harder to stop it turning. Squeezing harder is where tennis elbow starts, so a worn overgrip is not just a grip issue, it is an arm issue.
If your racket also feels dead, check your strings at the same time with our guide to when to restring your tennis racket.
What most guides miss: overgrip, grip tape and the padel crossover
Search for "tennis grip tape" and "tennis overgrip" and you will see they mean the same product. Do not confuse either with bumper tape, which protects the frame head, or with heat-shrink sleeves. The reason this matters is that many UK players buy a plain "grip" when they only needed an overgrip, and end up with a handle that is far too thick.
Another overlooked point: the same overgrips work on padel rackets, which have a similar handle. If you play both, buy a multi-pack and share it between sports. We cover the padel side in our padel grips and overgrips guide.
Top picks from Central Sports
All of these were in stock at the time of writing. Prices are correct today but can change.
- Wilson Pro Overgrip, Black (£5.43): the thin, dry, reliable all-rounder and our default recommendation.
- Wilson Pro Overgrip Comfort (£5.43): a little extra cushioning for players who want a softer feel.
- Yonex AC102EX Wet Super Grap, single (£2.00): a tacky overgrip; also available as a 12-pack (£26.14) for clubs.
- Yonex Dry Super Grap AC149, 3 pack (£6.95): the choice for heavy sweaters who want a dry, absorbent surface.
- Aixo Nebula Tacky Overgrip (£4.00): the budget tacky option.
Want to compare more brands? Browse our full overgrips collection, or browse all collections for rackets, strings and accessories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tennis grip and an overgrip?
The grip (or replacement grip) is the thick cushioned base layer that sets the feel and size of your handle. An overgrip is a thin disposable layer wrapped on top to add tack and absorb sweat.
Can you use an overgrip as a normal grip?
You can, but it is not ideal. An overgrip has very little cushioning, so playing on it alone can feel hard and may increase vibration through the hand. It is best used over a proper base grip.
Which is better, an overgrip or a replacement grip?
They do different jobs. Use an overgrip for regular freshening and moisture control. Replace the base grip only when it is worn flat, hardened or damaged.
Does an overgrip make the handle bigger?
Slightly. One thin overgrip adds only a small amount to the handle, so most players stay in the same grip size.
How many overgrips should I buy?
A three-pack covers a month or so of regular play. Clubs and coaches usually buy a box of 36 for better value.
Final word
A tennis overgrip is the easiest way to keep a secure, comfortable hold, and changing it on time is cheaper than any other fix on your racket. Pick the type that suits your hands, wrap it tight and replace it when it goes slick. Ready to stock up? Browse the tennis overgrips at Central Sports on centralsports.co.uk.
