To regrip a tennis racket, you remove the old grip, clean the handle, then wrap a new base grip or overgrip from the butt cap up the handle under light tension, overlapping each turn slightly, and secure the end with finishing tape.

What you need

  • New replacement grip or overgrip (depending on whether you’re changing the main grip or just adding a thin layer on top).
  • Scissors for trimming the end neatly.
  • Finishing tape (usually included with the grip) or athletic tape.

Step 1: Prepare the racket

  1. Remove the old grip or overgrip. Peel it off from the top or bottom and take off any loose adhesive so the handle is clean and dry.
  1. If you’re adding an overgrip only, leave the original base grip in place and just remove the worn overgrip.
  1. Make sure the bevels of the handle are visible and not clogged with residue; this keeps the handle shape defined in your hand.

Step 2: Start the new grip correctly

  1. Unwrap the new grip and remove the clear plastic film and any backing from the adhesive side or sticky strip.
  1. Find the tapered (narrow) end with adhesive; this end goes at the butt of the racket.
  1. Stick the tapered end so it sits flush on the butt cap, with the straight edge aligned along one bevel of the handle to keep the wrap straight.
  • Right‑handers usually wrap clockwise; left‑handers typically go anti‑clockwise so the grip “twists” naturally into the hand.

Step 3: Wrap up the handle

  1. Keep gentle, even tension on the grip as you wrap—tight enough to avoid wrinkles, not so tight that you overstretch it.
  1. Overlap each turn by roughly 2–5 mm (about ¼–½ cm): more overlap = slightly thicker grip, less overlap = slightly thinner.
  1. Rotate the racket with one hand while guiding the grip with the other so the overlap stays consistent all the way up.
  1. Smooth out any bubbles or folds as you go; if it bunches, unwrap a bit and redo that section before continuing.

A common “pro feel” is a small, consistent overlap from bottom to top so the grip thickness doesn’t change suddenly.

Step 4: Finish at the top

  1. When you reach (or slightly pass) the top of the handle, mark where the new grip should end—often just beyond the original grip line, near the throat.
  1. Unwrap the last few centimeters, trim the excess at an angle so the end lies flat along the top edge.
  1. Rewrap that last bit with the new tapered cut so it matches the top of the handle cleanly.
  1. Use the finishing tape to secure the top end, wrapping the tape in the same direction as the grip so it doesn’t unwind.

Base grip vs overgrip (quick view)

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Type What it is When to use
Replacement (base) grip Thicker, cushioned main grip installed directly on the handle; usually has full adhesive backing.When the original grip is worn, slippery, or too thin and you want a fresh core layer.
Overgrip Thin, often tacky wrap applied over the base grip; usually only has adhesive at the very start.For extra tack, sweat absorption, or minor thickness change; replaced frequently.

Small pro tips

  • If your hand slips a lot, choose a tacky or absorbent overgrip and change it regularly, especially in hot weather.
  • If the handle feels too big, use less overlap or a thinner overgrip; if too small, use a thicker replacement grip or more overlap.
  • Try to keep the printed logos on tape and grip aligned neatly if you like a clean, professional look.

Quick story-style example

Imagine your weekend league match is tomorrow and your current grip is shiny and slick. You peel it off, revealing the bare handle, and stick the tapered end of a fresh grip snug on the butt cap. Turning the racket in your hand, you spiral the grip upward with a steady overlap, smoothing every ridge until it looks like something straight from a pro shop. A quick angled cut, a tight band of finishing tape, and suddenly the racket feels new, solid, and ready to swing with confidence.

TL;DR: Strip the old grip, clean the handle, stick the tapered end of a new grip at the butt, wrap up under light tension with slight overlap in the correct direction for your handedness, then trim and tape the top for a clean, secure finish.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.