How to Replace the Handle on a Tennis Racket

The only thing standing between you and success on the tennis courts might just be a new tennis racket handle grip. If your hands constantly slip when attempting to hit winners, your racket spins in your hands or you can't maintain racket head position during your swing, you may need to change the handle grip. Playing with an improper grip can cause missed shots, frustration and in extreme cases even injury. New handle grip tape provides increased friction between your hand and the handle. This prevents the racket from moving in your hand so shots go where they're directed.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove existing handle grip tape. Take off the worn-out tape that needs replacement from the handle of the racket, which may be held in place with tape, staples or other materials.

    • 2

      Clean racket handle. Remove any dirt, grime or remnants that may be left behind from the previous grip tape. Apply warm water if necessary to ensure that the racket handle surface is clean and the new grip tape will stick to it properly.

    • 3

      Attach grip tape to the racket handle base. Peel back an inch or two of the tape on the tapered end of the new grip tape. Attach the tapered end of the tape to the base of the racket. Remove more of the tape backing if necessary until you have firmly secured the new grip tape to the racket and begin to form a spiral pattern. Removing the tape backing too quickly can result in the tape curling up and sticking to itself.

    • 4

      Wrap grip tape around the racket handle. Find a comfortable place to sit and stabilize the racket. Hold the racket in one hand and apply the grip tape in a spiral pattern down the racket handle with the other. Continue to unwrap the tape backing as you apply the tape grip. Leave a slight overlap of the tape edge as you apply it in order to avoid gaps in the finished handle grip. Monitor the amount of overlap, as too much may cause you to run out of grip tape before you reach the top of the grip.

    • 5

      Mark a target line on the racket with a pencil as you approach the end of the roll of grip tape, using this line as the boundary for the top of the grip. Finish applying the grip tape so that it stops on this line. Clip off any extra grip tape with a pair of scissors.

    • 6

      Apply the finishing tape, which is smaller in diameter and generally a different color. This tape prevents the grip tape from unraveling and helps hold it in place.