How to Customize a Tennis Racket Handle

Customizing your tennis racket handle makes it more comfortable to use while you are playing. A handle that is the wrong size will tire out your hand because you have to grip it harder to hang onto the racket. A custom-fitted grip can also give you more control of your shots. Replacement grips are available in different materials to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a sticky grip to keep the racket in your hand or a sweat-absorbent grip, it is easy to customize your tennis racket handle in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper
  • Overgrip or replacement grip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the tennis racket in your playing hand to test the grip size. You should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand between the fingertips and palm of your playing hand while it is wrapped around the racket. When in doubt, buy a racket with a handle that is too small instead of one that is too large. It is easier to build up a racket's grip than it is to shave it down.

    • 2

      If the racket's grip is too large, remove the tape at the top of the handle and unwrap the grip. Depending on the type of adhesive used to attach the grip, you may be able to re-use it. Use coarse-grain sandpaper to sand the handle down slightly. Be sure to sand the handle evenly on all sides so the grip does not become lopsided.

    • 3

      Re-wrap the grip without adhesive and re-test the grip. Repeat this step until the handle is shaved down enough to give you a comfortable grip on the racket. Replace the original grip by following step 3 below. You may have to purchase a replacement grip if the original grip is too damaged to re-use.

    • 4

      Add an over-grip to build up the grip if it is too small. Unroll a foot of the over-grip and peel off part the backing strip that covers the adhesive. Hold the racket upside down and attach the narrow end of the grip to the butt cap on the handle. The grip should be set up so that it wraps clockwise around the handle if you play right-handed.

    • 5

      Wrap the over-grip in the opposite direction if you play left-handed. Rotate the racket slowly and wrap the grip so that it overlaps the previous layer by about 1/8 inch, peeling off the backing strip as you need more over-grip material. Cut the top of the over-grip at an angle so that it forms a straight line when wrapped fully around the handle. Wrap the finishing tape (included with the grip) around the top to hold it securely in place.