Glossary
Overgrip
A thin, tacky wrap applied over a paddle handle to add cushioning and improve grip as the factory wrap wears.
An overgrip is a thin layer of tape wrapped around a paddle's handle, on top of the factory grip, to add texture, cushioning, and tackiness. It is a cheap, replaceable layer rather than a permanent part of the paddle, and most players expect to swap it out every few weeks to a couple of months depending on how often they play.
Overgrips matter because the factory grip on a paddle can wear smooth and slick with sweat and repeated use, which increases the risk of the paddle twisting or slipping in the hand mid swing. A fresh, tacky overgrip restores that grip security and can also be used to slightly increase handle circumference for players who want a marginally larger grip size.
A common mistake is waiting too long to replace a worn overgrip, especially in hot weather when hands sweat more, which raises the chance of a paddle slipping during a fast exchange. Wrapping technique also matters, since overlapping the tape unevenly can create bumps that feel awkward under the fingers during play.