Before we start something, we feel it is difficult and cannot be done, but as we go through the process, it becomes more accessible in each step. In the same way, when we first started to learn about the different rules in tennis, it was tricky, but after becoming habituated to it, it felt pretty easy. The more we know, the more our knowledge evolves. With more knowledge, we slowly understand why tennis has so much equipment and functions. While watching a tennis match, people can see several things, starting from the racquets, tennis balls, bags, nets, referees, etc. They can see one of those things in the overgrips on the racquet handles. Many people will hear it for the first time, so for them and everyone else, here is the tennis overgrips guide
What are tennis grips?
Tennis overgrips are a layer of tape wrapped around the tennis racquet’s handle. The overgrips have the texture of cloth, and their primary purpose is to absorb sweat and increase the stability and comfort of the player. Playing tennis without overgrips may cause the racquet to slip from the hand, resulting in weaker strokes. The tennis overgrips have significant roles and must be changed after 10–15 hours of playing. They are cheap compared to other equipment, ranging from $2 to $5.
What Are The Tennis Overgrips Made Of?
Tennis grips differ from company to company. Each company has its own unique material with which they make the tennis overgrips. In most cases, the tennis overgrips have the texture of cloth. Tennis overgrips can be produced with more absorbent materials or built with high-quality sticky materials..
What Are the Different Types of Tennis Overgrips?
Three types of tennis overgrips are dry, tacky, and all-around. Professional tennis players prefer to use light blue and white overgrips. But there are instances where only beginners opt for other fancy colors. The three overgrips have advantages, and the player should choose carefully which suits their play style. When a new racquet is bought, it comes with an overgrip, but one can apply another overgrip to increase stability and sweat absorption.
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Dry Overgrips
Dry Overgrips are thinner compared to Tacky and All-Around overgrips. But they are the best for those professionals who perspire a lot or play mainly during the humid weather. These overgrips will absorb the sweat, help get better control over the racquet, and reduce the risk of the racquet slipping from the hand. The only disadvantage is that it wears out quickly as it is thin.
Tacky Overgrips
Tacky Overgrips can be explained in two words – too sticky. They are less thin than the dry overgrips, providing a perfect grip on the racquet and making it more comfortable. People who do not perspire much can opt for tacky overgrips. The best part is that they will last longer than dry overgrips.
All-Around Overgrips
Both Dry Overgrips and Tacky Overgrips are at extreme levels. Some people might prefer something in between. For them, there are All-Around Overgrips. All-Around Overgrips will give the experience of a tacky feeling, but with time it will turn into a drier overgrip. These overgrips are used by people who like to experience both in one.
When Is The Right Time To Change The Overgrip?
There is no particular right time to change the overgrips. The sooner the overgrips become dry and old, the sooner they must be replaced. For example – if a tennis player plays every once or twice weekly, his overgrips will last much longer than a player who plays every day. The first one will need a new overgrip every month, while the latter will need one every week. The average that a tennis overgrip can last is between 10 – 15 hours.
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Steps To Install The Overgrip
As mentioned above, tennis overgrips must be changed after a specific time. When the time comes, the player can do it himself or take it to a tennis shop. But if there is an emergency and there is no time to go to a tennis shop, the player must do it independently. Changing or installing the overgrip is pretty straightforward. Here are the steps to change or install the overgrip:-
Procedure
Step 1:- When a new tennis racquet is bought, it has an original overgrip wrapped around it. But these overgrips are usually insufficient and cannot provide the stability and comfort required. So it is essential to change the overgrip by wrapping a new one over it.
Step 2:- The next step is to find the sticky edge of the new overgrip. Most of the time, it will have a paper covering it, which can be peeled off. The sticky part of the edge will be the first part of the overgrip to come in contact with the racquet.
Step 3:- The sticky portion should be attached to the tennis racquet from the bottom. If the player is left-handed, he will hold the racquet with his right hand and the overgrip with his left hand. The opposite procedure should be followed if it is a right-handed player.
Step 4:- Ensuring the overgrip is in line with the bottom of the racquet is crucial. The best policy is to hold it with your preferred hand and place it with your thumb.
Step 5:- To ensure the grip is stretched to the utmost point, push the grip with your thumb.
Step 6:- Keep wrapping the overgrip until it covers the whole handle, and keep the sticky tape ready. After wrapping the overgrip, the sticky tape should be covered at the end. The overgrip is changed, and the player can continue with his tennis.
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