The Complete Handbook of Tennis Racquet Grips & Tape

Chapter 1: Understanding Tennis Racquet Grips & Tape

A tennis racquet grip is not decoration. It is a functional tool that sits between your hand and the racquet frame for every stroke you hit. What happens at that interface—the stability, traction, shock absorption, and comfort—directly affects your control, power transfer, spin generation, and injury risk. Understanding grips and tape means understanding one of the most concrete pieces of equipment in your game.

The confusion starts with terminology. When players say "grip," they often mean the entire wrapped assembly on the handle. In technical terms, this assembly consists of the grip core (the main cushioned layer that wraps around the handle) and often an overgrip (a thin additional layer wrapped on top). Both serve distinct functions, and understanding the difference is essential to choosing and maintaining your racquet correctly.

What a Grip Actually Does

A racquet grip performs four core functions simultaneously. First, it creates a textured surface that prevents your hand from slipping when wet—whether from sweat, humidity, or rain. Second, it absorbs shock and vibration from the racquet frame, reducing impact stress on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Third, it provides cushioning that shapes how force transfers from your hand to the racquet frame, affecting the feel of the racquet and your sense of control. Fourth, it fills the space between your hand and the racquet handle so the racquet sits consistently in your palm, enabling repeatable technique.

All four of these functions degrade over time. A grip that