Put on an OVERGRIP like the Pros! Padel Grip!

Some of our most asked questions - how big should the grip be? When should I change my grip? How do I change the grip? - We answer all of those in this video!
If you want help choosing a racket, check out this video: • How to Choose a Padel ...
When it comes to the grip size it is a very personal preference, you just need to be careful not to grip too hard, creating tension in your elbow/shoulder.
Putting on an overgrip is a skill that is worth learning and once you've practiced it a couple of times you will find it very easy! Then you can do it before you play without trying to find a coach or someone to do it for you!

[@joyce7212]

Dear Sandy, I want to thank you for all your generosity and all your kind advice. I am new to padel and I find your videos very inspiring and I get a lot of support and confidence thanks to your continued support... Best regards from northern Mexico...

[@ThePadelSchool]

Hey Alfredo, thanks for your lovely wishes. So glad to be a part of your padel journey with you 💪

[@jaimecozar8812]

Thank you for the video Sandy, I was just thinking of changing my overgrip and this was very helpful!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Happy to help!

[@na_der]

Thnx Sandy! Best padel source and coach on youtube!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thank you for the support!

[@singlereed]

Cool, thanks. My experience as a racquet sports player (although I’m quite new to padel) is to say that if you have a sore arm or elbow, try a larger or smaller grip, it can be part of the solution. Maybe try the exact opposite of what you have, you may be surprised.

[@lukeyd13]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@ThePadelSchool]

My pleasure

[@fazepozz3553]

it’s pretty nice my 14 years of badminton and hundreds of hours of doing all kinds of grips is finally paying off again

[@joesepu]

Good Video Sandy! I agree with you that having the right size grip is vital. Usually the index finger of the opposite hand should fit tightly between the space between your fingers and the base of the thumb when holding the racket. I use a different technique to wrap my grips. I start with the thick side of the overgrip at the bottom. The only reason for this is that I can use the thin side with the little sticker at the top so that it stays in place while putting on the tape at the top. Another good point is the color of the grip. I agree with others that the white ones are the best ones. They just grip better, but also seem to last less time. It's a night-and-day difference when compared to dark colored overgrips. It is worth mentioning that there are several types of overgrips. Dry, Tacky, and many more. I prefer tacky, but I suggest all players to try different ones. AND TIE THE CORD SO IT'S NOT GETTING IN THE WAY! hahaha Keep it up! Amazing effort in QATAR! It was amazing watching you play

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yep, usually I tie the cord and even suggested it on my previous overgrip video haha

[@ahmedal-ariki3160]

Your videos are super man! keep it up!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Glad you like them!

[@michelraveyts8081]

good point on the weight. I always use a hesacore combined with an overgrip that overlaps quite a lot. For me a bigger grip is better so my racket doesn't slide in my hands when hitting with power. I think the hesacore is about 20gr, so it does make a difference in balance

[@ThePadelSchool]

Hesacore and overgrips on top will make a big difference!

[@manwerama]

Suggestion: how to deal with harsh indoor lighting? I sometimes miss smash because because the ball disappears while moving against the light. Great channel, keep up the good work!

[@OfficrKD6-3.7]

trust in the force and it will guide you

[@joesepu]

Light, sun, wind. All are factors that affect game play. If the indoor lighting is poorly positioned, you can try a vibora or bandeja. The lower contact point will help you see the ball again. There is also nothing wrong with letting it bounce and shot a more control shot. Never use a shot when you are not comfortable hitting it. It is better to readjust yourself and continue the rally than risk a blind smash. Hope this helps

[@manwerama]

@@joesepu It does. Great advice, thanks!

[@ThePadelSchool]

I think the most important thing is to practice in those conditions if you can. Or if it is a new court for a tournament, then start the match and the warm up hitting within your capabilities until you build confidence with the settings!

[@manwerama]

@@ThePadelSchool Thank you!

[@Eric-rf6te]

Hey, good job in the World Cup Sandy. It was nice seeing you play that well 💪

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks for the support!

[@Ostlund_85]

I use Tourna mega tac, and as you saying. The white one is much more tacy then say the black one. And it looks good 😁 Also when I wrap my racket I make a knot of the safety cord so it’s not in the way.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yes, good suggestion

[@Sinhah]

The white grip is better because coloured grips have more paint in the fabric, making it more impermeable to sweat, hence more slippery.

[@Belchdragon]

According to what I heard from a colour chemist, is the colour enough to change a little in the feel and physical properties, of the grip. She worked with paint and it was a huge issue in that business. I have worked with rubber and with silicone we did see that colour also changed some properties.

[@JonasvdBerg]

Maybe the more white coloured grip reflects more of the heat radiation?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Really interesting. That doesn’t surprise me because there a big difference between white and coloured grips.

[@Belchdragon]

@@ThePadelSchool The interesting thing is I used to play a little squash several years ago and one of club pros swore to black grips at the time from one brand. White was ok but other colours were a nogo. He warned me against the yellow especially.

[@kevspencer5744]

The white grip doesnt have dye in it so it makes it less slippy.

[@arthurtuma]

Hi Sandy, I don't if that's the explanation on why white performs better than other colors but it's worth mentioning: rubber in its original state is white, to make it in other colors manufacturers have to add specific chemicals. As I said, I don't know if that's the case, but it should influence on the rubber overall.

[@ThePadelSchool]

thanks for your insights and feedback here, interesting to hear!

[@joacimkindstrom2478]

A Nice grip is important. Vamos

[@ThePadelSchool]

Truth!!

[@puskatt]

White are better at absorbing sweat cuz there is no ink injected in the overgrip. They inject ink to get other colors :)

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks!

[@Flaban88]

I have been putting on the grip the other way around, because I thought the thinner sticky end fittet nicely with the width of the sticky black tape 😅

[@ThePadelSchool]

hahah, glad you sussed it now!

[@lordoflords1064]

Hi there! 1:40, the colour grips are dyed, and the dye makes them less durable

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yes, thanks!

[@Factor7zen]

@2:37 Pro tip: tie up the safety cord otherwise it’ll keep getting in the way.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yep, I would often do that 👍

[@defutgids6407]

Hi Sandy, when getting to a higher level I notice that it's hard from me to hide my shots. Do you have any tips for that? My opponents see easy when I play a vibora and also when I go for a power smash

[@joesepu]

The preparation of each shot should be very very similar even if you plan to strike with power or control. If you always power smash, your opponents will know what you will do the next time a lob it thrown your way. A vibora is a vibora, but having the ability to change the direction and speed is much more important than hiding the shot. Same when smashing. You can prepare for a power smash but do a fake out next time. That way the opponent won't be able to predict your next move. It is much more important to have good preparation and shot accuracy than hiding your shot. Focus on the things you can control, like your technique each shot, rather what you can't, like what your opponent is thinking. I hope this helps.

[@ThePadelSchool]

This is a skill of the higher levels and being firstly able to hit each shot well - then learning to disguise/trick your opponents. Like the techniques, these shots just need some practice!

[@doncreepypasta5620]

Hi Sandy! I was watching the 2nd UK-Poland game in the Qatar world cup, and I think it was you playing on the right? Unfortunatelly they didn't inform the player names, so I'm curious. Cheers!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yes, I played in the 2nd match on the right :)

[@cpasa798]

The size of the grip affects how you play. Bigger grips help you to grave your raquet more stiff, it helps in volleys, bandejas and early bounce shots. Smalller grips make your wrist looser, it helps you in viboras and top spin smashes. Usually older players use bigger grips because they don’t use that much viboras and top spin smashes: J M Diaz, Belasteguin, Silingo, etc. Young players that use the top spin smash use thin grips: Lebron, Paquito, Tello, etc

[@ThePadelSchool]

Not sure it is quite so simple. I actually asked JMD and he has always used a thick grip. I think it is more down to the size of your hand and personal preferences. But interesting suggestions!

[@p0lter7]

Hope this gets a reply after 2 years but I have broken my hand rather badly in the past. Several surgeries blabla. Conclusion is my pinky finger cant really squeeze, I basically cant make a proper fist with it. I have really poor grip it seems, I constantly feel my racket shifting and my arm/elbow is starting to hurt badly now. I think because I keep losing grip on my racket. I do also have really sweaty hands but I played tennis in the past before I broke that hand and it never bothered me. So Im starting to put the blame on my messed up hand. Do you or anyone have any suggestions for that? Im tempted to make grip like really thick so I wont have to squeeze so hard but not sure what it would effect or I should be doing the opposite. Ive tried several grips to no avail. I also ordered the 4on grip spray now. Basically just trying to find a solution and am kinda lost

[@ThePadelSchool]

the 4on grip spray is great and is super strong if needed so that sounds like a good option! i also get sweaty hands and it really helps so hopefully it also helps you too

[@chrillis]

How did you end up in Bjuv? 😂 Fantastic court!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Right place, right time ;) A great little club!

[@SuperCapone123]

Mine is huge and yellow

[@juanitobananaespro]

Supposedly white grips perform better than the other colored grips because of the lack of ink. When it’s colored the ink won’t allow the sweat absorption as you expect.

[@ThePadelSchool]

So I am told! Thanks

[@julia3061]

I am really struggling with my grip whereas I have tried different over grips, both tacky and the absorbent ones that takes away my sweat. And I do sweat. But still I never find I have a confident steady and firm grip which is what I am looking for. I feel like it easily spins in my hand if I hit the balls on either side and not directly in the middle. I feel as I need no grip and want to be able to be as close to racket as possible but when I removed the one I had, and only used the factory one, I have now a shoulder injury. Do you have any suggestions? This is a big problem for me.

[@joesepu]

Usually the index finger of the opposite hand should fit tightly between the space between the tip of your fingers and the base of the thumb when holding the racket. That's the right size. If that doesn't help, you can try the hesacore grip or the x-grip. I would also suggest using a round racket, those have the center of gravity closest to the grip. That, besides helping you with control, also reduces vibrations. Hope this helps!

[@julia3061]

@@joesepu Thanks for taking the time to respond! 👍🏼 I know the finger thing. Will see if I’ll try some of your other suggestions. I know about the hesacore and the x-grip. Think it will be too heavy for me.

[@joesepu]

@@julia3061 The hesacore replaces the actual grip that comes with the racket. And I've found, in more than one occasion, that the hesacore is lighter than the original grip. So it shouldn't add any more weight to your racket. If you don't mind me asking, what racket are you using right now?

[@julia3061]

@@joesepu Okay I understand. So you would remove the factory grip? I don’t think you would know it. It’s called Dopadel Virgo. It’s a Swedish brand, made in the same factory as Siux and Vibor-A anyways. I need a light racket but also a good trustworthy brand. Maybe Nox or Varlion. Do you know any good ones for woman?

[@ThePadelSchool]

I would not go down the route of a hesacore or accessory - they often end up with over-gripping and won't help the shoulder. But instead you could use liquid chalk? Many players use it to avoid sweaty hands. Depending on where you are, there will be some shops that stock it I imagine. I think Nox is a good brand for ladies, those rackets are often a good combination of soft and light!

[@arnedebel]

Is there a place where you can buy a new wrist strap, you can put in the racket.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Good question, usually with the brand shops or big shops (so probably in Spain)...

[@abduallahalharbi2945]

May I ask where the sticky part is supposed to be placed? I have been told the face of the sticky part on the overgrip is supposed to be on your hand & that’s doesn’t make sense to me!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Sticky part facing the actual grip - not on your hand...

[@tonloc8]

should left handed players wrap in the opposite direction?

[@joesepu]

Not necessarily. While I do find it more comfortable to have the grip going in the opposite direction than my hand is gripping, I know a lot of players who prefer to use it in the direction they are gripping because it allows them to change their grip for each shot because the hand slides slightly easier.

[@ThePadelSchool]

I know alot of players that do, but also those that don't. See which is more comfortable!

[@annekecornee]

Why use overgrip? What's wrong with only the factory grip and replace that when it is worn out?

[@ThePadelSchool]

The material will get slippery and also if you want it bigger you need an overgrip!

[@henrijacques1825]

It’s possible to play with 2 or 3 over grips ?

[@ThePadelSchool]

That’s a great question, and a frequent one we are asked in the community page. If you are a member, please feel free to ask this in there, and if you’re not a member, please feel free to join so you can see all the answers! thepadelschool.com/the-padel-school-plus/?Organic&+stories&TPS%2B

[@nachoms007]

The white vs coloured grip is cause they use ink to give the colour

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks!

[@peterahier6017]

Would you recommend replacement grips or overgrips?

[@joesepu]

Leave the factory grip or put a new one if necessary. Then, add the overgrip, and replace the overgrip when needed. Usually after a week of playing or so. Overgrips are less expensive than grips and their purpose is literally saving you money from having to replace the expensive grips.

[@ThePadelSchool]

This is often down to preference! But overgrips are easier to change, less expensive and less time consuming to put on...

[@rickardlindstrom7766]

Why do you keep that rubberband on? :D

[@ThePadelSchool]

No reason to remove haha

[@andressorbera54]

Colored grips aren't so good because of the ink they have. With the heat of the hand the grip color starts to fade and that affects the grip properties. In other words, it looses texture.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks for the feedback Andrés. Keep it up!

[@makisvale]

hi wtp players I have seen that they play with 1 grip... lebron, navaro, I put 1 out of 3 grip and I see that my game is better.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Some players have 4/5 grips on. Others don't have any!

[@ajrc1987]

White grip is better because they don’t contain pigments.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks

[@jerryhellstrom30]

Start the grip opposite way. You don't need to start that way. If you do it the opposite way you will have the end much better.. Just saying. I have put grips on rackets since 1986 when I started to play badminton and always wondering why they put it like that..

[@ThePadelSchool]

Then it is difficult to make the handle even. I know many players that have a preference on which side to hit forehand/backhand. I do know a few players that do it the way you’re suggesting. But they’re in the minority.

[@steinjohansen9394]

Start with the thick end and finish on top with the tiny end👍🏻 The tiny end is pre-cutted the way you suggest to cut with scissors. Then the whole end of grip tape will be hidden under the tape. That’s the way we put grips on road bikes😉

[@singlereed]

Cool, thanks. My experience as a racquet sports player (although I’m quite new to padel) is to say that if you have a sore arm or elbow, try a larger or smaller grip, it can be part of the solution. Maybe try the exact opposite of what you have, you may be surprised.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Good suggestion!