Ayrton Oneill
There are several ways to make the grip on a badminton racket thicker. One way is to use an overgrip, which is placed over the original grip. The thickness of the overgrip can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of overlap between each layer. Another method is to use a cushion wrap, such as the GR50, which is a thin foam wrap that provides cushioning and vibration dampening without adding too much weight to the handle. Additionally, some players have mentioned using a towel grip, which can be wrapped around the handle multiple times to achieve the desired thickness. The choice between a thicker or thinner grip depends on factors such as hand size, playing style, and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal thickness | Depends on personal preference, hand size, and playing style |
| Thicker grip | May increase smash speed, increases power, provides added stability |
| Thinner grip | Allows for faster grip changes, may be more suitable for players with thin forearms |
| Techniques for thicker grip | Overlap grip layers more, use an overgrip, apply cushion wrap, wrap towel grip around handle |
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What You'll Learn
Use an overgrip
Overgrips are a common way to increase the thickness of your badminton racket's handle. They are usually made of rubber, cotton, or cloth and are wrapped over the original grip or a base grip. The purpose of an overgrip is to provide a thicker grip handle for power play.
The thickness of an overgrip can be adjusted in two ways. Firstly, the thickness of the grip itself is a factor. Secondly, the tightness of the grip when applied to the racket will also determine its thickness. If you stretch the grip out more when applying it, it will be thinner, whereas if you don't stretch it as much, the grip will be thicker. This is because the grip's ability to absorb sweat is affected by its thickness. Some grips can absorb more sweat before producing a wet and slippery feeling, while others will need to be dried off with a towel or replaced with a new racket mid-match.
Overgrips are generally the cheapest grip available and are used by many top players to customise how they hold their racket. The Super Grap overgrip, for example, is one of the most common grips and comes in a pack of three for $6.50. It also comes in various colours and has good absorbency. Another popular option is the Wave Grap by Yonex, which has a centre cushion that gives the grip a ribbed feel, allowing players to rest their fingers comfortably within the ridges and control the racket more easily.
When choosing an overgrip, it's important to consider your style of play. Thicker grips are usually preferred by power players who play aggressively and prefer to win points through powerful smashes. They are also recommended for players with larger hands or those who prefer comfort due to the additional cushioning they provide. However, it's worth noting that some people believe that thicker grips can increase the risk of tennis elbow. Ultimately, the right grip for you will be the one that feels the most "natural" and doesn't disrupt your stroke.
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Add a cushion wrap
Adding a cushion wrap is a great way to increase the thickness of your badminton grip without adding too much weight to the racket. This method is particularly useful if you have larger hands or want to improve the comfort of your grip.
One popular option is Victor's GR50 cushion wrap, a thin foam wrap that provides cushioning against vibrations from the racket. To apply the GR50, simply wrap the foam around the grip, starting just under the ferrule and ending at the butt cap. Some players may prefer to wrap over the butt cap, in which case you can use tape to prevent tearing when replacing the overgrip. The number of layers you use will depend on your personal preference for grip thickness.
Another option for a cushion wrap is AC102EX, which can be wrapped in the opposite direction so that the adhesive is at the top, eliminating the need for tape. This wrap provides comfort without adding much thickness, allowing your fingers to sink slightly into the overgrip.
If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, you can use a towel grip or a standard towel to wrap around your racket handle. This method provides a squishy feeling and can be adjusted to your desired thickness.
When adding a cushion wrap, keep in mind that you will also need to add an overgrip on top to complete the grip. This will add to the thickness of your grip, so be sure to choose an overgrip thickness that suits your preferences.
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Try a thicker grip for more power
If you're looking to increase your power on the badminton court, one adjustment you can make is to try a thicker grip on your racket. This is because a bigger grip generally allows the player more power, although this is subjective to the size of the player's hands. For example, players with average to large-sized hands may find it difficult to grip the racket firmly when swinging hard, and a thicker grip can help with consistency.
Thicker grips can also provide added stability, making defence easier. If you're looking to increase your smash speed with a thicker grip, try replicating the technique you used with a thinner grip. With a thinner grip, you likely held the handle loosely as you swung forward and then gripped harder through impact, accelerating the racket head. You can do the same with a thicker grip, but be sure to exaggerate the tensing of your fingers through impact.
It's worth noting that a thicker grip may make it harder to perform grip changes, so you may need to adjust your technique accordingly. Additionally, some players find that thicker grips can increase the risk of tennis elbow, so it's important to be mindful of any soreness or strain on your tendons and adjust your grip if necessary.
Ultimately, grip thickness is a matter of personal preference, and it's important to find what works best for you. You can layer up your handle to the desired grip size, and even customise certain areas to be wider for extra overhead shot power and control.
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Thicker grips can slow down hand movement
While a thicker grip on a badminton racquet can provide increased stability and improved defence, it can also slow down hand movement. This is because a thicker grip can make it harder to change hand positions and adjust grip positions, particularly for players with larger hands.
When using a thinner grip, players typically hold the racquet handle loosely during the swing and then grip harder through the impact to accelerate the racquet head. With a thicker grip, players may need to exaggerate the tensing of the fingers to achieve the same acceleration. This can result in slower hand movement and a sensation of the racquet feeling heavier and less manoeuvrable.
Additionally, a thicker grip can increase the risk of tennis elbow due to the vibrations from the racquet being transferred to the player's arm. Players who grip the racquet too tightly are more susceptible to tennis elbow, as the vibrations are not absorbed by the racquet's flexibility but instead transferred to the arm.
To mitigate the risk of tennis elbow, players can try using racquets with flexible shafts or adopting a looser grip, allowing the racquet to vibrate independently of the arm. However, a looser grip may also result in slower hand movement, as players need to readjust their grip more frequently to maintain control of the racquet.
Ultimately, the decision between a thicker or thinner grip comes down to personal preference, hand size, and playing style. While a thicker grip can slow down hand movement, it can also provide improved control and stability, particularly for players with larger hands who may find it challenging to grip thinner racquets firmly when swinging hard.
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Thicker grips can cause tennis elbow
While some badminton players find that a thicker grip increases the risk of tennis elbow, others find thicker grips more comfortable and easier to play with. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the elbow, specifically the forearm extensor muscles. It is caused by repetitive impacts between the ball and racket, coupled with poor wrist stability, especially during the backhand swing. The backhand stroke results in overexertion and micro-tearing within two primary muscles inside the forearm.
Some players have noted that a thicker grip increases the power of their shots, perhaps because the vibrations from the shuttle get transferred into the shuttle rather than the forearm. A thicker grip can also make it more difficult to change hand positions, which may be why some players experience tennis elbow with a thicker grip. However, a grip that is too small will force you to squeeze the handle tighter, causing more fatigue, which can also lead to tennis elbow.
If you are experiencing tennis elbow, it is recommended that you rest and give your elbow time to heal. If you do not want to rest, you can try cross-training by going for a short jog, or doing some cycling or swimming. This will give your elbow some rest while maintaining your cardiovascular endurance.
If you would still like to make your badminton grip thicker, you can try adding an overgrip to the original grip.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your badminton grip thicker, you can add an overgrip on top of your existing grip. Alternatively, you can replace your current grip with a thicker one.
A thicker grip can provide more stability and power, making defence easier. It can also be more comfortable for those with larger hands, as it can be difficult to grip the racket firmly with a thinner grip.
A thicker grip can make it harder to change hand positions and may increase the risk of tennis elbow. It can also add weight to the racket, making it harder to manoeuvre quickly.
When wrapping an overgrip, pull the grip firmly while turning the racket, ensuring that the bottom of the grip aligns with the bottom of the handle. Work your way up the handle, maintaining an even amount of overlap between each layer. For a thicker grip, you will need more overlap in each layer.
Yes, if you are looking for more cushioning without adding too much thickness, you can try a cushion wrap such as Victor's GR50. This thin foam wrap provides cushioning and vibration dampening without adding significant weight to the handle.
