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Wrapping a badminton grip may seem easy, but it requires some skill. A good grip is essential for improving your badminton game. Badminton grips come in different types, such as rubber, PU, and overgrips. Overgrips are thinner and often applied over the base grip, allowing for maximum customisation. When wrapping a grip, it is important to start from the bottom of the racket handle, ensuring that the grip is wrapped evenly and tightly. The grip should also be flat for a smooth application. Additionally, consider adding a cushion wrap underneath for added comfort. Finally, tape down the grip, and you're ready to swing your racket!
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What You'll Learn
Wrapping for left-handed players
Wrapping the badminton grip in the correct way is essential for left-handed players to enhance their performance on the court. The grip of a badminton racket is the primary interface between the player and the racket, so a well-wrapped grip is crucial for a comfortable and secure hold. Here are the steps for wrapping a badminton replacement grip specifically for left-handed players:
Firstly, select the right materials. The market offers a range of racket wrappers, from high-quality to poor-quality options, so it is important to choose a reliable and durable wrapping material. Consider your preferences, such as sweat absorption and anti-slip textures. Fabric wraps made of cotton, for example, are excellent for absorbing sweat, but they may affect the racquet's balance due to their thickness and weight.
Once you have chosen your wrapping material, start wrapping from the base of the racket head towards the handle. This is a universal starting point, regardless of whether you are wrapping a left- or right-handed racket. As you wrap, ensure that each end of the wrapping material overlaps the next end by a few millimeters. This technique will provide firmness and strength to the wrapping.
Left-handed players should pay attention to the direction of wrapping. Start at the butt of the racket and wrap the tape towards the right. This is in contrast to right-handed players, who would wrap towards the left. Adjusting the angle of the tape in this way ensures an optimal grip for left-handed players.
As you reach the top of the handle, cut the tape diagonally. Then, use the finishing adhesive strip included with the grip tape to secure the wrap. Some players also add an extra layer of electrical tape for added security.
By following these steps, left-handed badminton players can ensure a comfortable and secure grip, allowing them to execute precise shots with minimal effort and reducing the risk of common injuries associated with improper grip techniques.
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Using an overgrip
If you are using an overgrip, you can either choose to apply it over the badminton racket's base grip or remove the base grip and apply the overgrip directly on the handle. Removing the base grip is recommended if you prefer as little cushioning as possible. Overgrips are extremely thin, so you can build your grip incrementally, layer by layer, until you find the perfect feel.
Before applying the overgrip, clean the surface of the handle with a cloth or alcohol wipe to remove any dirt or residue. If you want more cushioning, you can apply a layer of sponge wrap, cushion wrap, or foam underneath. This will give you a similar feel to a rubber or PU grip. If you want the most absorbent grip, invest in a towel grip.
When applying the overgrip, wrap at an angle until the handle is covered. The thickness of the grip will depend on how you wrap it. The more overlap you allow, the thicker the grip will be. You can cut off the excess grip diagonally so that it wraps more easily and cleanly around the cone of the handle. Tape down the grip with the separate tape that usually comes with it. If no tape is provided, you can use duct tape or the grip itself if it is sticky enough.
The Yonex Supergrap overgrip (AC102EX) is one of the best overgrips available. It can be applied tightly with only 1-2 full-length wraps, providing comfort without adding much thickness.
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Different grip types
When it comes to choosing a grip type for your badminton racket, there are a variety of options available, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common grip types and their characteristics:
Overgrip
Overgrips are thin, rubbery, or cloth-like grips that are often applied on top of the factory grip that comes with the racket. They offer maximum customisation options due to their extreme thinness and various colour options. With overgrips, you can build up the grip layer by layer until you find your preferred feel. They are also useful if you prefer minimal cushioning. Overgrips can be used alone by removing the base grip, or in combination with a sponge wrap underneath for added cushion.
Replacement Grip
Replacement grips are thicker than overgrips and are meant to replace the factory grip on a racket. They range from 1.3mm to 1.6mm in thickness and are more durable, lasting longer than overgrips. They come in a variety of patterns and textures, such as the Wave Grip and Tower Grip. The Wave Grip has a strip of cushion down the middle, creating a ribbed feel, while the Tower Grip is made of cotton and is good for absorbing moisture, although it requires grip powder to maintain dryness.
Cushion Wrap
Cushion wraps, such as the Victor cushion wrap or the cheaper Mueller Mwrap, provide extra cushioning when placed on top of the wooden handle before adding the grip. They help improve comfort, especially when combined with a tight overgrip.
Rubber or Polyurethane (PU) Grip
Rubber or PU grips are common on badminton rackets purchased off the shelf. They are reliable and provide good grip. However, some players may prefer to add an overgrip on top for customisation or to replace them regularly as they can wear down over time.
When choosing a grip type, consider your playing style, grip preferences, and the amount of cushioning and thickness you desire. You may need to experiment with different grip types and techniques to find the perfect setup for your badminton racket.
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Taping the grip
Most grips will come with separate tape meant specifically for taping down the grip end. If one is not provided, you can use duct tape or the grip itself, if it is sticky enough.
When taping, place the tape along the length of the racket, keeping it even and taut to avoid unnecessary wrinkles. Tape around the end several times for a tight seal.
After taping, give the racket a few practice swings to make sure it feels good in your hand. If it doesn’t, you can always adjust the grip until it’s just right.
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Customising the thickness
If you want to achieve a moderate thickness, you can use a rubber or PU grip and overlap your layers slightly. You can also add a layer of sponge wrap underneath for results similar to a rubber or PU grip. Overgrips are a thinner, rubber or almost cloth-like tape that is often applied over a badminton racket's base grip. They offer maximum customisation options due to their extreme thinness and various colour options. With overgrips, you can build your grip incrementally, layer by layer, until you find the perfect feel.
If you are using a G5 handle, you can use a standard-size PU grip, such as the Yonex PU grip, and wrap it tightly with a smooth 10% overlap. If you want a G4 handle, you can wrap a G5 grip tightly with a 10% overlap, which will give you a thickness very close to a G4 size. You can also add a bumper layer of PU grip to the end of the buttcap so that it flares out an extra 0.5-1cm. This provides a more secure hold when holding the racket at the very bottom on overhead shots.
If you prefer a thicker grip, you can try using two thin overgrips, which are slightly thicker than the Yonex Suogrip. You can also add six layers of cushion wrap, such as the Mueller MWrap, which is cheaper than the Yonex and Victor cushion wrap.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need your badminton racket, a new grip, and a pair of scissors.
Start by aligning the thinner end of your grip with the bottom of the racket handle. If you are using a cushion or sponge wrap underneath, apply that first.
Wrap the grip evenly and constantly apply pressure as you move up the handle towards the cone. Ensure the grip and underlying materials are flat for a smooth application.
The type of grip is a personal preference. Common options include rubber or PU grips, overgrips, and fabric wraps. Overgrips are thinner and allow for maximum customization, while fabric wraps are great for absorbing sweat but can make the racket handle thicker and heavier.
Cut any excess grip diagonally for a clean finish. Use the provided tape, or duct tape, to secure the grip end. Tape around this end several times for a tight seal. Test the grip and adjust as needed.
