To apply a pickleball overgrip, start at the butt cap, wrap upward with light tension and a small overlap, then secure the top with finishing tape. Leave the paddle's original base grip in place unless you are replacing it separately.

By Christopher Le · Published August 25, 2025 · Updated October 4, 2026

What you'll need

Your paddle
An overgrip
Finishing tape
Scissors, if you want to trim the top edge

Prepare the paddle handle

Remove the old overgrip and make sure the handle is clean and dry. Most players wrap the new overgrip over the paddle's original base grip.

How to apply a pickleball overgrip

If using doughy grips, remove the plastic film on both sides. Check the instructions for other overgrips rather than assuming they use the same film.
Find the tapered end with the sticky tab on the back and peel the tab.
Start at the butt cap. Stick the tapered end near the edge so the wrap angles upward along the handle.
Wrap toward the top with light, steady tension. Overlap each turn slightly so the handle stays covered.
Smooth the wrap with your thumb as you go. Adjust the overlap if you need more or less thickness.
At the top, trim the excess if needed. Secure the end with finishing tape.

Fix wrinkles, thickness, or gaps

Loose wrap? Restart with steadier tension and smooth each turn.
Too thick? Reduce the overlap while keeping the handle covered.
Running out of grip? Check the overlap and handle length. Restart with less overlap if the tape covers too little of the handle.
Wrinkles at the start? Redo the first wrap before continuing upward.

Left or right handed?

To describe the direction, look straight at the butt cap with the handle pointing away from you. Clockwise and counterclockwise are relative to that view.

Choose the direction that feels comfortable in your hand. If the overlap catches against your palm, unwrap it and try the opposite direction.