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Why your grip setup changes every shot
A good padel grip setup does more than make your racket feel comfortable. It affects how securely the handle sits in your hand, how much you squeeze on contact, and how confident you feel when the pace speeds up. If your grip is too thick, too slick, or too worn, you usually compensate by holding the racket tighter than necessary. That tension can make touch shots feel rushed and defensive balls feel less controlled.
The good news is that grip setup is one of the easiest parts of your gear to adjust. You do not need a new racket to improve feel. In most cases, a smarter mix of base grip thickness, overgrip texture, and replacement timing will get you most of the way there.
Start with the base grip, not the overgrip
Every racket comes with a factory grip, often called the base grip or replacement grip. This is the thicker layer attached directly to the handle. Its job is to provide the main shape, baseline cushioning, and enough structure for an overgrip to sit on top.
Think of the base grip as the foundation. If it is flattened, torn, or shifting under your hand, adding fresh overgrips on top will only mask the problem for a short time. A worn base grip usually leads to a handle that feels inconsistent from one session to the next.
According to Decathlon's guide to choosing your padel grip or overgrip, overgrips are meant to fine-tune feel, while the original grip remains the main layer that gives the handle its shape. That is a useful way to think about the decision. Start with a solid base, then adjust from there.
A fresh replacement grip makes sense when:
- the original layer is cracked, shiny, or compressed
- the handle feels harder than it used to
- you want more cushioning under your overgrip
- you are rebuilding your handle size from scratch