Re-Gripping a Pickleball Paddle

Besides the titular pickleball itself, your Recess Pickleball paddle is pretty much the most crucial gear you need to play pickleball. So keeping your paddle in tip-top shape ensures that you’ll have many more games of pickleball in your future – and many more wins, too. Grab some replacement grip tape and let's get started.

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When to Re-Grip Your Paddle

For the best pickleball experience, replace the grip tape on your pickleball paddle after 12 hours of play, or when it feels silky instead of tacky – whichever comes first. New grip tape helps to keep the handle fresh and sweat-proof, gives you a better grip (who would have thought?), and keeps you on your A-game.

Out With the Old: Removing the Old Grip Tape

If you’ve determined your grip is in need of a refresh, you’ll need to remove the old tape. Use scissors to gently score the worn-out grip tape, and then use your fingers to unpeel it from the paddle handle. Stubborn tape? Try wedging a flathead screwdriver underneath it and pulling up, or using pliers – but be gentle! Then, remove any residual tape backing as best you can.

In With the New: Re-Gripping Your Pickleball Paddle

The best way to re-grip a paddle with fresh grip tape is to start from the bottom of the paddle’s handle (aka, the butt cap 🍑) and wrap upwards. If you’re right handed, you’ll get the best grip by attaching the grip tape to the butt of the handle and then pulling the tape towards the right as you wrap upwards. If you’re left handed, pull the tape to the left.

Depending on the grip tap you’re using (or if you’re re-gripping a children’s pickleball paddle with a shorter handle), you may have a little excess left over once you’ve wrapped the tape all the way to the top of the handle. If that’s the case, trim it with scissors by cutting a straight line just above the top of the handle. Most grip tapes have a sticky backing, but to ensure it stays in place, you’ll use finishing tape, and/or the silicone grip band that comes with each Recess Pickleball paddle.

All that’s left now is to take your newly re-gripped paddle for a spin.

See you on the court!

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