A good badminton grip can help to improve your performance. It allows you to hold and play with the racquet comfortably. Grips can also help in sweat absorption which allows you to hold the racquet tightly, even while you are sweating.
However, most of us don’t know the importance of a badminton grip. In reality, a grip makes a world of difference for professional players. Therefore, while selecting a racquet don’t miss out on the most important part if it- the grip.
While choosing a badminton grip, it is important to examine your style of play and what grip works best for you. This will help you to perform optimally. In this article, I have explained the different types of badminton grips and the criteria that you should consider while selecting one.
Types of Badminton Grips
There are generally three types of badminton grips.
1. Rubber/Replacement Badminton Grips
This is the most common type of badminton grip. A replacement grip is a grip that replaces the original grip of the racquet. Though the racquet comes with a rubber grip, it is usually of low quality. I suggest you change the default grip because it slips easily and it is not attached properly to the racquet shaft.
Good rubber badminton grips are usually made up of synthetic rubbers such as Polyutherene or PU. These grips provide comfort and act as a cushion between your fingers and the shaft of the racquet. They are also great sweat and shock absorbers.
2. Overgrips
These are similar to the replacement grips but they are much thinner and cheaper than them. As the name suggests, it is used as a covering over the original grip of the racquet. The purpose is to provide a thicker handle for a power play.
An overgrip if wrapped directly on the handle’s wooden surface would be a very thin surface. However, many players wrap multiple overgrips over the shaft. Well, these grips come in a variety of sizes according to thickness.
- G1 – 3 inches
- G2 – 3 ¼ inches
- G3 – 3 ½ inches
- G4 – 3 ¾ inches
- G5 – 4 inches
3. Towel Grip
Towel grips are made of cotton. They are ideal for players with sweaty palms as cotton absorbs swear very efficiently. However, an inferior quality towel grip can be thick and heavy. Also, they need to be changed frequently as swear accumulates which causes bacteria to breed.
If you are an aggressive player with a power playing style, you should try out a towel grip.
Style of Play
1. Power Play: Focus on Powerful shots
If you prefer playing smashes, jump smashes and other powerful shots, then it is best you use a thicker grip. Players who attack often, generally hold the racquet handle tighter in order to generate maximum power for strong smashes.
Also, ensure that the racquet head is heavier than the handle in order to drive such powerful shots over the net. So if you are into a power play, it is best if you use a thicker grip. Here are the options that you can consider:
- Original Grip+ Towel Overgrip
- Original Grip+PU Replacement grip
- Original Grip+PU Replacement grip+PU Overgrip (if your palm is bigger)
2. Control Play: Focus on Accuracy and Technique
If you like a control play by playing drops, net shots, deceptions, and other technical shots, then its best you use a thinner grip. The reason being you don’t require that much power for a control play.
A thinner grip ensures that your fingers stay flexible and this will help you execute a variety of shots. However, you need to ensure that the racquet handle is heavier than the head for a more controlled style play. Here are the options you can consider:
- Original Grip+ PU Overgrip
- Only Towel Grip
- Original grip+PU Replacement Grip (only if your palm is bigger)
Final Thoughts
So if you have a power style of play, lookup for a thicker grip to generate that power. On the contrary, if you have a controlled style of play, choose a thinner grip.
Consider your palm size as well before choosing a gripping pattern. So select a grip accordingly and keep trying different combinations to see what’s best for you.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
Thanks for reading. Keep playing.
