6 Tennis Overgrips for Sweaty Hands That Won’t Slip During a Tough Match

You’ve seen it happen during a crucial tie-break. Your child sets up for a big forehand, swings hard, and the racquet twists just enough to send the ball wide. Often, the culprit isn’t their technique, but something as simple as a sweaty, slippery grip. Choosing the right overgrip is a small detail that makes a huge difference in a young player’s confidence and control.

Choosing the Right Overgrip for Junior Players

When we talk about tennis gear, it’s easy to focus on expensive racquets or the latest shoes. But the overgrip—that thin layer of tape your child’s hand actually touches—is one of the most critical, and thankfully affordable, pieces of equipment. A secure grip allows a young player to swing freely and confidently, knowing the racquet won’t slip or turn on impact. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s fundamental to developing clean, repeatable strokes.

Think of overgrips in two basic categories: tacky and absorbent. Tacky grips have a sticky, adhesive-like feel that helps the hand "glue" to the racquet, while absorbent grips have a drier, cloth-like texture designed to soak up sweat like a sponge. Neither is better than the other, but one is likely better for your child. The goal is to find the one that gives them the confidence to forget about the racquet and focus on the ball.

For younger players just starting out (ages 7-10), a comfortable, all-around tacky grip is often a great starting point. It provides a secure feel as they’re learning to hold the racquet correctly. For more competitive juniors (ages 11-14+), especially those playing tournaments in the summer heat, sweat becomes a major factor. This is where experimenting with high-absorption grips can be a game-changer for their performance and mental toughness on the court.

Tourna Grip XL: The Original for Heavy Sweaters

You can’t miss this one; it’s the iconic light blue grip seen on the racquets of countless pros. Tourna Grip is the original and, for many, the ultimate solution for extremely sweaty hands. Its magic lies in a unique material that doesn’t just absorb sweat—it actually uses the moisture to become even grippier.

This is the grip for the junior player who is constantly wiping their hands on their shorts or whose racquet flies out of their hand on a big serve. If your child plays in a hot, humid climate, this grip can be the difference between finishing a third set strong or struggling with a slippery handle. It provides a very dry, secure feel that many competitive players swear by.

The one practical consideration for parents is its durability. Tourna Grip is famous for its performance, not its longevity. It tends to fray and wear out more quickly than tackier options, so you’ll be changing it more often. Think of it as a high-performance tool: it’s the best at what it does, but it requires more maintenance.

Wilson Pro Overgrip: All-Around Feel and Tack

If you were to ask a group of tennis parents what grip their kids use, the Wilson Pro Overgrip would likely be the most common answer. It’s incredibly popular for a reason: it strikes an almost perfect balance between tackiness, comfort, and absorption. It’s the reliable minivan of overgrips—it does everything well and is a safe bet for almost any player.

The Pro Overgrip offers a soft, comfortable feel with just the right amount of stickiness to feel secure without being gummy. This makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of developmental stages. It’s great for the intermediate player (ages 10-13) who is starting to play more seriously but doesn’t have a specific issue with extreme sweat.

Because it’s such a great all-arounder, it serves as an excellent baseline. Have your child start here. From this grip, they can decide if they need something more tacky or more absorbent, making it easier to choose their next grip. It’s a smart, effective, and economical first choice.

Yonex Super Grap: Tacky Feel and Durability

For the player who loves that connected, slightly sticky feeling, Yonex Super Grap is a top contender. It is renowned for its tacky surface that provides an exceptional grip on the racquet. This helps a player feel the bevels of the handle, which is crucial for making quick, precise grip changes for different shots—a key skill for advancing juniors.

The biggest advantage for parents is its impressive durability. Super Grap holds its tacky texture for a surprisingly long time, which means you won’t be re-wrapping racquets every other week. This makes it a great value and a practical choice for kids who are on the court several times a week.

This grip is ideal for players who don’t sweat profusely but prioritize a locked-in feel. If your child complains that the racquet twists in their hand on off-center hits, the tackiness of Super Grap can provide the stability and confidence they need to keep swinging aggressively.

Gamma Supreme Overgrip for Maximum Tackiness

Does your child want a grip that feels like it’s glued to their hand? Gamma Supreme Overgrip is one of the tackiest options available. It offers a high-friction surface that provides a level of security that some players find incredibly reassuring, especially during powerful serves or groundstrokes.

This grip is a problem-solver. It’s for the player who has tried other tacky grips like the Wilson Pro or Yonex Super Grap and still feels a lack of connection. The intense stickiness minimizes any chance of the racquet shifting, which can be a huge mental boost for a player working on developing power.

However, be aware that extreme tackiness has its trade-offs. It can attract dirt more easily and may feel too sticky for players who need to make subtle adjustments to their hand position during a point. It’s a specialized tool for a player who has a clear preference for a super-tacky feel.

Babolat Pro Tour 2.0: Comfort and Absorption

Some young athletes are more sensitive to the vibrations and impact of hitting a tennis ball. For them, comfort is just as important as grip. The Babolat Pro Tour 2.0 is slightly thicker and plusher than many other overgrips, offering excellent vibration dampening and a soft, comfortable feel.

This added cushioning can reduce hand fatigue during long matches or intense practice sessions. It’s an excellent choice for the dedicated tournament player who might be on court for three or four hours at a time. While it’s comfortable, it doesn’t sacrifice performance; it also does a very good job of absorbing sweat, making it a strong all-around performer.

Think of this grip as the choice for the marathoner, not the sprinter. It provides the enduring comfort needed to help a player stay focused on their game, not on a sore or tired hand. It’s a smart investment in your child’s physical well-being on the court.

Solinco Heaven Grip for a Dry, Secure Feel

For the player who dislikes even the slightest hint of stickiness, the Solinco Heaven Grip is a fantastic alternative in the absorbent category. Similar to Tourna Grip, it’s designed to provide a dry feel, but many players find it has a slightly softer, more cloth-like texture from the start.

This grip excels at wicking moisture away, ensuring a consistent feel from the first point to the last. This reliability is vital for a competitive junior whose focus can be derailed by changing equipment feel. If their hand stays dry, their mind stays on strategy.

Consider this a high-performance option for the serious player who prefers a dry grip. It’s particularly effective for those who find the classic Tourna Grip a bit too rough on their hands but still need maximum sweat absorption to play their best tennis in tough conditions.

Matching Grip Type to Your Player’s Needs

Choosing the right overgrip isn’t about finding the "best" one, but about finding the best one for your child’s specific needs and preferences. This is a great opportunity to teach them how to listen to their own feedback and make smart equipment choices. It’s a low-cost, high-impact experiment.

Here is a simple framework to guide your decision:

• If your child’s primary complaint is sweat: Start with an absorbent, dry-feel grip. Tourna Grip XL is the classic choice, while Solinco Heaven Grip is a slightly softer alternative.
• If your child wants a sticky, connected feel: A tacky grip is the way to go. Wilson Pro Overgrip is the perfect all-around starting point. For more tack and durability, try Yonex Super Grap, and for maximum stickiness, go with Gamma Supreme.
• If comfort and reducing vibration is a priority: Look for a slightly thicker, cushioned grip. The Babolat Pro Tour 2.0 is an excellent option that balances comfort with solid absorption.

Encourage your player to try two or three different types. A 3-pack of overgrips is an inexpensive investment in their development. Let them play a few matches with each and tell you which one feels best. Empowering them to make this choice will give them ownership over their game and teach them to be an astute and self-aware athlete.

Ultimately, the right overgrip is the one your child doesn’t have to think about during a match. It’s a small piece of gear that solves a problem, allowing them to focus on strategy, footwork, and the simple joy of hitting a clean shot. By helping them find their perfect match, you’re giving them the confidence and control to just play.