How far up the racket should I wrap my badminton grip?

by Sudiskam

(Brunei)

Question: How far up the racket should I wrap my badminton grip? Some players I wrap beyond the handle itself does that make any difference in performance of the racket? Some players wrap beyond the handle itself does that make any difference in performance of the racket? What purpose is it to wrap the grip exceeding the handle?

Answer:

Hi Sudiskam, thank you for the question.

It’s your choice on how far up you wish to wrap your badminton grip.

As for those players who prefer wrapping their grips beyond their handle up until the racket shaft, they might be looking for more control.

I’ll explain how wrapping the grip beyond their handle affects their control over the racket…

Grip Affects the Weight of the Racket

If the weight of the racket is more concentrated on the handle (more grip), the racket favours control and helps you play better control shots.

Control shots are usually performed at the front of the court with the intention to help you set up your rallies. They are usually the badminton serve, net shots, or even badminton drives.

If the weight of the racket is concentrated at the head of the racket (less grip), the racket favours power shots which are usually performed from the back of the court. This includes the badminton smash and the badminton jump smash.

Before Adding More Grip, Test the Balance Point of Your Racket

The picture above shows you how to test the balance point of your racket.

Look for the point on the racket shaft and balance it with one finger. The point on the shaft where your racket is balanced with your finger is the balance point of the racket.

• If the point is nearer to the head of the racket, the racket is better for power shots.
• If the point is nearer to the handle, the racket is good for control shots.

Effect of Wrapping Grip Higher Up

Wrapping the badminton grip higher up towards the shaft increases the weight towards the handle.

Therefore the racket will be easier to be controlled.

However, you’ll sacrifice some power when you hit power shots such as the smash because the weight on the racket head is reduced.

Control is More Important for a Doubles Game

I believe that you’ll see more doubles player wrapping their grip high up.

This is because playing at the front of the court in a doubles game requires a higher degree of control if you want to successfully set up your rallies.

In a doubles game, a slight mistake at the front of the court might force you to lift or give an advantage to your opponent to perform the net kill.

Therefore in a doubles game, control is very important for the front court player.

Click here if you wish to read more on badminton racket specifications.