To quickly introduce the character, Stéphane Penso is the former coach of Thierry Lincou and Gregory Gaultier (formerly 1 squash world number).
In his comments, Stéphane would like to share with the general public certain habits and secrets kept by squash and badminton players. Secrets that could be beneficial to the comfort and performance of sports players. padel. Passionate about equipment and new technologies, he tries, analyzes, compares, and shares with us.
In this article we do not want to highlight the products of a particular brand but to present what is done in the world of racket.
It is a roll of an orange felt that comes to apply on the handle of the racket, below the overgrip. This felt allows to increase the size of the handle without changing the weight or the balance of the pala. In addition, this felt helps to gain comfort and therefore reduce friction and irritation.
This grip is to put directly on the handle or under a overgrip. By inserting this foam band they create beads, your sleeve will be easier to grasp, and also more comfortable. Very used in violent racket sports in places where one sweats a lot (squash and badminton). A Hesacore "home made".
Many brands offer overgrips, at all prices, colors, thickness ... but for Stéphane, 2 of them take advantage of others. The MegaTac used by professional tennis players, little known, and the Wilson Comfort overgrip, very present on the pro circuit of the WPT.
Finally for those who would like to remove the original grip to put a new one, or to considerably enlarge the handle, there is a brand, resulting from squash but which adapts very well to the padel, it is Karakal. Years of experience have brought this “big” grip to the top in terms of comfort, grip and breathability.
Thank you for these tips. Do not hesitate to tell us about your little "tricks" that make the game easier and that could help other players.