Do you need a wristband for padel?

You don't need one, but many players find it helps. Padel rackets have short handles and a wrist strap, so a sweaty hand is hard to reposition mid-rally. A wristband stops forearm sweat reaching your grip.

Should the wristband go under or over the padel racket strap?

Put the wristband on first, a little higher up the forearm, then the racket strap on your wrist below it. That way the strap sits snug against your wrist and the band catches sweat before it reaches the strap and grip.

Can you wear a wristband in a tennis tournament?

Yes. Wristbands are standard kit in tennis at every level. If you play in a club competition with a dress code, check colour rules; white is the safe choice for all-white events.

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Wristbands for padel and tennis, and why you'll want one this summer

Padel is booming in Australia. Here's why a wristband helps your grip on hot days, how to wear it, and what to look for before summer.

If you've picked up padel in the last year, you're in good company. Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, with Tennis Australia reporting court numbers up by more than 50 per cent in a single year (Tennis Australia, April 2026). New clubs are popping up in every state, a lot of them outdoors or in warm sheds.

Which brings us to summer. Hot courts mean sweaty arms, and sweaty arms mean a slippery grip. A wristband is the simplest fix.

Why grip matters more in padel

Tennis and padel both need a steady grip, but padel has a couple of quirks:

Short handle, solid racket. You have less handle to hold and adjust, so a slippery palm is harder to correct mid-rally.
Wrist strap. Padel rackets have a safety strap you wear on your wrist. Sweat running down your forearm soaks the strap first, then the grip.
Fast exchanges at the net. Volleys come quickly. There's no time to wipe your hand on your shorts.

In tennis, the logic is the same. A wet grip twists on off-centre hits, and you end up squeezing harder to compensate, which tires your forearm faster. Keeping sweat off your hand is the whole reason tennis players have worn wristbands for decades.

How to wear a wristband with a padel strap

This trips up new players, so here's the simple version:

Wristband on first, sitting a few centimetres up from your wrist bone on your racket arm.
Racket strap next, on your wrist below the band.
Check your wrist can flex freely. The band shouldn't sit in the crease of your wrist.

That way the strap sits snug against your wrist, and the band catches sweat before it reaches the strap and grip.

One band or two?

One, on your racket hand, covers most players.
Two if you sweat heavily, play long sessions, or use a two-handed backhand in tennis.
A spare in your bag for summer arvos. Swapping a soaked band for a dry one at the change of ends makes a real difference.

What to look for in a padel or tennis wristband

Soft enough to wipe your face. You will use it on your forehead more than you think.
Moisture-wicking. It should spread sweat out and dry between points, not just sit there wet.
Snug fit that doesn't dig in. It needs to stay put through overheads without leaving a red ring.
Washable. Cold wash after every session, like a towel.
A colour that works for your club. White is the safe bet for any all-white or dress code events.

We made the Wristy in soft bamboo fibre with exactly this in mind. It comes in red, white and black, and it's one size with enough stretch to suit most wrists.

Don't forget your feet

Hot courts are hard on feet too. Lots of quick lateral movement plus sweaty socks is a recipe for rubbing. A breathable ankle sock helps. If you get hotspots, read our guide on how to stop socks giving you blisters.