Dealing with excessive sweat in the hands while playing squash

Question

I started playing squash again after several years of hiatus. It is great fun but one thing that really bothers me is that my old and faithful racket slips in my hand during some occasions. This is especially frustrating when serving the ball and under no stress whatsoever.

I thought about having a small towel with me but it feels silly to run around the court with a towel and wipe of sweat after every second rally.

I can imagine this being an issue that other people face as well. Is it simply a matter of getting a new grip or racket?

Answer 1

I coach high school squash and run into this occasionally.

The most common thing players do is to wipe their hands along the sole of their shoe, much like you'll see basketball players doing sometimes.

A second practice that I've seen but that I discourage in my players is to drag/swipe one's palm along the wall. It works, but it's pretty rude in my book.

Answer 2

If you are not already, use sweatbands on the wrists to prevent it running down from your arms to your hands.

If the racquet is older, the grip may need replacing. Consider using one moulded to your hand or with ridging that relies less on friction alone.

Finally, obtain advice from an exercise professional about how to develop the muscles in your forearm to grip more strongly and consistently.

Answer 3

I have this problem too. I solve it by using either TournaGrip or Yonex Super Grap overgrips. (Overgrips are wrapped on top of the factory grip.)

Those are the only two grips I'd use for an important match -- everything else is too slippery in my hand.

My friend, who also has sweaty hands, swears by Dry Grip, which is an antiperspirant cream. I'm happy enough with the overgrips that I haven't ventured into the cream situation, but it's another option, and it can be used in combination with the overgrips.