Biggest Grip Mistake Pickleball Players Make: A common mistake among pickleball players is overthinking their grip, leading to errors and inconsistency. In a recent video, a pickleball expert advised players to stick to one of two reliable grips—the Continental or the Semi-Western—rather than constantly adjusting for different shots.
The Right Grip for Consistency
Many beginners get caught up in finding the perfect grip for each type of shot. This overthinking often leads to mistakes and missed opportunities. The expert recommended the Continental grip, which provides balance for both forehand and backhand shots. To use the Continental grip, players should place the heel of their hand on bevel 1 and the base of the index finger on bevel 2.
“Everything on my forehand is this grip, everything on my backhand is this grip, and it’s very balanced and even.” – (expert)
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Challenges and Adjustments
While the Continental grip is effective in most situations, it has one drawback.
“Around the kitchen area, whenever you get sped up on, it’s really hard to defend this what we call a chicken wing part of your body.” – (expert)
This weak spot can make defense more difficult when reacting to fast shots near the net. A second option, the Semi-Western grip, may offer an alternative, though details on this approach are still forthcoming.
Simplifying the Game for Better Results
With pickleball’s rising popularity, more players are looking for ways to refine their technique. Experts suggest focusing on a simple, effective grip rather than switching grips for every shot. By mastering one reliable grip, players can improve their consistency and reduce errors on the court.
News in Brief: Biggest Grip Mistake Pickleball Players Make
A pickleball expert warns that overthinking grip choices leads to inconsistency and mistakes. Instead of constantly adjusting, players should stick to either the Continental or Semi-Western grip for better control.
The Continental grip offers balance for forehand and backhand shots but has a weakness near the net. Experts advise mastering one grip to improve consistency, helping players refine their technique and minimize errors.
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