Pickleball Grip Techniques and Tips: Pickleball players use different grips to hold their paddles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right grip depends on the player’s style, skill, and the shots they want to make. Understanding these grips can help players improve control, power, and spin during a game.
Common Pickleball Grip Styles
The Continental grip is one of the most popular grips among professional players. It involves placing the index knuckle on the second bevel of the paddle handle, similar to how you hold a hammer or shake hands. This grip works well for quickly switching between forehand and backhand shots. It offers good control and power but does not generate much topspin because the hand remains in a neutral position. Many pros use this grip but switch to others for special shots.
The Eastern grip is similar to a tennis grip, with the index knuckle on the third bevel of the paddle. It provides strong control for forehand shots and feels natural and comfortable, making it a good choice for beginners. However, it limits topspin and can be less effective for powerful backhands, especially on wide or low shots. This grip offers versatility but can lack finesse for certain slices and drop shots.
The Western grip places the hand further around the handle, allowing players to create more topspin, especially on backhands. To get this grip, a player turns their wrist 90 degrees from the Eastern grip position. Though useful for topspin, the Western grip can reduce control and accuracy on delicate shots like dinks and volleys. It is less common in pickleball because the paddle is smaller than a tennis racket, and many advanced shots require more finesse.
Other Grip Types
The Panhandle grip is like shaking hands with the paddle. It is comfortable and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. This grip allows decent forehand and backhand play but lacks power. It also does not help much with topspin or finesse shots like drops and slices.
Some players use a two-handed grip, holding the paddle with both hands—right hand on the bottom and left on top for right-handed players. This grip adds power and stability, especially on backhands and defensive shots near the net. Many top players switch between one- and two-handed grips depending on the shot, with two-handed dinks becoming more popular.
Tips for Better Grip Control
In pickleball, grip styles tend to be less extreme than in tennis. The most important factor is grip pressure. Players should avoid holding the paddle too tightly, as a “tight” grip can cause errors and make shots harder to control. A looser grip—about 3 out of 10 in pressure—is better for soft shots and helps reset harder drives. Also, placing more of the handle in the fingers rather than the palm improves control.
Players often change grips during a game or even a rally to suit different shots. There is no single “correct” grip. The best grip is the one that feels comfortable and effective for the player’s current style and needs.
News in Brief: Pickleball Grip Techniques and Tips
Pickleball players use various grips to hold the paddle, each with pros and cons. Common grips include Continental, Eastern, Western, Panhandle, and two-handed. Grip pressure and comfort are key to good play. Players adjust grips during games to improve control, power, and shot variety.
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