How Paddle Colors Affect Pickleball Play: “White pickleball paddles should be banned” is a sentiment often echoed by professionals at tournaments. The reason behind this grievance is straightforward: certain colors make it harder to see the ball, which can impede players’ reactions.
Most players opt for paddles from brands like Franklin, JOOLA, or Paddletek, which are predominantly black with vibrant accents like purple, red, or blue. These colors enhance visibility, making it easier to track the ball.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…all white, yellow, and green paddles should be illegal
— Shelby Bates (@Shelb_GoHard) August 7, 2024
Colors such as white, yellow, and green, however, blend too closely with the pickleball itself, particularly the green or yellow varieties, causing a delay in reaction time. This issue is significant enough that Major League Pickleball (MLP) addressed it by making paddle color an official rule in 2023.
MLP’s Official Rule
“There is growing concern that the reduced ability to visually pick up and track hit balls increases the likelihood of injury and will result in unfair competition,” MLP stated in their safety update. To mitigate these concerns, MLP decreed that less than 20% of a paddle’s face design can be composed of unregulated colors.
Colors to Avoid
The specific colors deemed problematic by MLP include:
- White/Gray (Pantone White/Cool Gray)
- Yellow/Gold (Pantone 102/120)
- Yellow/Green (Pantone 382/3965)
- Neon Yellow/Neon Green (Pantone 803/802)
These colors can cause significant visibility issues, particularly at the pro level where every millisecond counts.
The Debate and Implications
While the impact is undeniable at the professional level, where the stakes are high, the discussion around these regulations extends to amateur and recreational play. Some players have voiced their opinions online, suggesting that neon yellow and green apparel should also face similar bans.
Enforcing color bans at the recreational level presents challenges, but adopting these guidelines could contribute to a more uniform and fair playing experience. For now, players at all levels may want to consider the visibility factor when choosing their paddles to ensure a clean, safe, and competitive game.
News in Brief: How Paddle Colors Affect Pickleball Play
In the world of professional pickleball, paddle color is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a matter of performance and safety. Major League Pickleball (MLP) has addressed concerns about the visibility of pickleballs against certain paddle colors by implementing new regulations.
Paddles with colors like white, yellow, and neon green can obscure the ball and hinder players’ reaction times, increasing injury risks and impacting fairness. While the pros are adjusting to these new rules, debates continue about color restrictions at recreational levels.
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