Pickleball players often hear that paddles with a softer, more “dwelly” feel allow the ball to remain on the paddle surface longer, offering enhanced control and precision. While this sounds plausible and matches the sensory experience during play, recent insights suggest this belief may be overstated. The idea that dwell time dramatically influences gameplay performance deserves closer examination.
Insights from High-Speed Video Analysis
John Kew, a respected paddle reviewer, investigated paddle dwell time using high-speed camera technology to observe ball-to-paddle contact. He compared current popular paddles with a traditional wooden paddle to observe differences in how long the ball stays on each surface. The results indicated that the softness or cushioning effect of a paddle doesn’t significantly extend contact time as commonly believed. Instead, the paddle’s power—its ability to return energy quickly—dominates, causing the ball to leave the paddle faster despite any perceived softness.
The Difference Between Pocketing and Energy Release
While the ball does tend to penetrate deeper into floating-core paddles due to their springy foam edges, creating a cushioned or “pocketing” effect, this does not necessarily equate to longer ball contact in practical terms. Even with more pronounced pocketing, paddles with greater stiffness deliver quicker energy transfer that overrides this effect. Examination of particular models highlights this distinction:
- The Luzz Inferno paddle allows the ball to embed more deeply, generating a softer sensation and marginally increased dwell time.
- The Selkirk Boomstick, constructed with higher stiffness, releases the ball more rapidly due to its superior energy return capabilities.
- A classic wooden paddle exhibits almost no measurable dwell time, catching and sending the ball away swiftly, similar to a tennis racket.
Milliseconds Matter More in Theory Than Practice
All variations in dwell time occur within the span of two milliseconds or less—far faster than the speed at which the human brain can consciously recognize during live play. Even when the Luzz Inferno achieves slightly more dwell time than the Selkirk Boomstick, this difference is negligible in actual gameplay, contributing little to improved control or touch.
Choosing the Right Paddle and Its Impact on Performance
Ultimately, paddle power and how effectively it channels energy back into the ball are far more crucial factors than dwell time. Players selecting paddles for competitive use should prioritize feel, responsiveness, and comfort in-hand rather than minor dwell time variations. While paddle dwell time exists, it does not represent a decisive advantage or “secret sauce” for elevated pickleball performance. Core skills such as technique, positioning, and court awareness continue to play a vastly more significant role in a player’s success.
“What actually matters more is the paddle’s overall power and how it returns energy.”
?John Kew, Paddle Reviewer
