The Right Way To Grip A Pickleball Paddle

Gripping your paddle correctly is one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of pickleball. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned player, mastering the pickleball grip can lead to more accuracy, power, and control over your shots. Let's dive in.

 

Understanding the Basics

There are primarily two types of grips in pickleball: the continental grip and the eastern grip.

 

• Continental Grip: Often referred to as the "hammer grip," this grip involves holding the paddle handle as if you were holding a hammer. It's versatile, allowing for easy transitions between forehand and backhand shots and is excellent for serves, volleys, and dinks.
• Eastern Grip: Similar to shaking hands with the paddle, the eastern grip provides more wrist flexibility, offering better leverage for forehand strokes and enhancing topspin and drive shots.

 

Finding Your Grip

To find your ideal grip, start by holding the paddle with your non-playing hand and place the base of your playing hand’s palm on the same bevel as the paddle face. This alignment ensures a natural, comfortable position for both forehand and backhand plays.

 

Grip Size Matters

Selecting a paddle with the right grip size is crucial for comfort and injury prevention. A grip too large can lead to a lack of control and wrist strain, while a grip too small can cause over-gripping and hand fatigue. Measure your grip size by the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom lateral crease of your palm, or use a grip size that feels comfortable and secure in your hand.

 

Adjusting Your Grip for Different Shots

• Serves and Volleys: Use a continental grip for better stability and control.
• Groundstrokes: An eastern grip can enhance power and topspin on your forehand and backhand.
• Dinks and Soft Shots: A continental grip allows for delicate touch and finesse, crucial for these shots.

 

Practice Makes Perfect

Consistent practice is key to becoming comfortable with your grip. Spend time on the court hitting various shots while maintaining the correct grip throughout each stroke. This consistency will help build muscle memory and improve your overall game.

 

The Role of Grip Pressure

The pressure you apply on the paddle handle affects your shot quality. A relaxed grip, especially during serves and volleys, can lead to more fluid and controlled shots. In contrast, a firmer grip is sometimes necessary for powerful groundstrokes and smashes.

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