3 Pickleball Grips Explained

One of the most important skills in pickleball is how to hold your paddle. Your pickleball grip affects how you hit the ball, what kind of shots you can make, and how you control the direction and spin of the ball. Your pickleball grip also influences your comfort, accuracy, and power on the court.

There are three basic pickleball grips that you can use: Eastern, Western, and Continental. Each of these grips has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your style of play and preference. In this article, we will explain each of these grips in detail, as well as how to choose the best one for you.

Pickleball Paddle Grips – How to Hold the Pickleball Paddle

Before we dive into the different types of pickleball grips, let’s first understand how to hold the paddle correctly. Here are some general tips to follow:

• Hold the paddle with your dominant hand, using your fingers and not your palm. There should be a small gap between your palm and the handle of the paddle.
• Place your thumb on the flat side of the handle, parallel to the edge of the paddle face. Your thumb should not wrap around the handle or touch the edge of the paddle face.
• Align your index finger knuckle with the center of the paddle face. This will help you keep the paddle face perpendicular to the ground when you hit the ball.
• Keep your grip relaxed and loose, not tight or tense. A relaxed grip will allow you to swing freely and smoothly, as well as adjust your grip quickly when needed.
• Hold the paddle in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent and your wrist straight. This will help you prepare for any shot that comes your way.

Now that you know how to hold the paddle properly, let’s look at the three basic pickleball grips: Eastern, Western, and Continental.

Eastern Pickleball Grip

The Eastern pickleball grip is the most popular and common grip in pickleball. It is also the easiest and most natural grip to use, especially for beginners. The Eastern grip allows you to hit both forehand and backhand shots with the same grip, without changing your hand position.

To find the Eastern grip, hold your paddle in front of you with your opposite hand, such that the paddle face is facing evenly to your left and right sides. Then, slide your dominant hand down from the face of the paddle and shake hands with the handle. Your index finger knuckle should be on top of the handle, aligned with the center of the paddle face.

The Eastern grip is a neutral or balanced grip that works well for both forehand and backhand shots. It also allows you to hit flat or slightly topspin shots with ease. However, it may not be ideal for hitting extreme topspin or slice shots, as it requires more wrist action and angle adjustment.

Pros and Cons of Eastern Pickleball Grip

Pros:

• Easy and natural to use
• Works well for both forehand and backhand shots
• Allows for flat or slightly topspin shots
• Good for beginners and intermediate players

Cons:

• Not ideal for extreme topspin or slice shots
• May limit power and spin potential
• May cause wrist fatigue or injury if used incorrectly

Western Pickleball Grip

The Western pickleball grip is a more advanced and aggressive grip that favors forehand shots over backhand shots. It is also a more difficult and unnatural grip to use, especially for beginners. The Western grip allows you to hit powerful topspin shots with a lot of spin and angle.

To find the Western grip, start from an Eastern grip and rotate your hand 90 degrees clockwise if you are right-handed, or 90 degrees counterclockwise if you are left-handed. Your index finger knuckle should be on the bottom of the handle, aligned with the center of the paddle face.

The Western grip is a strong or extreme grip that works well for forehand shots, especially when hitting from below the net or from behind the baseline. It also allows you to hit topspin shots with a lot of spin and angle, which can make them harder to return by your opponents. However, it may not be ideal for hitting backhand shots or volleys, as it requires more hand adjustment and wrist flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Western Pickleball Grip

Pros:

• Works well for forehand shots
• Allows for powerful topspin shots with a lot of spin and angle
• Good for advanced and aggressive players

Cons:

• Not ideal for backhand shots or volleys
• Difficult and unnatural to use
• May cause wrist fatigue or injury if used incorrectly

Continental Pickleball Grip

The Continental pickleball grip is another advanced and versatile grip that favors backhand shots over forehand shots. It is also a more challenging and unconventional grip to use, especially for beginners. The Continental grip allows you to hit slice or underspin shots with a lot of spin and control.

To find the Continental grip, start from an Eastern grip and rotate your hand 45 degrees clockwise if you are right-handed, or 45 degrees counterclockwise if you are left-handed. Your index finger knuckle should be on the side of the handle, aligned with the edge of the paddle face.

The Continental grip is a weak or moderate grip that works well for backhand shots, especially when hitting from above the net or from close to the baseline. It also allows you to hit slice or underspin shots with a lot of spin and control, which can make them more accurate and deceptive. However, it may not be ideal for hitting forehand shots or overheads, as it requires more hand adjustment and wrist stability.

Pros and Cons of Continental Pickleball Grip

Pros:

• Works well for backhand shots
• Allows for slice or underspin shots with a lot of spin and control
• Good for advanced and versatile players

Cons:

• Not ideal for forehand shots or overheads
• Challenging and unconventional to use
• May cause wrist fatigue or injury if used incorrectly

Read In details; Continental Grip Pickleball

How to Hold Your Pickleball Paddle – Which Pickleball Grip Is Right for You?

Now that you know the three basic pickleball grips, you may wonder which one is the best for you. The answer is: it depends. There is no one-size-fits-all grip that works for everyone. The best pickleball grip for you depends on several factors, such as:

• Your skill level
• Your style of play
• Your preferred shots
• Your comfort and preference

As a general rule of thumb, beginners and intermediate players should start with the Eastern grip, as it is the easiest and most natural grip to use. It also works well for both forehand and backhand shots, which are essential in pickleball.

Advanced and aggressive players may want to try the Western grip, as it allows them to hit powerful topspin shots with a lot of spin and angle. It also works well for forehand shots, which are dominant in pickleball.

Advanced and versatile players may want to try the Continental grip, as it allows them to hit slice or underspin shots with a lot of spin and control. It also works well for backhand shots, which are often neglected in pickleball.

Of course, these are just general guidelines, not strict rules. You may find that you prefer a different grip than what is recommended for your skill level or style of play. You may also find that you need to adjust your grip slightly depending on the situation or shot.

The best way to find out which pickleball grip is right for you is to experiment with different grips and see how they feel and perform on the court. You can also watch other players or professionals and observe their grips and shots. You can also ask a coach or a friend for feedback or advice.

Ultimately, the best pickleball grip for you is the one that feels comfortable, natural, and effective for your game.

Mastering How To Grip A Pickleball Paddle For Optimal Performance

Should You Put a Finger Up on Your Pickleball Grip?

Another question that many pickleball players have is whether they should put a finger up on their pickleball grip. This means extending your index finger along the paddle face, instead of wrapping it around the handle.

Some players do this because they believe it gives them more stability, control, or power on their shots. Some players also do this because they are used to playing other racket sports, such as tennis or badminton, where this is a common technique.

However, putting a finger up on your pickleball grip is not recommended by most experts and coaches. This is because it can have several negative effects on your game, such as:

• Reducing your grip strength and stability
• Increasing your risk of injury or blisters
• Limiting your wrist movement and flexibility
• Affecting your paddle angle and alignment
• Interfering with your paddle rotation and adjustment

Therefore, unless you have a specific reason or preference to put a finger up on your pickleball grip, you should avoid doing so. Instead, you should keep all your fingers wrapped around the handle, with your thumb on the flat side of the handle.

This will give you more grip strength and stability, as well as more wrist movement and flexibility. It will also allow you to adjust your paddle angle and alignment more easily, as well as rotate your paddle when needed.

Two-Handed Backhand Pickleball Grip

Another variation of pickleball grip that some players use is the two-handed backhand grip. This means using both hands to hold the paddle when hitting a backhand shot, instead of just one.

Some players do this because they believe it gives them more power, control, or consistency on their backhand shots. Some players also do this because they are used to playing other racket sports, such as tennis or ping-pong, where this is a common technique.

However, using a two-handed backhand grip in pickleball is not very common or effective. This is because it can have several drawbacks on your game, such as:

• Reducing your reach and mobility
• Increasing your paddle weight and swing speed
• Limiting your shot variety and versatility
• Affecting your balance and posture
• Interfering with your grip changes and transitions

Therefore, unless you have a specific reason or preference to use a two-handed backhand grip in pickleball, you should avoid doing so. Instead, you should use a one-handed backhand grip, such as the Eastern or Continental grip, depending on your preference.

This will give you more reach and mobility, as well as more shot variety and versatility. It will also allow you to change your grip and transition between shots more easily and smoothly.

Pickleball Grip Changes – When and How to Change Your Pickleball Grip

Another skill that is important in pickleball is how to change your pickleball grip. Changing your grip means adjusting your hand position on the paddle handle to suit different shots or situations. Changing your grip can help you improve your shot quality, accuracy, and power, as well as your comfort and performance on the court.

However, changing your grip is not always easy or necessary. Changing your grip too often or too late can also have negative effects on your game, such as:

• Losing your rhythm and timing
• Missing or mishitting the ball
• Losing your control and consistency
• Confusing or frustrating yourself

Therefore, you should know when and how to change your pickleball grip effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips to follow:

When to Change Your Pickleball Grip

You should change your pickleball grip when:

• You want to hit a different type of shot, such as a topspin, slice, or flat shot
• You want to hit a different direction or angle of the ball, such as crosscourt, down the line, or lob
• You want to hit a different height or depth of the ball, such as high, low, short, or long
• You want to hit a different speed or power of the ball, such as fast, slow, hard, or soft
• You want to adapt to different court conditions or situations, such as wind, sun, rain, or pressure

You should not change your pickleball grip when:

• You are comfortable and confident with your current grip
• You are hitting the same type of shot repeatedly
• You are in a rally or exchange with your opponent
• You are in a hurry or under pressure

How to Change Your Pickleball Grip

You should change your pickleball grip by:

• Using your non-dominant hand to hold the paddle face while you adjust your dominant hand on the handle
• Rotating your hand slightly clockwise or counterclockwise on the handle depending on the type of grip you want to use
• Sliding your hand up or down on the handle depending on the size of grip you want to use
• Keeping your thumb on the flat side of the handle and aligning your index finger knuckle with the center or edge of the paddle face depending on the type of grip you want to use
• Releasing your non-dominant hand from the paddle face and placing it on the handle below your dominant hand if you want to use a two-handed backhand grip

You should not change your pickleball grip by:

• Using only one hand to adjust your grip while holding the paddle in mid-air
• Rotating your hand too much or too little on the handle resulting in an incorrect or uncomfortable grip
• Sliding your hand too high or too low on the handle resulting in an unstable or loose grip
• Placing your thumb on the edge of the paddle face or wrapping it around the handle resulting in an improper or tight grip
• Extending your index finger along the paddle face resulting in a weak or risky grip

Pickleball Grip Pressure – The Importance of Loose, Relaxed Grip Pressure

Another factor that affects how you hold your pickleball paddle is how much pressure you apply on the handle. Your pickleball grip pressure refers to how tightly or loosely you squeeze the handle with your fingers and palm. Your pickleball grip pressure can have a significant impact on how you swing and hit the ball.

One of the most common mistakes that many pickleball players make is holding their paddle too tightly. This can have several negative consequences on their game, such as:

• Reducing their swing speed and power
• Increasing their risk of injury or fatigue
• Limiting their wrist movement and flexibility
• Affecting their paddle angle and alignment
• Interfering with their paddle rotation and adjustment

Therefore, you should avoid holding your paddle too tightly. Instead, you should hold your paddle with a loose, relaxed grip pressure. This will allow you to:

• Increase your swing speed and power
• Reduce your risk of injury or fatigue
• Enhance your wrist movement and flexibility
• Improve your paddle angle and alignment
• Facilitate your paddle rotation and adjustment

To find the optimal pickleball grip pressure for you, you can use the following scale:

• 1: Very loose, the paddle can easily fall out of your hand
• 2: Loose, the paddle can be easily moved or twisted in your hand
• 3: Moderate, the paddle is stable and secure in your hand
• 4: Tight, the paddle is firmly squeezed in your hand
• 5: Very tight, the paddle is excessively clenched in your hand

The ideal pickleball grip pressure for most players is between 2 and 3. This means that you should hold your paddle with enough pressure to keep it stable and secure in your hand, but not so much that you restrict your movement or feel any tension or pain in your hand.

Of course, this is just a general guideline, not a strict rule. You may find that you need to adjust your grip pressure slightly depending on the situation or shot. For example, you may want to increase your grip pressure slightly when hitting a hard or fast shot, or decrease it slightly when hitting a soft or slow shot.

The best way to find out the optimal pickleball grip pressure for you is to experiment with different levels of pressure and see how they affect your swing and hit. You can also watch other players or professionals and observe their grip pressure and shots. You can also ask a coach or a friend for feedback or advice.

Ultimately, the optimal pickleball grip pressure for you is the one that feels comfortable, natural, and effective for your game.

Pickleball Grip Size – What Pickleball Grip Size Is Best for You?

Another aspect that influences how you hold your pickleball paddle is how big or small the handle is. Your pickleball grip size refers to the circumference or thickness of the handle. Your pickleball grip size can affect how comfortable and confident you feel when holding the paddle.

One of the most common questions that many pickleball players have is what pickleball grip size is best for them. The answer is: it depends. There is no one-size-fits-all grip size that works for everyone. The best pickleball grip size for you depends on several factors, such as:

• Your hand size
• Your finger length
• Your palm width
• Your comfort and preference

As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a pickleball grip size that matches your hand size. This means that you should be able to wrap your fingers around the handle comfortably and securely, without any gaps or overlaps. You should also be able to touch your thumb and index finger lightly when holding the paddle.

To measure your hand size, you can use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom crease of your palm. This will give you an approximate measurement of your hand size in inches.

Alternatively, you can use a pickleball grip size chart to find out what pickleball grip size corresponds to your hand size. Here is an example of a pickleball grip size chart:

Hand Size (inches)	Pickleball Grip Size
4 – 4 1/8	4
4 1/8 – 4 1/4	4 1/8
4 1/4 – 4 3/8	4 1/4
4 3/8 – 4 1/2	4 3/8
4 1/2 – 4 5/8	4 1/2
4 5/8 – 4 3/4	4 5/8
> 4 3/4	> 4 5/8

Of course, these are just general guidelines, not strict rules. You may find that you prefer a different grip size than what is recommended for your hand size. You may also find that you need to adjust your grip size slightly depending on the situation or shot.

The best way to find out what pickleball grip size is best for you is to try different sizes and see how they feel and perform on the court. You can also watch other players or professionals and observe their grip sizes and shots. You can also ask a coach or a friend for feedback or advice.

Ultimately, the best pickleball grip size for you is the one that feels comfortable, natural, and effective for your game.

Read More at; How To Determine Pickleball Paddle Grip Size: Expert Tips & Guide

Does the grip matter?

You may wonder how much the grip matters in pickleball, and whether it is worth spending time and effort to learn and practice different grips. The answer is: it depends.

The grip matters in pickleball because it affects how you hit the ball, what kind of shots you can make, and how you control the direction and spin of the ball. Your grip also influences your comfort, accuracy, and power on the court.

However, the grip is not the only factor that matters in pickleball. There are many other factors that affect your performance and enjoyment of the game, such as:

• Your footwork and positioning
• Your stroke mechanics and technique
• Your shot selection and strategy
• Your fitness and stamina
• Your mental and emotional state

Therefore, you should not focus too much or too little on your grip. You should find a balance between learning and practicing different grips, and improving other aspects of your game.

The grip matters in pickleball, but it is not everything. The most important thing is to have fun and play your best.

How to switch between different grip techniques

Switching between different grip techniques is a skill that can help you improve your game and adapt to different situations. However, switching between different grip techniques is not easy or necessary for everyone. Some players prefer to stick to one grip technique for most of their shots, while others like to change their grip technique depending on the shot or situation.

If you want to learn how to switch between different grip techniques, here are some tips to follow:

Master one grip at a time

Before you try to switch between different grip techniques, you should master one grip technique first. This means that you should be able to use one grip technique comfortably and confidently for both forehand and backhand shots, as well as for different types of shots, such as flat, topspin, or slice shots.

You should also be able to use one grip technique consistently and accurately, without making any mistakes or mishits. You should also be able to use one grip technique with ease and speed, without feeling any tension or fatigue in your hand.

The best way to master one grip technique is to practice it regularly and deliberately. You can practice one grip technique by doing drills or exercises that focus on that specific grip technique. You can also practice one grip technique by playing games or matches that require you to use that specific grip technique.

For example, if you want to master the Eastern grip technique, you can practice hitting forehand and backhand shots with the Eastern grip technique from different positions on the court. You can also play games or matches where you only use the Eastern grip technique for all your shots.

Try each grip in different scenarios and conditions

Once you master one grip technique, you can try another grip technique in different scenarios and conditions. This means that you should experiment with another grip technique for different types of shots, such as flat, topspin, or slice shots. You should also experiment with another grip technique for different directions or angles of the ball, such as crosscourt, down the line, or lob. You should also experiment with another grip technique for different heights or depths of the ball, such as high, low, short, or long. You should also experiment with another grip technique for different speeds or powers of the ball, such as fast, slow, hard, or soft.

You should also try another grip technique in different court conditions or situations, such as wind, sun, rain, or pressure. You should see how another grip technique affects your performance and enjoyment of the game in these scenarios and conditions.

The best way to try another grip technique in different scenarios and conditions is to practice it occasionally and randomly. You can practice another grip technique by doing drills or exercises that vary the type, direction, height, depth, speed, or power of the ball. You can also practice another grip technique by playing games or matches that challenge you to use another grip technique for some of your shots.

For example, if you want to try the Western grip technique, you can practice hitting forehand shots with the Western grip technique from below the net or from behind the baseline. You can also play games or matches where you use the Western grip technique for some of your forehand shots.

Practice switching in practice sessions

Once you try another grip technique in different scenarios and conditions, you can practice switching between different grip techniques in practice sessions. This means that you should practice changing your grip technique quickly and smoothly when needed. You should also practice changing your grip technique accurately and consistently, without making any mistakes or mishits.

You should also practice switching between different grip techniques in practice sessions, not in games or matches. This is because switching between different grip techniques can be risky and challenging, especially if you are not used to it. You may lose your rhythm and timing, miss or mishit the ball, lose your control and consistency, or confuse or frustrate yourself.

The best way to practice switching between different grip techniques in practice sessions is to do drills or exercises that require you to switch between different grip techniques for different shots. You can also do drills or exercises that simulate game or match situations where you need to switch between different grip techniques.

For example, if you want to practice switching between the Eastern and Western grip techniques, you can do a drill where you hit a forehand shot with the Eastern grip technique, then switch to the Western grip technique and hit another forehand shot, then switch back to the Eastern grip technique and hit a backhand shot, then repeat. You can also do a drill where you play a point with your partner or opponent, and switch between the Eastern and Western grip techniques for some of your forehand shots.

Pay attention to different ball movements and apply grips accordingly

Another tip for switching between different grip techniques is to pay attention to how the ball moves and behaves on the court. Different ball movements and behaviors may require different grip techniques to handle them effectively and efficiently.

For example, if the ball is bouncing high or low, you may need to use a different grip technique than if the ball is bouncing at a medium height. If the ball is spinning fast or slow, you may need to use a different grip technique than if the ball is spinning at a moderate speed. If the ball is moving left or right, you may need to use a different grip technique than if the ball is moving straight.

The best way to pay attention to different ball movements and behaviors is to watch the ball closely and carefully. You should watch how the ball bounces, spins, curves, dips, or skids on the court. You should also watch how your opponent hits the ball, and what kind of shots they make. You should also watch how your partner or teammate hits the ball, and what kind of shots they make.

By watching the ball closely and carefully, you can anticipate how the ball will move and behave on the court. You can also adjust your grip technique accordingly to hit the ball effectively and efficiently.

Consult with a professional coach

Another tip for switching between different grip techniques is to consult with a professional coach. A professional coach can help you learn and practice different grip techniques in a systematic and structured way. A professional coach can also give you feedback and advice on how to improve your grip technique and performance.

A professional coach can help you with several aspects of switching between different grip techniques, such as:

• Teaching you the correct way to hold and change your grip technique
• Showing you the advantages and disadvantages of each grip technique
• Recommending you the best grip technique for your skill level and style of play
• Helping you master one grip technique before trying another
• Helping you try another grip technique in different scenarios and conditions
• Helping you practice switching between different grip techniques in practice sessions
• Helping you pay attention to different ball movements and apply grips accordingly
• Helping you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls when switching between different grip techniques

The best way to consult with a professional coach is to find one that suits your needs and preferences. You can find a professional coach by asking for recommendations from other players or professionals, searching online or offline for local or online coaches, or joining a club or academy that offers coaching services.

By consulting with a professional coach, you can benefit from their expertise and experience in switching between different grip techniques. You can also improve your game and enjoyment of pickleball.

Keep experimenting to find what works for you

The final tip for switching between different grip techniques is to keep experimenting to find what works for you. Switching between different grip techniques is not a fixed or rigid process. It is a dynamic and flexible process that depends on many factors, such as:

• Your skill level
• Your style of play
• Your preferred shots
• Your comfort and preference
• Your opponent’s skill level
• Your opponent’s style of play
• Your opponent’s preferred shots
• The court conditions
• The game situation

Therefore, you should not limit yourself to one or two grip techniques. You should try different grip techniques and see how they affect your game and enjoyment of pickleball. You should also be open to changing your grip technique when needed or desired.

The best way to keep experimenting to find what works for you is to have fun and play your best. You should not be afraid or ashamed of trying new or different grip techniques. You should also not be stubborn or proud of sticking to old or familiar grip techniques. You should be curious and adventurous, as well as humble and respectful.

By keeping experimenting to find what works for you, you can discover new or better ways of holding and hitting the ball. You can also improve your game and enjoyment of pickleball.

How to improve grip strength

Another aspect that can help you hold your pickleball paddle better is your grip strength. Your grip strength refers to how much force you can apply with your fingers and palm on the handle. Your grip strength can affect how comfortable and confident you feel when holding the paddle.

One of the most common problems that many pickleball players face is having a weak or poor grip strength. This can have several negative consequences on their game, such as:

• Reducing their swing speed and power
• Increasing their risk of injury or fatigue
• Limiting their wrist movement and flexibility
• Affecting their paddle angle and alignment
• Interfering with their paddle rotation and adjustment

Therefore, you should improve your grip strength if you want to hold your pickleball paddle better. Improving your grip strength can help you:

• Increase your swing speed and power
• Reduce your risk of injury or fatigue
• Enhance your wrist movement and flexibility
• Improve your paddle angle and alignment
• Facilitate your paddle rotation and adjustment

To improve your grip strength, you can do several exercises and activities that target your fingers and palm muscles. Here are some examples of exercises and activities that can improve your grip strength:

• Squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball
• Doing finger curls or extensions with a resistance band or a rubber band
• Doing wrist curls or extensions with a dumbbell or a kettlebell
• Doing hand gripper exercises with a hand gripper device
• Doing pinch grip exercises with a weight plate or a book
• Doing towel wringing exercises with a wet towel
• Doing farmer’s walk exercises with heavy objects in each hand
• Playing other sports or activities that involve gripping, such as climbing, golfing, or gardening

The best way to improve your grip strength is to do these exercises and activities regularly and progressively. You should start with a low intensity and frequency, and gradually increase them as you get stronger and more comfortable. You should also vary the exercises and activities to avoid boredom and plateaus.

By improving your grip strength, you can hold your pickleball paddle better and play better.

How tight to hold your pickleball paddle

Another question that many pickleball players have is how tight to hold their pickleball paddle. This means how much pressure they should apply on the handle with their fingers and palm. This question is related to the previous one about grip pressure, but it is more specific and practical.

The answer to this question is: it depends. There is no one-size-fits-all answer that works for everyone. How tight to hold your pickleball paddle depends on several factors, such as:

• Your skill level
• Your style of play
• Your preferred shots
• Your comfort and preference
• The type of shot you are hitting
• The direction or angle of the ball
• The height or depth of the ball
• The speed or power of the ball
• The court conditions
• The game situation

As a general rule of thumb, you should hold your pickleball paddle with a moderate pressure that is neither too tight nor too loose. This means that you should hold your paddle with enough pressure to keep it stable and secure in your hand, but not so much that you restrict your movement or feel any tension or pain in your hand.

You can use the same scale as before to measure how tight to hold your pickleball paddle:

1: Very loose, the paddle can easily fall out of your hand

2: Loose, the paddle can be easily moved or twisted in your hand

3: Moderate, the paddle is stable and secure in your hand

4: Tight, the paddle is firmly squeezed in your hand

5: Very tight, the paddle is excessively clenched in your hand

The ideal pressure for most players is between 2 and 3. However, this may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

For example, you may want to increase your pressure slightly when hitting a hard or fast shot, or decrease it slightly when hitting a soft or slow shot. You may also want to adjust your pressure slightly depending on the type, direction, height, depth, speed, or power of the ball.

The best way to find out how tight to hold your pickleball paddle is to experiment with different levels of pressure and see how they affect your swing and hit. You can also watch other players or professionals and observe their grip pressure and shots. You can also ask a coach or a friend for feedback or advice.

Ultimately, how tight to hold your pickleball paddle is a matter of personal preference and comfort. You should hold your pickleball paddle with a pressure that feels comfortable, natural, and effective for your game.

Bottom line

Holding your pickleball paddle is one of the most important skills in pickleball. It affects how you hit the ball, what kind of shots you can make, and how you control the direction and spin of the ball. It also influences your comfort, accuracy, and power on the court.

There are three basic pickleball grips that you can use: Eastern, Western, and Continental. Each of these grips has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your skill level, style of play, preferred shots, comfort and preference.

You should experiment with different grips and see how they feel and perform on the court. You should also learn how to change your grip when needed or desired. You should also pay attention to your grip pressure and grip size, and adjust them accordingly.

By holding your pickleball paddle properly and effectively, you can improve your game and enjoyment of pickleball. Have fun and play your best! 😊

FAQs

What is the proper grip on a pickleball serve? 

The best grip for a pickleball serve is the continental grip. It is the same grip you use for most shots. To do it, hold your paddle like you are shaking hands with it. Your index finger should be on the top edge of the handle. Your thumb and forefinger should make a V shape that points to your shoulder.

What is the best way to grip a pickleball paddle? 

The best grip for a pickleball paddle depends on what you like and how you play. But most people use the continental grip for most shots. It lets you hit forehand and backhand shots easily. It also helps you hit soft and hard shots well. Some people use other grips, like the eastern grip or the western grip, which are good for either forehand or backhand shots, but not both. The eastern grip is like the continental grip, but your index finger is on the side edge of the handle. The western grip is when you turn your hand more around the handle.

Do pro pickleball players change their grip? 

Pro pickleball players do change their grip a little bit for different shots and situations. But they usually keep one main grip for most shots. Most pro players use the continental grip as their main grip, because it works well for many shots. Sometimes, pro players change their grip a little bit to make their shots more powerful, spinny, or angled. For example, some pro players use a semi-western grip for their forehand smashes, which makes them hit harder and with more spin. Some pro players use a semi-eastern grip for their backhand slices or drops, which makes them hit softer and with more control. Pro players can change their grip fast and smooth without losing their balance or timing.

What is the difference between thick and thin pickleball grips? 

The difference between thick and thin pickleball grips is mostly about comfort and choice, but it can also affect how you play and hit the ball. Thick pickleball grips are usually better for people with big hands, because they feel more comfortable and supportive. Thick pickleball grips can also help reduce the shock and vibration from hitting the ball, which can prevent pain and tiredness. But thick pickleball grips can also make it harder to change your grip or feel the ball on your paddle, which can affect your accuracy and touch. Thin pickleball grips are usually better for people with small hands, because they let them move their fingers and wrist more freely. Thin pickleball grips can also help improve your feel and feedback from hitting the ball, which can make your shots more controlled and spinny. But thin pickleball grips can also make it easier to lose your grip or twist your paddle, which can affect your stability and consistency.