How To Hold A Pickleball Paddle

When you’re playing pickleball, having a strong grip on your paddle is key. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the different ways to hold your paddle and give you some tips on how to find the grip that works best for you. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, read on for helpful suggestions on how to improve your game!

Table of Contents

There are two main ways to grip a pickleball paddle: the simple grip and the continental grip.

Simple or Standard Grip

The simple grip is just what it sounds like: you simply hold the paddle in your hand, with your thumb and index finger forming a V shape. This grip is best for beginners, as it’s easy to learn and can be used in most situations.

Continental Grip Pickleball

The continental grip or handshake grip is a bit more advanced and is typically used by more experienced players. To execute this grip, you place your index finger on top of the paddle and then rest your thumb underneath the paddle. This grip gives you more control over the paddle but can be harder to master.

Hybrid Grip

In certain situations, such as when you need to make a quick return or recovery shot, you may even need to use a hybrid grip (also known as an overlapping grip). This involves placing your dominant hand slightly over the top of the paddle while keeping your other hand underneath.

No matter which grip you use, it’s essential to make sure that you hold the paddle firmly but not too tightly. You should be able to slide your hand up and down the handle without too much resistance. If your grip is too tight, you won’t be able to generate enough power or control. However, if it’s too loose, you run the risk of losing control of the paddle altogether.

Tips For Finding The Perfect Grip

One of the best ways to find a grip that works for you is to experiment. Take some time to practice with different grips and see how they feel. Pay attention to your results when playing and adjust your grip accordingly.

In addition, be sure to pay attention to the size and shape of your paddle. Some paddles have larger or smaller handles, which can affect your grip. If you are constantly struggling to keep a grip on your paddle, it may be time to invest in a new one with a better fit.

Finally, don’t forget about gloves! If your hands are slipping, especially in hot or humid weather, wearing gloves can help you keep a better grip on your paddle.

How Tight Should You Hold A Pickleball Paddle?

One of the most important things to remember when playing pickleball is that you should always grip the paddle loosely. Many new players tend to grip the paddle too tightly, leading to wrist pain and decreased power.

The ideal grip is loose enough to allow quick movement but tight enough to maintain control. Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should always try to hit the ball in the middle of the paddle. This will help you generate more power and control your shots better. With these tips in mind, you’ll enjoy pickleball even more.

How To Hold A Pickleball Paddle When Serving?

When serving the pickleball, there are a couple of different ways to hold the paddle.

The continental grip is when you hold the paddle with your hand on the face of the paddle and your thumb extended down the backside of the paddle. To do this grip, start by holding the paddle in your non-dominant hand with your palm facing up. Then, place your dominant hand above your nondominant hand and grip the paddle. Your dominant hand should be gripping the paddle with your palm facing down and your thumb extended down the backside of the paddle.

The other way to serve is with an eastern forehand grip similar to a tennis forehand grip. With this grip, you hold the paddle with your dominant hand near the bottom of the handle, and your thumb extends off the back of the paddle. Your other hand should be placed above your dominant hand, near the top of the handle. Experiment with both grips to see which one feels more comfortable for you.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Now that you know the basics of how to hold a pickleball paddle go out and give it a try. And be sure to keep practicing; the more you play, the better you’ll get. Are you ready to take your game up a notch? Check out our other posts for some tips on how to improve your skills on the court.