How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle Grip Size

How to Find Your Pickleball Paddle Grip Size

Selecting the correct pickleball paddle is crucial for improving your game and feeling comfortable on the court. It is necessary to select the right grip size that perfectly matches your hand size. 

There are several methods How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle Grip Size, index finger, Measure your hand, and natural grip test. 

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle Grip Size

Here are some tips you need to know how to find your pickleball paddle grip size,

The grip size of your paddle is crucial for comfort, control, and preventing injuries. Here’s what you need to know:

Finding the Perfect Fit: 

Aim for a grip that’s snug but comfortable, allowing a full range of motion for your wrist. You shouldn’t have to squeeze the handle tightly.

When in Doubt, Go Smaller 

If you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller grip. You can always add overgrips (thin layers of tape) to increase the size slightly. However, a grip that’s too big can’t be shrunk.

Risks of Wrong Grip Size:

• Grip Too Small: Gripping too hard for control can lead to fatigue, hand pain, and even tendonitis in your forearm and elbow.
• Grip Too Large: Limited wrist movement, difficulty switching grips, and extra effort to swing the paddle are common issues with a bulky grip.

Measuring Your Grip Size:

There are two main methods to determine your ideal paddle grip size:

The Index Finger Test

This test gives you a ballpark idea of your grip size, especially if you’re at a store with a variety of paddles.

Here’s how it works:

• Grab a paddle: Hold it in your dominant hand using an Eastern grip (palm on the same bevel as the paddle face). You should feel a small gap between your palm and ring finger.
• Index finger slide: With your other hand, try to slide your index finger into that gap.
• Finding the right fit: If your index finger fits comfortably, the grip size is likely good. If it’s too tight or too loose, try different paddles until you find one where your fingers feel secure and relaxed.

While helpful, the index finger test may suggest a slightly larger grip than ideal, especially for players coming from tennis or other racquet sports. Some experts, like Selkirk, even recommend against using it for pickleball.

The best approach

Combine this test with trying out paddles to find the grip that feels most comfortable and allows for a full range of motion in your wrist.

Ruler Test

The ruler test is another way to determine your ideal tennis racquet grip size. It’s handy if you don’t have a paddle on hand or want a starting point before trying them out.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A ruler
• Your dominant hand (the one you use for your forehand)

Step 1: Open Up and Measure

Start by fully extending your hand and opening your fingers wide. Now, grab your ruler and hold it flat against your palm, aligning it with your ring finger (the third finger from your pinky). Make sure one end of the ruler touches the bottom crease of your palm, right where it meets your wrist.

Step 2: Measure Your Sweet Spot

Now comes the key part: measure the distance between the tip of your ring finger and the bottom crease we just mentioned. This measurement, typically falling between 4 and 5 inches, will correspond to your ideal grip size based on standard sizing charts (usually listed in inches or numbers).

This is a starting point! The best way to truly find your perfect fit is to try out paddles with different grip sizes. Notice how comfortable your hand feels and how easily you can maneuver the racquet. A snug but comfortable grip that allows for full wrist movement is what you’re aiming for.

Natural Grip Text

Forget rulers and exact measurements! The natural grip test lets you find your perfect pickleball grip size based on comfort and feel. Here’s how it works:

• Hit the Stores: Head to a sports store with a variety of pickleball paddles. This method relies on trying out different grips in person.
• Go Natural: Pick up a paddle and hold it with your dominant hand in a way that feels natural, like you’re about to play. Experiment with different grips – Eastern, Western, Continental – to see how they feel.
• The Inch Test (not a ruler!): Ideally, there should be about an inch of space between your fingertips and your palm when you grip the paddle naturally. This space allows for comfortable maneuvering without over-stretching your fingers.
• Too Tight or Too Loose? If your fingers are cramped with no space, the grip is too small. Conversely, if there’s more than an inch of space and your hand feels lost, the grip is too big.
• Trust Your Hand: The key is to find a grip size that feels comfortable and secure, regardless of the exact measurement. You should be able to hold the paddle firmly without straining and easily switch between grip styles while maintaining control.

Bonus Tip

As you try different paddles, pay attention to how comfortable the handle feels in various grips. You want a grip that feels good no matter how you hold it for different shots.

Why Does Grip Size Matter?

Choosing the right pickleball grip size goes beyond just feeling good in your hand. It plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and maximizing your performance on the court.

• Grip Too Small: A grip that’s too small forces you to squeeze harder, straining your hand, wrist, and arm over time. This can lead to common overuse injuries like tennis elbow. Plus, a tight grip might slip during play, throwing off your shots.
• Grip Too Large: A bulky grip can be cumbersome to hold, requiring extra effort to control the paddle. This can limit your ability to switch grips quickly for different shots and restrict wrist movement for powerful serves and overheads.

The Perfect Fit:

The ideal grip size is a sweet spot between comfort and control. It should feel snug but not constricting, allowing for a full range of motion in your wrist. This translates to effortless control, reduced risk of injury, and the freedom to execute all your shots with precision.

How to Increase the Grip Size of A Pickleball Paddle

Most pickleball paddles come in a range of grip sizes, but what if none of them feel quite right? Don’t worry, there’s a solution! Pickleball overgrips can be your secret weapon for achieving a customized fit.

Overgrips: Your Grip Size Savior

Overgrips are thin, tacky tapes that wrap around the existing grip of your paddle. They come in various colors and materials, offering a touch of personalization along with increased comfort and sweat absorption. But the greatest benefit for some players is their ability to gradually increase the grip size.

Building Up Your Grip, Layer by Layer

Each layer of an overgrip typically adds about 1/16 of an inch to the diameter of the handle. By carefully wrapping the overgrip, you can progressively build up the thickness until you reach your desired size.

Here are some additional tips for using overgrips to adjust grip size:

• Start with a thin overgrip: This gives more precise control over the final thickness.
• Wrap evenly and consistently: Maintain a slight tension as you wrap to avoid creating bumps or uneven spots.
• Don’t overdo it: Adding too many layers can make the grip bulky and affect maneuverability.
• Replace overgrips regularly: Their tackiness and effectiveness diminish as they get worn or dirty.

While overgrips offer a great way to fine-tune your grip size, it’s always best to try paddles with different built-in grip sizes whenever possible. This will give you a better starting point and might help you avoid needing too many overgrip layers.

Selecting the Appropriate Grip Size

First, measure the distance between your palm crease and ring fingertip (ideally 4-5 inches). Choose a paddle grip closest to that measurement.

Second, hold the paddle with a continental grip. Your other hand’s index finger should fit snugly between your middle finger and palm.

Tip: If sizes feel similar, choose the smaller grip. Overgrips add thickness, allowing you to customize the fit.

Final Thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the perfect pickleball grip size. The ideal method for you might be a combination of the techniques we’ve discussed, or it could be something else entirely! How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle Grip Size ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and natural in your hand.

Comfort is key. If the “correct” size based on measurements doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to adjust! Over grips can help you build up a smaller grip, or you might opt for a slightly smaller paddle size overall. The ultimate goal is for your paddle to feel like an extension of your arm, allowing you to swing freely and confidently on the court.

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