3 Different Ways; How to Grip a Pickleball Paddle

3 Different Ways; How to Grip a Pickleball Paddle: A Complete Beginner Guide

It is easy to hold a pickleball paddle by just grabbing the paddle into your hand, but as a player, you must learn how to grip a pickleball paddle. It’s not about how to hold a pickleball paddle, it’s about how to grip a pickleball paddle correctly.

It’s important to learn in the beginning afterward it’s very difficult to overcome bad habits later on.

The grip you use will affect your ability to hit the ball correctly. In this blog, I will teach you how to Grip a pickleball paddle properly an overview of its different types, and where to hold it. 

3 Different Ways to Hold Pickleball Paddle

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player who wants to elevate your game, understanding the grip’s importance can’t be overstated. The pickleball grip you choose to grip the paddle plays a vital role in influencing your game. 

There are three primary pickleball grips; the eastern grip, the western grip, and the continental grip. Each has its unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. Each grip you use will depend on your playing style.

The Eastern Grip

If it’s your first time picking up a paddle, you will want to familiarize yourself with the Eastern grip. Most beginner players start with eastern pickleball with good reason.

Here’s a simpler way to say that:

Hold the paddle handle with your palm resting on the wide part near the bottom. Put your knuckle where your pointer finger bends against the angled edge below it. This grip is easy to learn and feels natural, just like holding a tennis racket or badminton paddle.

The eastern grip offers more power and control making a perfect for baseline play and flat shots. It naturally allows you to play forehand and backhand without much interference although it is favored forehand.

The eastern grip also has its drawbacks, it may limit the amount of topspin you can generate, making your shot more predictable and limiting your game strategies. 

The Western Grip

The Western grip is the least common of the three. This grip involves the base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your hand on the first level of your paddle. There’s also a western grip, where you hold the handle more like you’re holding a frying pan. This grip makes your forehand super strong, but it can be harder to hit the ball well with your other hand.

The western grip gives you more power when you play forehand shots. Most picklers recognize your grip and attack you accordingly, so the western griper should prepare to face many backhand shots. 

The Continental Grip

The continental grip is the sibling of the eastern grip. The continental grip is more versatile than three pickleball grips. It is used in both forehand and backhand shots. 

This grip is like the “good all-rounder” of pickleball holds. You hold the handle with your palm resting on the side, and your pointer finger knuckle sits on a slanted edge below it. It’s easy to use for both forehand and backhand shots.

The continental grips allow players to play a variety of shots from, slice and spin to the finest driven dinks without changes to the grip. 

Finding Your Grip

No matter which pickleball grip you use to play. Important is to make sure you comfortably hold the pickleball paddle. Experiment with different grips until you find which grips work best for you.

Which grip is best for you? The best grip for you depends on your comfort, playing style, and your skill. For a beginner eastern grip is best to start the game, while the Continental grip offers the versatility of the most experienced player. 

How much Pressure Should you Apply?

Finding the right grip for your pickleball game is important, but so is how tightly you hold the paddle. Gripping too hard can make your wrists, arms, and even your whole body tense up, which can mess up your shots. 

The key is to find a balance. Hold the paddle firmly enough to feel it in your wrists, but not so tight that your arms or shoulders tense up. If your forearms get tight, loosen your grip a bit. You want firm wrists and relaxed arms for the perfect grip.

When it comes to pickleball, a light grip is your friend. Imagine you’re holding an egg – you want it secure but not crushed. A good test is if someone tried to gently pull the paddle away, you could let it go without a fight.

However, grip strength can change with your shot. For powerful groundstrokes, tighten your grip a bit, like a 7 out of 10 (with 10 being super tight). But for softer shots near the net, loosen up – think 3 out of 10. This will give you more control over those delicate touches.

Nice and Dry

Make sure your pickleball paddle grip is in nice condition and dry. A wet pickleball paddle grip causes the pickleball paddle to slip from your hand, which causes injuries and danger.

Size Matter

Pick a pickleball paddle grip that feels comfortable in your hand, just like you would with a tennis racket. Grips come in different sizes, typically between 4 and 4.5 inches around. 

If you have small hands, go for a smaller grip, and vice versa for larger hands. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so try a few out to find the perfect fit!

Final Thought

Finding the best pickleball grip is important to improve your game skills. How to grip a pickleball paddle, is finding the perfect balance of your comfort, control, and power to improve your skill in the court.

Experimenting with different pickleball grips is the right way to find the right grip, rather stick on one type of grip.