Pickleball is a great game for EVERYONE! A crucial piece of pickleball equipment is your paddle (here are our favorite paddles). Depending on the angle you hold the paddle, it can really affect how you play the game. There are ranges of grip styles to choose from, and each has its pros and its cons.
The best Pickleball grip for you depends on a couple of things. One, how big are your hands? If you have small hands, then you might desire a grip that is smaller to hold in hand too. If you have large hands, seek out a grip that is bigger and easy to hold.
There are alternative grips that you might want to consider to help your play. The most popular grip is the continental grip. In this grip, your index finger and thumb form a V around the handle of the paddle. This handle allows for powerful and precise forehand and backhand shots.
There is also the eastern grip. In this game (above), you grip a paddle with the index finger and thumb running straight along the handle. This grip allows you to hit shots with spin and control. The western grip is where my index finger and thumb are on the same side of the handle. This grip works well when you really want to hit powerful shots with topspin.
Another means of improving is to work on your footwork and where you position yourself on the court. You can make it easier to send the ball where you want it to go by being at the right place to hit each shot. What a great way to increase scoring and to have fun playing pickleball!
So if you’ve had the same grip for a while and want to try something new, here you go. What you can do is try out some new grips when playing a practice game, or when playing among friends. This can also help you determine which grip feels most comfortable for you.
You can also consult older gamers. Chances are they may have some advice that will allow you to get a better grip and play better. And finally, don’t be afraid to adopt new grip styles and just see what works. Pickleball is a game that loves new ideas so use your imagination to create something new and fun.
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