often overlooked when purchasing a paddle , but it ’ s an important piece of the puzzle . The handle is your connection to the paddle and control over the paddle face , so having the right grip is critical to controlling your shots .
Too-large or too-small grip circumference can cause discomfort in the form of " tennis elbow " and hinder your play .
The length of the grip can also make a difference . If you place your index finger on the back of the paddle or like to slide your hand up the grip for more control , then try a paddle with a shorter grip length . If you like to hit a two-handed backhand or if you have larger hands , a longer grip will work better for you .
FINDING YOUR PADDLE
So which paddle is the best one for you ? The paddle you play the best with — and feel most confident with .
If you ’ re not sure what to look for , first determine what type of player you are . Be honest . It ’ s not who you want to be — it ’ s who you really are . Type-A individuals may lean toward more of an aggressive type of playing paddle having some weight and pop , while a " B " personality may want a lighter , softer paddle for better touch . Your personality does matter .
Since weight is so important , check the weights of every paddle you demo . You ’ ll probably see a trend . Lighter paddles might feel good when holding them off the court but may make it tougher to drive the ball firmly and volley back those hard-hit shots . Experiment and find what gives you a wellbalanced game . Make sure your paddle has enough power for you to easily get your serves and returns deep in the court without having to swing too hard . If your balls are landing short too often , try a more powerful paddle . If you are popping up your dinks a lot , try a model made more for control . This power versus control equation is key , but also the one element that ’ s different for everyone , so find what works best for you and your game .
Next , make sure to demo at least one graphite / carbon fiber and one fiberglass or polymer paddle . You ’ ll feel a significant difference when dinking and driving from the baseline .
In summary , every paddle plays differently and it ’ s your job to find out which one works best for you . The technology has arrived and there are many great paddle manufacturers out there . Go to a demo day at a major tournament or ask your local pro to arrange one . Your game will improve , and you ’ ll enjoy pickleball at a higher level . •
Wayne Dollard is a 50 + and 5.0 US Open Champion , and 5x National and US Open gold medalist . He is also the founder of LevelUp Pickleball Camps and publisher of Pickleball Magazine .