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SCIENCE OF PICKLEBALL
GRIP TIGHT FOR POWER ?
By Joe Dinoffer
We all want to hit with more power . The problem is that most of us think power comes from squeezing the grip tighter and tighter . Unfortunately , the opposite is true . Try this exercise …
Squeeze the grip of your pickleball paddle as tight as possible . Keep it tight and simultaneously swing your arm as if you are hitting a ball . Observe that a tight grip creates tension that goes all the way up your arm to your shoulder and ultimately you can feel the tension in your entire body . Observe the swing speed when you grip that tight . It will be amazingly slow . If you try hitting a ball with this grip tension , the ball speed will also be very slow . Once we acknowledge that grip tension inhibits swing speed and the subsequent ball speed , the question is , “ How relaxed is right ?” This is where judgment and skill need to become friends ! For example , if you want maximum power , then a
USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships will be held at the Finley Center , part of the Hoover Met Complex in Hoover , Alabama . Nearly 1,000 players are expected ,
loose , relaxed grip is essential . How loose ? The old tennis tip analogy to pretend you are holding a small bird may still be helpful . Pretend you are holding a bird in one hand . You don ’ t want to squeeze so tight that you injure the bird , but you also don ’ t want the bird ( or paddle ) to fly out of your hand !
The grip strength needed also varies according to the desired shot and situation . Example : For block volleys , you will hold more firmly than when you serve . Experiment by allowing yourself to make mistakes , and you will find your gripping sweet spot for various shots in no time . Just keep in mind that a tight grip will give you callouses but will not make you a better player ! •
Joe Dinoffer is a master professional in the USPTA and PTR , has written nine books , produced 22 DVDs , and has appeared on the Tennis Channel . His company , at
oncourtoffcourt . com , designs and manufactures training aids for pickleball , tennis , and yoga . He has also produced dozens of pickleball tips for YouTube .
STAY SUN-SAFE ON THE COURTS
Pickleball has grown 40 percent over the last two years with more than 4.8 million players in the U . S . The game is incredibly fun and can be enjoyed by people of all ages , however it ’ s important to stay sun-safe when playing .
Expert dermatologist Dr . Steven Feldman from the Wake Forest School of Medicine recommends both a widebrimmed hat and daily sunscreen when outdoors , especially for pickleball players who spend time out in the sun . Approximately 78,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the U . S . annually , and wearing sunscreen daily can reduce the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers by 40-50 percent . Both mineraland chemical-based sunscreens are available , and sunscreen-based moisturizers are a popular choice . Just remember to look for a product with an SPF of 30 or greater and broadspectrum coverage .
What are we waiting for ? Put on some sunscreen , fellow picklers , and let ’ s play ball ! •
— Akul Ramayani , Patrick Perche and Dr . Steven Feldman
pickleballtournaments . com . Gold medalists from each division will receive a pre-registration spot for the 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships Nov . 5-13 at Indian Wells in California . •