Get a Grip
Holding your pickleball paddle correctly is essential for both control and reducing the risk of injury to your arm, hand, or shoulder. There are three common grip options, the Continental, Eastern and Western, each with its own advantages, but which is best for the beginner?
Exhibit 1
Bevels
Before we start gripping and ripping, let’s talk about bevels. If you hold a pickleball paddle straight out from your body and on edge you will notice the handle has an octagonal shape. These 8 sides to the handle are called bevels.
Exhibit 2
The Continental Grip
The Continental Grip – Known as the “Hammer” the continental grip is the most commonly taught and widely used in pickleball. It’s simple to understand and extremely versatile for every shot you’ll make. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players.
The benefits of the Continental grip are:
- Wrist Flexibility: The continental grip facilitates wrist flexibility, allowing players to generate spin and control the direction of their shots
- Quick Adjustment: With the continental grip, players can easily adjust their paddle face angle to execute different shots
- Slice and Spin: The continental grip provides optimal control over ball spin and slice shots. … this grip excels in backhand shots, making it a favorite at the kitchen line. Note, beginners should not focus on spinning the ball until they are m
- Reduces injuries: The continental grip with its flexibility, the ability to quickly adjust, reduced pressure on the wrist and arm, provides a better environment to reduce injuries.
Methods to achieve the Continental grip:
- Hold the paddle as if you were hammering a nail with the edge of it. This is why it’s also called the “hammer” grip. (refer to Exhibit 1)
- When you hold the paddle on its edge, the “V” formed by your index finger and thumb should be positioned at the top/middle of the handle (or slightly to the left). Your index finger’s big knuckle should rest on bevel #2. (Refer to Exhibit 2)
The Eastern Grip
The Eastern Grip – also known as the “Handshake,” as it actually mimics the look and feel of a handshake. Instead of your hand being straight up and down, your hand is turned to the side a bit, and so is the paddle face. When you look down at it, instead of only seeing the edge, you should be able to see some of the back of the paddle. This is another great option for beginners and intermediate players.
The benefits of the Eastern grip are:
- Power and Drive Shots: The eastern grip allows players to generate more power and drive in their shots compared to the continental grip. It can be especially beneficial for players who rely on strong baseline shots and aggressive smashes.
- Forehand Dominance: The positioning of the eastern grip supports strong forehand strokes, enabling players to hit powerful shots with greater ease and control
- Versatile shots: whether you are dinking, spinning, or slicing the ball, the eastern grip gives you the ability to execute these shots with finesse
Methods to achieve the Eastern grip:
- Hold your hand straight out as if you are getting ready to shake someone’s hand, then wrap your fingers around the paddle handle as if giving a handshake. (refer to Exhibit 1)
- Place your index knuckle on the 2nd bevel to the left of the flat top bevel. The V formed between your thumb and index finger will be on top of the first bevel to the right of the top. (refer to Exhibit 2)
The Western Grip
The Western Grip – known as the flyswatter or frying pan, the Western pickleball grip positions the hand behind the paddle on forehand shots, which generates maximum power. This grip is also the best for producing top spin because the face of the paddle is closed. This is not a grip for beginners, unless they are coming from another racket sport that uses a similar grip. The Western grip is far the least common of the three.
The benefits of the Western grip are:
- Power: Great for hitting super-powerful shots.
- Topspin: The Western grip excels at generating topspin, allowing players to hit aggressively and dipping shots that are difficult for opponents to return.
- Control: It provides excellent control over the ball’s trajectory, especially on high, looping shots.
Methods to achieve the Western grip:
- A simple method to achieve this grip is to imagine the paddle is a flyswatter or frying pan lying on a service, reach down and pick it up. If you have the palm of your hand facing up or down, you will be able to see the entire face of your paddle. (refer to Exhibit 1)
- To use the Western grip, start with a Continental grip. If you are right-handed, rotate your paddle 45 degrees counterclockwise. Therefore, your heel will be at Bevel # 3, and your index finger knuckle will be at Bevel # 4. If you are left-handed, your index knuckle must be on Bevel # 6, and your heel will be at Bevel # 7. (refer to Exhibit 2)
Each grip has its own distinctions. For beginners, getting comfortable with the continental grip is highly recommended. It’s a great starting point. However, the key factor when finding the best grip is to choose one that feels comfortable and gives you good control of the paddle.
No Pressure
Focusing on developing the proper grip pressure in pickleball can significantly improve your control and precision. The secret of a talented player lies in applying the proper grip pressure. Understanding how tightly or loosely to hold your paddle can transform your game.
Remember the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” one bed was too hard, one bed was too soft, but third bed was just right. It is vital to develop the “just right” grip pressure. In our beginner classes, we have students imagine holding a baby bird, and repeating, “don’t crush the baby bird.” Proper grip pressure enhances feel and touch and is vital for dinks and drop shots. Practice with different grip pressures to see how it affects your shots.
Can an improper grip cause you an injury? Absolutely, an improper grip can cause injury. A “death grip” can strain your wrist and forearm over time. To help prevent injuries, it’s crucial to warm up before playing, paying attention to your hands and wrists to reduce stiffness. Regularly check your grip during play—if your hand feels tired or sore, you’re gripping too hard. Practice mindful relaxation between points, consciously loosening your grip to prevent cramping. Keep that grip in check and your game will thank you for it.
Learning the proper grip pressure in pickleball is key to better control, preventing injuries, and improving shot precision.