How to hold a pickleball paddle?

Holding the paddle of pickleball marks a point at which you can predict the end of gameplay. Pickleball is a fast paced game in which you have to make accurate moves to control the pickleball and direct it to your own target. 

Knowing how to hold pickleball can raise your level to perform better than your opponents. It is not a matter of strength but you have to hold it on that very angle so you can feel ease while playing pickleball (Hands battle). it ‘s all about the use of your wrist precisely how much you can tweak it fast.

Here are some tips for Picklers (Pickleball players) like you about how to hold a pickleball paddle. These are equally applicable on both hands. 

How to hold a pickleball paddle-Step by Step Guide

Here is the detailed step by step guide about holding  a pickleball paddle. 

(1) Selection of Grip

Choosing the best pickleball paddle grip is a game changer though you can get more points and play the shot accurately. Gripping is an important factor which has a great impact in holding the pickleball paddle. So, choose it wisely and carefully according to your requirements. 

Types of Pickleball Paddle Grips

There are 3 types of grips which we have discussed and selected which are more suitable for you.

• Eastern Grip 
• Western Grip
• Continental Grip

 (1) Eastren Grip

The most common grip which is mostly used by the new pickler because it is easy to use in both (forehands and backhands) cases. Also known as the handshake grip. Eastern grip is a flexible grip which fully fits in every type of hands. You have to open your index finger perpendicular to the flat side of the paddle.

Steps To Hold Eastren Grip

• Hold the pickleball paddle of Eastren gripped. 
• Make a good grip over there for better movements. 
• Make a “V” shape between the thumb and index finger over the paddle.
• Keep its thinner side towards your opponent.
• Grip it flexibly with a little bit looseness and play the shot consciously. 

If you are new to pickleball and want to get started then the Eastren grip is the best suggestion from my side. 

Note = keep your index finger open if you can control the pickleball paddle without it bending on the paddle. 

(2) Western Grip

The western grip is a rare one but mostly used by the medium level of pickler because it is a little bit higher than the Eastren grip. It is also called ‘’frypan’’ grip due to the way of holding during gameplay should be like the fry pan handle. You have to hold the westren grip on that very angle which can make you feel at ease on the court, not a burden. 

Steps To Hold Westren Grip

• Pick a pickleball paddle with westren grip.
• Place your playing hand on the westren grip paddle in the direction of the flat side of the paddle and make a grip over there. 
• Rotate the flat side of the paddle towards earth slightly to make it easy for movements. 
• Make sure that your thumb and index finger are making a ‘‘V’’ shape over the paddle.

If you are already playing pickleball then go with westren and then get a good experience with it then move to the continental grip for better experience.

(3) The Continental Grip

The continental grip is relatively common than westren but rarer than eastren because it depends upon the pickler experience. The pickler who has already used the eastren and westren grip will clearly feel the difference in terms of gripping, movements and alignments during the gameplay. It is often used by pro picklers. 

• Make it sure that you have enough practice that you will control it or not. 
• Confirm the Grip type over the pickleball paddle.
• Make a grip that allows you to hit the ball easily. 
• Go with the “V” shape approach of thumb and index finger for proper grip. 
• After gripping you can go with worthy shots to make more points. 

(2) Select A Ready To Position

After the holding of pickleball to play a shot then it’s time to make a ready position in which you will feel ease in gripping during the gameplay on the court against your opponent. The position depends upon your side on which you are playing. It is important and should be considered before starting the match. The ready position is equally applicable in both of the cases if you are a defender or going to be attacked. Here we have provided the guide for both of the sides either left or right with angle. 

• Left hand side

If you are lefty then you should keep the paddle face in between the 2 0r 1 O’clock position.

• Right hand side 

The angle in between the 10 or 11 O’clock is recommended for those whose playing hand is right side. 

Important Note= keep your pickle paddle in such a way that your opponent can read the face of the paddle in your hand. 

Personal Recommendation 

We are going to recommend the pickleball paddle grip for better holding to make it easy for you to hold and choose the pickleball paddle grip according to the level of your expertise.

I was using an eastern pickleball grip in my 1st year. After that when I feel handy then I opt for the western and the jump from western to continental grip takes 3 months to upgrade. So, keep your pace normal to enjoy it in a real way.

How do I hold my pickleball paddle?

Here are my 3 steps about how I hold my pickleball paddle during the game.

• Position my dominant hand: 
• I start by placing my dominant hand on the handle of the pickleball paddle.
• Maintain a loose yet firm grip:
•  I ensure my grip is loose enough to allow flexibility and wrist movement, but firm enough to maintain control over the paddle.
• Experiment and practice: 
• I try different grip positions and pressures to find what feels most natural and comfortable for me. Regular practice helps me refine my technique and improve my control and precision on the court.

Conclusion

Holding a pickleball paddle in the right way can help you to win the pickleball match. It is a bit tricky but still everyone has their own style to play a pickleball match. We have gone through the detailed guide about how to hold a pickleball paddle and which grip is well fitted. It can help you to hold it accurately to enjoy the game.

FAQs About How to hold a pickleball paddle

How do you hold a pickleball paddle index finger?

I often used to place the index finger in the back face direction of a pickleball paddle and then make a grip with my thumb from upper side and the rest of fingers from lower side.

How tight should I hold my pickleball paddle?

If we have set a scale from 1 to 10 then the holding pressure should be in between 3 to 5. Most new picklers hold it very tightly, which is a wrong practice that will lead to muscle cramps in the long run.

How to hold a pickleball paddle?

Make a grip over the handle of the pickleball paddle. Keep your index finger in the direction paddle back side. Hold the handle with the rest of your fingers in a relaxed position so that you can feel ease during the shots.

How do you position a pickleball paddle?

I used to position the face of a pickleball paddle in the direction of my opponent. My elbow will make a “V” shape and then be ready to serve on the pickleball court.