Three Ways to Grip Your Pickleball Paddle: Continental, Western, Eastern
How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle
Introduction to Paddle Grip
- Glenn Peterson introduces the importance of paddle grip in pickleball, stating that it significantly affects gameplay. He emphasizes that the goal is to hold the paddle in a way that complements one's best strokes.
Types of Grips
- Peterson outlines three primary ways to hold a pickleball paddle:
- Hammer Grip: Similar to hammering a nail.
- Swatting Grip: Holding as if swatting a fly.
- Handshake Grip: A middle ground between the two.
Importance of Consistent Grip
- Unlike tennis, where players can change grips for forehands and backhands, pickleball requires one grip for both due to fast exchanges at the kitchen line. This necessitates finding an optimal grip for all types of shots.
Detailed Analysis of Grips
- Hammer Grip (Continental Grip):
- Preferred by players with balanced forehand and backhand strokes.
- The base joint aligns with bevel two on the paddle handle, favoring backhands slightly.
- Swatting Grip (Western/Semi-Western):
- Common among beginners; great for forehands but challenging for backhands due to wrist positioning.
- Players may resort to using two-handed backhands or switching hands for better control.
- Handshake Grip (Eastern Grip):
- Most popular among pickleball players; offers a good balance between forehand and backhand capabilities.
- Aligns finger mark with bevel three on the handle, making it ideal for those who prefer hitting more forehands.
Additional Tips on Paddle Control
- Many players use fingers on the paddle surface for better orientation and control during play, which helps maintain verticality while striking balls. This technique enhances stability but exposes fingers to potential hits from balls.
- Top players typically maintain a loose grip rather than a tight one, allowing greater control and power with less effort during shots like volleys or third shots. A relaxed grip prevents loss of control and improves overall performance in gameplay.