Grip Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them

In pickleball, mastering the correct grip is crucial to enhancing your performance. Grips vary based on the type of shot you’re hitting, and using the wrong one can severely limit your game. Here’s a breakdown of the most common grips in pickleball and when they should be used.

Continental Grip (The Go-To for Versatility)

The Continental grip is the most important grip in pickleball, especially for players at the kitchen line. By aligning the base knuckle of your index finger with the angled bevel on the left of the paddle handle (for right-handers), this grip allows you to switch seamlessly between forehand and backhand without the need to adjust mid-play. It’s essential for volleys and defensive blocks, where quick reflexes are key, and also perfect for smashes because it gives you the ability to pronate your wrist and generate maximum power. This grip is also used for dinking, where touch and precision are required, making it the best choice for shots that demand quick reaction times.

Eastern Grip (Maximizing Power and Spin)

The Eastern grip is ideal for players who want to add topspin and power to their forehand shots. For this grip, you’ll position your index knuckle on the larger bevel of the paddle, which allows more wrist motion to brush up on the ball, adding spin. It’s a great grip for groundstrokes from the baseline, as well as for serves, where generating spin and driving the ball deep into your opponent’s court can put you in an advantageous position. The Eastern grip gives you greater control over your serves and forehand drives, making it easier to keep the ball low over the net with added topspin.

Western Grip (The One to Avoid, Except for Trick Shots)

The Western grip, where the knuckle is aligned further under the handle, is generally not recommended for most shots. This grip is more commonly used in tennis, but in pickleball, it severely limits your ability to generate power and accuracy. However, there are a few rare instances where advanced players use the Western grip, particularly for trick shots like the “pancake” or “scorpion” shot, which are defensive reactions to high, fast incoming shots. These shots involve guarding your right shoulder by flipping the paddle over, but they’re rarely necessary unless you’re playing at an advanced level.

How to Switch Grips Efficiently

A critical part of improving your grip technique is learning how to switch between grips quickly and effortlessly. You can change grips by using a “shimmy” technique with your paddle hand, or by assisting with your non-dominant hand to reposition your grip between shots. Developing this skill is vital for players who want to maximize their efficiency at the net, where reacting quickly to volleys can make all the difference. Always default to the Continental grip when you’re waiting for your opponent’s shot so you’re prepared for anything, and switch to the Eastern grip for forehand drives or serves as needed.

Importance of Hand Placement and Leverage

Beyond just grip type, where you hold the paddle on the handle can significantly impact your performance. Choking up too high on the paddle, like in ping-pong, reduces your leverage and limits the power of your shots. Instead, your pinky should be within an inch of the bottom of the handle to maximize control and leverage. Spread your fingers out along the handle for a firm but relaxed grip, which gives you better control while avoiding excess tension that could slow down your reactions.

Conclusion: Get a Grip on Your Game

Grips are one of the most overlooked fundamentals in pickleball, but they play a critical role in improving your game. From the versatile Continental grip for dinks and volleys, to the power-generating Eastern grip for serves and forehands, understanding when and how to use the correct grip can elevate your play. If you’re plateauing in your development, it might just be your grip that’s holding you back. Take the time to practice these grips and transitions, and you’ll find yourself performing at a much higher level.