Pickleball Grips 101: Find the Grip That Works for You
Pickleball blends elements of tennis, ping pong, badminton, and racquetball, but make no mistake, it’s its own thing. One of the first skills you’ll want to dial in on the pickleball court is finding the right paddle grip. Understanding the different pickleball grips and how they carry over from other racquet sports can help you play smarter and with more confidence.
1. The Continental Grip: The All-Around Favorite
The Continental Grip
The Continental grip is one of the most popular grips in pickleball, and for good reason. It’s versatile and lets you hit forehands and backhands without having to switch grips mid-rally.
Pros:
Versatile for all types of shots
Great control and consistency
Easy to use at any skill level
Cons:
Requires more wrist action to generate topspin
May lack power on smashes and drive shots
How it translates from other sports:
Tennis: The Continental grip is common for volleys, serves, and overheads, especially near the net.
Ping Pong: While not an exact match, the idea of a “neutral” paddle position in both forehands and backhands is similar.
Racquetball: Players use a similar grip for quick net play and powerful shots off the wall.
On the pickleball court:
The Continental grip is ideal for drops, drives, volleys, and serves. It helps keep your paddle face square to the ball for controlled, tactical shots that work in just about every scenario.
2. The Eastern Grip: Forehand Powerhouse
The Eastern Grip
The Eastern grip is a go-to for players who rely on solid, powerful forehand shots. It offers more pop and topspin than the Continental grip, making it a favorite for groundstrokes.
Pros:
Generates strong topspin
Comfortable and easy to control
Seamless transitions between shots
Cons:
Not as reliable for backhands (might require grip changes)
Less effective for quick net exchanges
How it translates from other sports:
Tennis: This is the classic tennis forehand grip, giving a stable foundation for consistent, powerful shots.
Ping Pong: Players often adjust their paddle for forward-facing forehands – similar to this grip.
Racquetball: Used for strong, controlled groundstrokes.
On the pickleball court:
Perfect for singles play or anyone who likes to stay aggressive from the baseline. The Eastern grip gives you control, comfort, and the ability to rip those forehand drives with ease.
3. The Western Grip: Spin It to Win It
The Western Grip
Not as common but definitely worth trying, the Western Grip is for players who love using topspin to control the ball’s bounce and trajectory.
Pros:
Generates heavy topspin
Helps drips and third shots and add spin to lobs
Can manipulate ball flight for tricky shots
Cons:
Less comfortable and less versatile
Difficult for quick exchanges and backhands
How it translates from other sports:
Tennis: Often used by players who favor big topspin forehands and high-bouncing shots.
Ping Pong: Players who thrive on extreme spin will recognize the concept.
Racquetball: No direct match, but players use extreme grips for creative, spin-heavy shots.
On the pickleball court:
The Western grip can help you take control of rallies by sending high-bouncing topspin shots or sharp-dipping third shots. Great for kick serves and two-handed backhands, but you’ll likely need to adjust for speedier net play.
4. The Ping Pong (Penhold) Grip: Control at Its Finest
The Penhold Grip
If you’re coming from a table tennis background, the penhold grip may feel the most natural. This grip involves wrapping your index finger and thumb around the handle and often choking up for added paddle face control.
Pros:
High level of control during dink rallies
Quick reaction time in fast exchanges
Comfortable and consistent
Cons:
Less power and reach
Fingers can get in the way
How it translates from other sports:
Ping Pong: The classic penhold grip for maximum control.
Tennis: Rarely used, but similar to relaxed grips during net play.
Racquetball: Translates into smooth, controlled play in tight, quick points.
On the pickleball court:
This grip shines at the kitchen line, giving you quick paddle movement and smooth dinking mechanics. Perfect for “fire fights” – those fast volley exchanges where control and reaction time are everything.
Find the Grip That Feels Right
The best pickleball paddle grip is the one that fits your play style. Whether you value versatility, power, spin, or control, each grip has a purpose. Don’t be afraid to experiment, you might find that switching it up or even blending styles bring something new to your game.