How To Correctly Hold a Pickleball Paddle?

A proper grip on your paddle is essential for your performance on the court. Learn the best ways to hold your paddle and discover which grip suits your style.

The Three Standard Grips

There are three standard grips that you can use to hold your pickleball paddle: the continental, eastern, and western grips. While each grip has its pros and cons, the continental grip is the most popular, especially for beginners. Let's take a deeper look at how to properly hold your paddle with the continental grip.

The Octagon

When players refer to the "octagon," they are talking about the bottom of the paddle. The octagon is the key to understanding the proper grip. For the continental grip, place your index finger’s knuckle on the second notch of the octagon. Keep your hand positioned over the paddle’s edge, with your thumb and index finger on the side of the paddle. Your finger should rest on the second bevel, creating a V-shape pointing back toward you.

Strong, Neutral, or Weak

Once you master the continental grip, you can experiment with variations in how tightly you hold the paddle. The strength of your grip will affect the paddle’s movement and your shot accuracy.

Neutral Grip: The most balanced and common grip. This position gives you the best flexibility for various shots, especially for dink shots.
Weak Grip: Rotating your wrist slightly to the left. A weak grip opens up the paddle face, making it easier to perform spins and cuts. However, it may hurt your overall game performance.
Strong Grip: Rotate your wrist slightly to the right. This grip leads to powerful forehands and aggressive shots, but can also result in erratic shot placement if not controlled.

Changes Throughout the Game

While the continental grip is versatile, you may find it helpful to adjust your grip depending on the situation. For instance, when playing at the baseline, a neutral grip is ideal. However, when approaching the net for more aggressive shots, a stronger grip can help you generate more power.

Additional Tips for Mastering the Grip

Start with a neutral grip and experiment with slight adjustments during play to find what works best for you.
Be mindful of how your wrist feels during play—overgripping or undergripping can lead to fatigue or discomfort.
Practice switching grips in real-game scenarios to improve your versatility and shot-making abilities.

Get Your Paddle at Midwest Racquet Sports

Now that you know how to hold a pickleball paddle correctly, it's time to hit the courts! Visit Midwest Racquet Sports to shop for top-quality paddles, including popular brands like JOOLA. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, we have the perfect paddle for your game.

Explore our selection of paddles and find the best one to match your playing style. Don't forget to check out our other pickleball gear, including balls, shoes, and apparel!