In partnership with

PICKLEBACKCLUB

_{ICYMI: Paddle RESET - Redefine Your Pickleball Performance!}

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Join for free today!

Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

Whether you’re just discovering pickleball or looking to sharpen your game, one simple adjustment can make a world of difference: your grip. The way you hold your paddle influences control, spin, power, and consistency on every shot.

In this edition, we dive into the three most common grips—Continental, Eastern Forehand, and Western—plus an honorable mention of the Two-Handed Backhand. You’ll learn how to position your hand, what each grip is best for, and key pro tips to fine-tune your hold. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for experimenting on-court and choosing grips that suit your playing style.

In pickleball, your grip affects everything from control and spin to power and consistency. Here are the three most common types of grips and their benefits:

🟢 1. Continental Grip (Handshake Grip)

• How to do it: Hold the paddle as if you’re shaking hands with it.

• Benefits:

  • Versatile for both forehand and backhand shots

  • Ideal for volleys, dinks, and net play

  • Great for quick transitions between shots

• Drawback: Less topspin and power on forehands compared to Eastern grip

🟡 2. Eastern Forehand Grip

• How to do it: Place the base knuckle of your index finger on the 3rd bevel of the paddle handle (like a tennis forehand).

• Benefits:

  • Better topspin on forehands

  • More power on drives

  • Ideal for players who hit aggressive groundstrokes

• Drawback: Not ideal for backhands; may require grip change

@johncincola

fix your grip! #pickleballtips #pickleball #pickleballislife #propickleball

🔵 3. Western Grip

• How to do it: Rotate your hand farther under the paddle handle (similar to extreme topspin grip in tennis).

• Benefits:

  • Maximum topspin on forehands

  • Effective for aggressive, spin-heavy play

• Drawback: Hard to hit backhands or volleys; less common in pickleball

thepickleballchiropractor

10K followers

View more on Instagram

Honorable Mention: Two-Handed Backhand Grip

• How to do it: Non-dominant hand supports the paddle above the dominant hand.

• Benefits:

  • Extra stability and power on backhands

  • Useful for blocking and countering hard shots

• Drawback: Can limit reach and flexibility at the net

Tip: Most players start with the Continental grip for its versatility, then experiment based on style and comfort. Advanced players sometimes adjust grips mid-game depending on shot selection.

🏆 Which One Should You Use?

• Beginners & all‑around players: Start with Eastern for its balance and comfort.

• Net players & close halves: Use Continental for fast, reliable volleys and dinks.

• Topspin‑focused players: Add Western when you're ready to take on aggressive, spin‑game shots.

• Advanced strategy: Many pros mix and match grips—adjusting grip angles, not fully switching—for different shots

‼️ Pro Tips

• Grip pressure: Relaxed grip (3–4/10 tension) improves control and feel.

• Finger placement: Placing a finger on the paddle face (like in table tennis) adds control for soft shots.

• Grip transitions: Top players subtly adjust grip mid-rally—smooth transitions enhance shot variety

✅ What to Do Next

1. Practice each grip on the court—feel how they affect spin, power, and control.

2. Drill drills:

   • Use Continental for volleys/dinks.

   • Use Eastern for groundstrokes and serves.

   • Try Western for spin-heavy shots.

3. Experiment with finger-on-face grip if coming from ping-pong—it might feel natural and add precision.

Ready to level up your grip game? Head to the court and try each grip in warm-up drills: use Continental for volleys and dinks, Eastern for steady groundstrokes and serves, and Western when you’re feeling adventurous with spin.

Don’t forget to play around with finger-on-face placement for extra touch on soft shots. Track how each feel affects your consistency and shot selection, and gradually incorporate subtle grip transitions during rallies.

Keep hustling, and see you at the kitchen!

Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

_{Check out our previous posts…}