Keeping your eye on the ball—right up to the moment of paddle contact—is an obvious way to elevate your game. But let’s be honest, it’s not as easy as it sounds! And even when you manage to track the ball perfectly, hitting the sweet spot on your paddle isn’t always a given. The result? A shot that lacks the power and control you were aiming for.
To refine your accuracy and consistently hit that sweet spot, a training tool like the Franklin Sweet Spot Training Paddle can be a game-changer. Personally, I’ve struggled with precise paddle contact, and after using this compact yet powerful training paddle for a few weeks, I can confidently say it delivers noticeable benefits.
Not only is it easy to use, highly effective, and reasonably priced, but it also makes training fun—which is why I’m giving it a solid 5 out of 5 balls!
First things first, take a look at my video review:
By The Numbers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 15” |
| Width | 5.1” |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm |
| Grip Length | 7.3” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25” |
| Weight (as tested) | 7.7 oz (Marketed as 7.5 – 7.8 oz) |
| Price | $49.99 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Thermoformed unibody
- 16mm polypropylene core
- T700 carbon fiber face
- Wrap-around, hard protective edge
- Octagon/condensed foam handle
- USA Pickleball-approved
First Impressions
After researching the paddle online, I wasn’t expecting any flashy presentation upon arrival. It’s a training tool, after all—straightforward and functional. The paddle came in a simple black design, packaged in a plastic sleeve with its specs. However, two features stood out immediately: the long, comfortable handle and its lightweight feel. The grip has a nice rubbery tack and a larger diameter, which I personally prefer.
My customary initial air swings confirmed what I anticipated—quick speed thanks to the lightweight build and compact paddle face. The balance felt spot on, and the swing speed was ideal.
My first thought? “Can I really make consistent contact with this narrow five-inch-wide face?“ The answer became clear the moment I put it to the test.
Game On: Putting It to the Test
Starting with Wall Drills
The first and most obvious way to break in this training paddle was with wall drills. I headed to an indoor court at my club and quickly discovered that, yes—this paddle really forces you to focus on ball-to-paddle contact.
Right away, I appreciated the long, comfortable handle and lightweight feel, making it easy to maneuver. Within minutes, I started feeling more confident in my swings and ball contact.
Building Confidence with Dinks and Volleys
I started with forehand wall dinks, gradually transitioning to backhand dinks and eventually wall volleys after about 15 minutes. With each shot, my contact with the paddle face improved, reinforcing how important focus and swing precision are.
It became clear—the paddle was training my eyes and my muscle memory in a way a standard paddle just doesn’t.
Taking It to the Serve Box
Next up: serves. At first, they were a real challenge. The smaller paddle face required extra focus, and my timing felt off. But once I got a feel for the swing and reminded myself to track the ball all the way to the paddle, things started clicking.
Within five minutes, I was hitting serves with solid accuracy—a big win for such a small tool!
More Drills… and Even Some Game Play!
A few days later, I tested the Franklin Sweet Spot Training Paddle again—this time with a partner for dinking, volley, and drop shot drills. My accuracy and confidence kept improving, and I was surprised by how light, fast, and agile it felt.
The more I used it, the more precise my shots became, and soon, I was playing as if it were a regular paddle—impressive for something just two-thirds the width of my usual gear!
Serving & Dinking: Feeling Like a Standard Paddle
During serving and dinking drills with my wife, I realized just how natural it played. Franklin designed it so the entire face mimics a paddle’s sweet spot, making every shot feel clean and controlled.
Its length and weight mirror a standard paddle, making the transition to regular play smooth.
Game Time—How Did It Perform?
At my wife’s suggestion, I put it to the ultimate test—actual gameplay. To my surprise, it played just like a regular 16mm carbon fiber paddle, delivering accuracy, power, and control. Even serves felt great.
But the best part? It continued reinforcing proper ball tracking—its key training benefit. While it’s not ideal for spin training, it’s a fantastic tool for precision, focus, and consistency—a must-have for anyone looking to refine their game!
My Final Score
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 (5/5) |
| Grip | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 (5/5) |
| Control | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ (4.75/5) |
| Spin | N/A |
| Power | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 (5/5) |
| Price Point/Value | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 (5/5) |
| OVERALL | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 (5/5) |
If you’re a beginner to intermediate player looking to refine your swing and ball contact, I highly recommend this powerful training tool. Even if you think you’re consistently hitting the sweet spot, you might be surprised—until you train with this paddle, you won’t truly know how precise your contact is.
This trainer sharpens your focus, reinforcing proper ball tracking and clean contact on every type of shot—from serves to dinks and everything in between. I’ve enjoyed using it and will definitely be sharing it with others to experience the benefits firsthand!
✅ Trains Precision – Compact 5.1" head targets the sweet spot.
✅ Realistic Feel – 16mm core, carbon fiber face, 7.7 oz weight.
✅ Boosts Accuracy – Improves hand-eye coordination.
✅ Versatile Handle – 7.3" length supports two-handed shots.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
