Pickleball is evolving, and so are the techniques that players use to gain an edge on the court. One of the biggest game-changers in recent years is the pancake grip, a unique way of holding the paddle that’s gaining traction among high-level players. This grip, popularized by Riley Newman, challenges traditional pickleball grips and offers both advantages and trade-offs.
Is the pancake grip the future of pickleball? Should you try it? Let’s dive into what makes this grip special, its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s worth incorporating into your game.
What is the Pancake Grip?
The pancake grip is essentially a full Western grip, similar to what you’d see in tennis. Imagine you’re holding a frying pan and flipping pancakes—that’s the motion and hand positioning that defines this grip.
Unlike the standard continental grip (which aligns the paddle with your wrist), the pancake grip rotates the paddle about 90 degrees. This adjustment allows for extreme topspin on forehands and better high-ball coverage.
However, it also changes the dynamics of backhands and dinking, making it a unique but situationally useful grip.
Riley Newman’s Influence
Riley Newman, a top pro player, is the biggest advocate for this grip. His ability to control the kitchen line, fire powerful forehand speed-ups, and protect his “chicken wing” (the vulnerable shoulder area) with a forehand instead of a backhand has changed how players approach the game.
Newman doesn’t switch grips throughout a match. Whether he’s at the baseline, dinking at the kitchen, or countering an attack, he keeps the pancake grip locked in. This consistency makes his playstyle aggressive and unpredictable.
Hear it straight from the man himself as he breaks down his unique grip—especially how it changes the way he volleys:
Why the Pancake Grip Works in Pickleball
1. Eliminates the “Chicken Wing” Weakness
One of the most awkward shots to defend in pickleball is the chicken wing—the area around your paddle-side shoulder. Many players struggle to counter attacks there, often resorting to weak backhand blocks.
With the pancake grip, you defend your chicken wing with your forehand instead of your backhand, allowing for a powerful counterattack rather than a weak defensive shot.
2. More Topspin and Power on Forehands
The Western-style pancake grip lets players put massive topspin on their forehand drives and speed-ups.
This means shots dip quickly into the court, making them harder to counter. It also helps with high volleys, allowing players to smash floaters without stepping to the side.
3. Better Coverage at the Kitchen Line
Newman has shown that with a pancake grip, you can sit in your ready position and cover a huge area with your forehand.
Since most players naturally favor their backhand for quick kitchen exchanges, this creates a dynamic shift in strategy.
The Trade-Offs of the Pancake Grip
Like any grip, the pancake grip has its weaknesses.
1. Weaker Backhand Play
The biggest downside is that backhand shots become more difficult. Since the grip is so extreme, players struggle with traditional backhand drops and resets.
Newman compensates for this by using a two-handed backhand almost exclusively, but this may not work for everyone.
2. Challenging Soft Game (Dinks & Resets)
Dinking with a pancake grip is tricky, especially on the forehand side. Players must adjust their paddle angle significantly to scoop under the ball, making crosscourt dinks harder to control.
Newman admitted it took him nearly a year to develop a reliable crosscourt forehand dink with this grip. If you’re a player who thrives on soft game control, this could be a major drawback.
3. Not Ideal for Baseline Play
For players who rely on drives and resets from the baseline, the pancake grip can feel limiting.
The Western grip creates a loopy, spin-heavy shot that’s harder to keep low and flat. While some players have adapted their game, it may not be the best grip for baseline battles.
Should You Try the Pancake Grip?
The pancake grip isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth experimenting with, especially if you:
✅ Struggle with chicken wing defense
✅ Want more forehand power and topspin
✅ Are comfortable using a two-handed backhand
✅ Play aggressively at the kitchen line
On the flip side, if you rely on your soft game, backhand finesse, or baseline play, you might find it frustrating to adapt.
A Hybrid Approach?
Even Riley Newman himself suggests a hybrid approach for beginners. He recommends using a continental grip for baseline play and then transitioning to the pancake grip once at the kitchen line.
This gives players the best of both worlds—traditional mechanics for groundstrokes and an aggressive forehand attack at the net.
Is the Pancake Grip the Future?
The pancake grip is a bold, aggressive shift in pickleball strategy that challenges traditional thinking. It’s proving to be extremely effective at the highest levels of play, particularly for players like Riley Newman who thrive at the kitchen line.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The grip has limitations, particularly in backhand play and dinking. If you’re intrigued by the idea of flipping your grip (literally) and adding more topspin and power to your forehand, it’s worth trying.
At the end of the day, the best grip is the one that works for your game. So grab your paddle, hit the courts, and experiment—who knows? The pancake grip might just be your secret weapon. 🥞🔥
