The best grip for most pickleball players is the Continental Grip. To use a Continental Grip, hold the pickleball paddle as if you were attempting to hammer a nail with the side of the paddle. Alternative grips include the Western Grip, the Semi-Western Grip the Eastern Grip, the Eastern Backhand Grip.
The Best Pickleball Grip: The Continental Grip
The best pickleball paddle grip for most players is the Continental Grip. It is a pickleball grip that is more suited to hitting backhands and allows for good versatility of dinks, volleys, and topspin forehands.
The Continental Grip makes it easier to hit pickleball backhands without popping the ball up in the air. Since the backhand side is an area of weakness for many pickleball players, having a grip more suited to this side of the game can help balance out your play.
The Continental Grip is often also referred to as the ‘Hammer Grip.’ The easiest way to find this grip is to imagine you were trying to hammer a nail with the side of the paddle.
To correctly perform the Continental Grip, look down at your hand. Form a V between your index finger and thumb on the paddle handle.
Another way is to imagine your paddle handle split into eight bevels (like the grip on a tennis racquet). If the top bevel, sitting parallel to the sky, is bevel number one, in a proper Continental Grip, your index finger should be wrapped around bevel number two.
Though the Continental Grip is one every pickleball player should have in their arsenal, there are different grips you can try out if it’s not working for you.
Check out the video below for the different types of handle grips in pickleball:
Alternative Pickleball Grips
1. The Eastern Grip (aka “Shake Hands grip”)
The Eastern Grip is perhaps the most ‘neutral’ of the grips, and works well for beginners and as an all-around option.
It’s often given the nickname ‘the shake hands grip.’ This is because when it is used successfully, your hand should be positioned as if you are shaking hands with the pickleball paddle grip.
The great benefit of the Eastern Forehand Grip is that (despite the slightly confusing name) it can be used for both forehands and backhands without change. This can give you a competitive edge. You’ll be ready to hit your shot much faster than if you had to move to a different grip.
2. The Eastern Backhand Grip
While the Eastern Forehand Grip is celebrated for its adaptability, the Eastern Backhand Grip modifies this slightly for players who prefer or predominantly use a one-handed backhand.
This grip involves a slight rotation from the forehand grip, positioning the hand to enhance control and power on backhand strokes. It’s an excellent choice for players seeking to strengthen their backhand without sacrificing the familiarity and comfort of the Eastern Grip style.
3. The Western Grip: The “Frying Pan Grip” for Topspin
The Western Grip is sometimes referred to as the ‘frying pan grip.’ This is because you hold the paddle as if you were attempting to fry an egg on the face of the paddle.
The Western Grip allows you to create a lot of topspin on your forehands and generate a lot of power through your shots. However, it can create difficulties when attempting to create the correct angles for backhands. This is why you’ll see many people favoring the Continental instead of the Western.
4. The Semi-Western Grip: Bridging Tennis and Pickleball
A slight variation of the Western Grip, the Semi-Western Grip, offers a compromise between the extreme topspin of the Western and the versatility of the Eastern Grips.
By rotating the hand slightly to the right (for right-handed players) or to the left (for left-handed players), players can achieve a comfortable balance that supports both powerful forehands and more manageable backhand shots.
This is one of the most popular tennis grips, so it can be a good option for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. To use a Semi-Western Grip, find the western position, then rotate your hand very slightly to the right (for right-handed players) or the left (for left-handed players).
How to find the best grip for you?
Finding the best grip for your pickleball play involves understanding your playing style, preferences, and the type of shots you frequently use.
Here are 2 factors to consider to help you identify the grip that best suits your game:
1. Evaluate Your Playing Style
- Aggressive vs. Defensive: If you prefer aggressive play, focusing on powerful smashes and topspin shots, a Western or Semi-Western Grip might suit you. For a more defensive style, emphasizing control and placement, consider the Eastern or Continental Grips.
- Forehand vs. Backhand Dominance: Determine whether you rely more on your forehand or backhand. If you have a strong forehand, the Western or Semi-Western Grips can enhance your topspin and power. If your backhand is stronger or you frequently switch between fore and backhand, the Eastern grip offers versatility.
2. Experiment with Different Grips
- Start with the Eastern Grip: Due to its versatility and ease for beginners, start experimenting with the Eastern grip. It’s a good baseline to compare with more specialized grips.
- Switch to the Continental Grip: Try the Continental grip for serving and volleying. Its natural position is excellent for quick reactions and shot accuracy.
- Test the Western and Semi-Western Grips: These grips are excellent for adding topspin and power. If you’re transitioning from tennis or prefer a heavy topspin game, give these a try.
It may take time and experimentation to find your ideal grip, but the effort can significantly improve your overall performance on the pickleball court. Remember, what works best for one player may not suit another, so focus on finding what enhances your personal game.
