You might have seen players with their index finger up on the paddle, similar to a ping-pong grip. But is this technique actually helping or hurting your game? While it’s more common for table tennis players, some pickleball enthusiasts stick with it.
Let’s explore whether this finger-up habit is beneficial or just a bad habit holding you back on the court.
Pros & Cons of the Finger-Up Grip: A Quick Comparison
| Finger-Up Grip | Traditional Grip |
|---|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
| Better control for dinks, resets and two-hand backhands | More power for drives |
| Intuitive paddle angle awareness | Greater wrist flexibility for one-hand backhands |
| Helps with touch shots at the kitchen | Increased reach and overall versatility |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| Reduced power on drives | Takes time to master precise control |
| Awkward one-handed backhand shots | Less intuitive feel at the kitchen |
| Exposed finger at risk of injury | Less spin control for some players |
Pros of the Finger-Up Grip
There are definitely some advantages to having your index finger on the paddle face, especially in certain scenarios like soft shots at the net.
- Improved Control at the Kitchen
- With the index finger extended, players often feel more connected to the paddle. This allows for delicate touch shots like dinks, resets, and drops. The grip creates a cohesive lever from your elbow to the paddle, stabilizing soft shots.
- Tip: Use this grip for better precision when you’re playing close to the net.
- More Spin
- Some players believe that the finger-up grip helps generate extra topspin or sidespin, especially on certain serves.
- Example: “I find it easier to load up on spin with this grip when I’m serving,” one player shared. However, it’s worth noting that this is more of a personal preference than a universal benefit.
- Enhanced Control for Two-Handed Backhand
- While the regular choke-up grip is the go-to for most two-handed backhands, extending your index finger up the paddle can give you more control and feel.
- Benefit: This extra finger extension offers better paddle feedback, making it easier to adjust your shot mid-swing.
Cons of the Finger-Up Grip
Despite the control it offers, the finger-up grip comes with some significant drawbacks, especially when it comes to power and versatility.
- Reduced Power
- One of the biggest knocks against this grip is its lack of power. With your hand positioned higher on the paddle, it’s harder to generate the whip needed for strong drives.
- Player Insight: “I find it hard to generate strong power on my forehand drives with this grip. It’s excellent for control, but not ideal for aggressive shots.”
- Limited One-Handed Backhand Reach
- The finger-up grip can make backhand shots awkward. Since your index finger is pressing against the paddle face, you lose some wrist flexibility, making it harder to hit smooth backhand shots.
- Player Quote: “This grip makes backhands feel awkward, and I often have to change to a different grip during the rally, which isn’t very convenient.”
- Risk of Finger Injury
- A key concern with this grip is that it leaves your finger exposed to direct hits. A misplaced shot or accidental paddle clash could lead to injury. In fact, several players reported bruised or even broken fingers after taking a direct hit on their exposed index finger.
- Injury Example: “During a tournament, my finger got crushed, and I’ve stayed away from using this grip ever since!”
- Increased Risk of Overuse Injuries
Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, points out that using the finger-up grip can cause strain on the muscles that attach to the index finger and wrist. This strain can lead to issues like tennis elbow, especially with repetitive use.
Pro player Callie Jo Smith breaks it down, sharing her take on why she’s not a fan of the finger-up grip:
Common Mistakes with the Finger-Up Grip
While some players might benefit from the finger-up grip in certain situations, many fall into these traps:
- Using It for Power Shots
- The finger-up grip is excellent for soft shots but weak when it comes to generating power. If you’re trying to hit hard drives, this grip is likely holding you back.
- Not Switching for Backhand Shots
- Players using this grip may find it awkward to hit backhand shots and may need to switch grips mid-rally, losing valuable time.
- Overcommitting to the Grip
- While some pros like Tyler Loong use this grip, they do so in specific situations. Many recreational players, however, commit to using it in all scenarios, which can limit their gameplay.
Switching from the Finger-Up Grip
If the finger-up grip is holding you back, switching to a traditional grip might feel tricky but is worth it.
- Start Slow: Try the traditional grip during warm-ups or drills, keeping control without your finger on the paddle face.
- Test Different Grips: Experiment with Eastern, Continental, or Semi-Western to see what fits your style and boosts power.
- Get Expert Advice: A coach or seasoned player can help you adjust. Expect a learning curve, but stay patient—you’ll see more power and control in time.
Is the Finger-Up Grip for You?
The finger-up grip gives you great control and touch, especially around the kitchen, but it does come with a downside—less power and flexibility. While some pros use it occasionally, it’s usually not recommended for most players, especially if you’re aiming for a more powerful and versatile game. If this grip is affecting your power or backhand, it might be time to switch to a traditional grip. But if it works for you and improves your control, there’s no reason to change it!
As one player said: “It’s really about finding what suits you best. If it improves your control but reduces your power, you’ll need to decide if that trade-off is worth it. Do what works for you!”
