Grip changes during a pickleball rally can be what sets you apart as a player—but is it for everyone? While advanced players often use mid-point grip adjustments to gain an edge, this technique isn’t for everyone.
Let’s dive into why, how, and when you should adjust your grip during play, and at what level it’s most useful.
Why Change Your Grip?
At higher levels of pickleball, the game speeds up, and players start throwing in all sorts of spins and angles. That’s where changing your grip mid-rally comes in. By switching grips, you can add topspin, nail that tricky backhand flick, or hit a forehand with more power and control.
It’s like unlocking extra tools in your arsenal, giving you better control over shots that would be much tougher if you stuck to just one grip.
Who Does It?
Grip changes are most common among players at the 4.0 or 4.5+ level. These players are comfortable with their primary grip and can modify it subtly and quickly without losing focus.
If you’re at this skill level, you may already be experimenting with grip changes. Players who have experience in tennis or table tennis tend to adopt this practice naturally, as grip adjustments are essential in those sports.
As one experienced player commented: “I’ve been adjusting grips since I first started playing—my tennis experience taught me how to switch grips for better spin and reach.”
When Should You Change Grips?
Grip adjustments are primarily useful in these scenarios:
- Backhand Flicks: Changing your grip by adjusting the bottom three fingers can make the backhand flick easier and more powerful. This is especially helpful when you see a floating ball and want to catch your opponent off guard.
- Forehand Drives: Many pros use a semi-western grip on their forehand drives to add extra topspin. This technique helps keep the ball low and forces your opponent into a defensive position.
- Dead Dinks: On slow, floating dinks, some players adjust their grip to apply more topspin or change the angle for a better attack. This allows them to pressure their opponent and force a mistake.
- Overhead Smashes: For high lobs, players may adjust to a “pancake” grip (western grip), which gives more power and accuracy when hitting an overhead smash.
Watch as coach Tanner Tomassi shows you the right way to adjust your grip for a perfect backhand flip:
The Challenges Grip Adjustments
Changing grips in the middle of a point requires early anticipation and a fast reaction. Players who are used to a single grip might find the change difficult at first. Why? It’s all about timing and control. If your reaction is a fraction too slow, you may miss your shot or mishit the ball.
One player mentioned: “I gave grip switching a shot, but I wasn’t quick enough and ended up sending the ball straight into the net.”
Grip changes can also introduce inconsistency, especially for players still mastering their primary grip. If you’re constantly adjusting without solidifying your base grip, you might do more harm than good.
This is why players below a 4.0 level are often advised to stick to one grip until they’re more comfortable.
Types of Players Who Should Be Changing Grips
- Advanced Players (4.5 and up): At this level, you have the control and experience to handle multiple grip styles in a single rally. Grip changes add complexity to your game and can give you the edge in fast exchanges.
- Former Tennis Players: Players with tennis or table tennis backgrounds are more likely to adjust their grip naturally. Their muscle memory often translates well to pickleball, allowing them to make quick changes on the fly.
- Players Focused on Spin: If you’re working on adding more spin to your shots—whether it’s topspin on a forehand or sidespin on a dink—grip changes can make these advanced techniques more effective.
- Players Working on Versatility: If you’re looking to add depth to your game, incorporating grip changes allows you to experiment with different angles, spins, and power. This can make you a more unpredictable and well-rounded player.
Make sure to also check our article on how high to grip your paddle.
Bonus Tip: Get Comfortable With Light Grip Pressure
One common theme among advanced players is the importance of a relaxed grip. Keeping your grip light allows for quicker, more subtle adjustments when needed. A looser hold on your paddle gives you the flexibility to adjust your paddle face or switch grips without getting locked into a rigid position.
One player advised: “Hold your paddle loosely before the serve or between shots. It’s much easier to tighten your grip than to loosen it—think of it like a crocodile’s bite!”
To Grip or Not to Grip?
So, should you be changing grips mid-point? If you’re a 4/4.5+ player, absolutely! Switching grips can add a whole new level of strategy and control to your game, especially in fast rallies where spin and finesse matter most. But if you’re still working on your basics, it’s okay to stick with one grip for now. As you get more confident, you’ll naturally find the right moments to mix things up.
At the end of the day, whether you’re experimenting with grip changes or sticking to the basics, it’s all about practicing, staying patient, and having fun!
