Types of Pickleball Grips

Master Any Shot with the Perfect Pickleball Grip

Learn from the pros and find your ideal hand position for versatile, powerful strokes.

If you want to advance your pickleball game, dialing in the ideal grip is a must! Pro player Steve Paronto breaks down the top hand positions the best in the world use to crush dinks, blasts serves, and everything in between. With a few simple adjustments, you can gain consistency and take your skills to the next level.

Let's dive in and find your perfect grip so you can start dominating on the courts!

0:16 Find Your Foundation with the Continental Grip

For versatile control on both forehand and backhand, tons of pros swear by the continental grip. This familiar "handshake" position where the paddle rests diagonally across your palm will feel natural to tennis players.

The continental excels in pickleball because it has no major weaknesses. You'll enjoy excellent reach on both sides for quick reactions at the net. Drives, drops, lobs - you name it! The continental grip lets you handle any shot with ease.

If you currently use a handshake grip, experiment with angling the paddle slightly to find your ideal wrist comfort. Dial it in through extended volleys to ingrain smooth strokes.

0:34 Amp Up Your Power with the V Grip

Take your game to the next level by ripping forehands like the pros! Many top players use a "V grip" for extra punch on drives and serves.

By shifting your grip slightly forward, your index finger and thumb press right against the paddle face. This lets you feel the angle of each hit for better control. Shorter, wider paddles are designed to maximize power from the V grip without sacrificing reach.

During dinking rallies, switch between V and continental to compare precision. If your hands naturally gravitate toward the V for zinging forehands crosscourt, consider adopting it full-time with the right paddle.

3:37  Mix It Up: Continental, Eastern, and Western Grips

While most pick a single grip for consistent muscle memory, some pros like Bonnie Williams customize their hand position by shot. Here's a quick primer on options:

• Continental: Versatile grip for well-rounded game across strokes.
• Eastern: Rotating hand behind paddle face powers forehand topspin.
• Western: Rotating under paddle face adds extreme topspin. Challenging on backhand.

Williams shifts between continental and eastern/semi-western for extra forehand pop. She also uses a two-handed backhand for stability.

Other players like Kurtis Campbell strengthen their backhand grip at the net to punch decisive volleys.

Experiment to find the ideal hand position for your playing style, whether that's one grip for simplicity or situational customization. Master your grip, and you'll master every pickleball challenge!

Summary: Mastering your pickleball grip is crucial to develop a versatile, consistent game. While most players use a continental or V grip full-time, some pros customize their hand position by shot. Try continental for all-around play, V to amplify power, and eastern/western to maximize topspin. With the right grip, you can crush any pickleball stroke like the pros!