Pickleball grip sizes: a complete guide

Your pickleball paddle’s comfort when playing pickleball and control depends greatly on the size of your pickleball grip. Your ability to hold the paddle comfortably will help you play longer and more accurately if you have the proper size. The steps to determining your pickleball paddle grip size are as follows:

Ruler test. The distance between the tip of your ring finger and the second bottom lateral palm crease is how long it is based on the ruler test. Measure the distance between the tip of your ring finger and the second crease of your palm using a ruler or tape measure ( ruler test). Your hand’s length is represented by this measurement and now you can choose a pickleball paddle.

Check the racquet grip size chart, tennis elbow, or pickleball elbow against the length of your hands: Inches are typically used to measure pickleball paddle grip sizes. To discover the best tennis racquet grip size for you, compare your hand length to the chart for sizes.

Test multiple sizes. Once you’ve chosen the maximum and best paddle grip size using the chart, try holding paddle grips of several sizes to see which one feels most natural and comfortable in your hand. A grip that is too big or narrow might make you uncomfortable and have an impact on how well you perform.

It’s crucial to remember that paddle grip size before playing pickleball can be a matter of personal preference and to check if there is a problem with your tennis elbow, so it’s wise to experiment with several grip sizes before settling on the appropriate grip size.

In addition, although some players might choose a bigger grip size for greater comfort or power, others could prefer a smaller grip size for more control. The first step in figuring out your pickleball paddle grip size is to measure your hand length and compare it to the chart.

It’s also vital to experiment and to feel whether or not the grip you chose feels right and to determine which one feels most natural and comfortable in your hand and not to pick the wrong grip size but the appropriate grip size. The sizing of the racquet grip expressed a bit differently depending on the country you are living in.

Your comfort, control, and general performance on the court can all be impacted by the pickleball paddle grip you choose.

The following are some things to take into account while selecting a pickleball paddle grip:

Grip size. When selecting a pickleball paddle grip, size is among the most important things to take into account. The size of your grip might affect how you perform and cause discomfort.

Measure the distance between the tip of your ring finger and palm, then compare it to the size chart to establish the proper size.

Form of the grip. Depending on the paddle’s model and manufacturer, the grip form may change. While some are more rectangular or have curved curves, some grips are more rounded. Pick a grip design that feels natural and at ease in your hand.

Material. The grip’s construction has an impact on the longevity and general feel of the paddle. Rubber, synthetics, and leather are frequently used for pickleball paddle grips. Pick a material that offers a good blend of ease of use, toughness, and traction.

Texture. Your ability to control and feel the pickleball paddle can be affected by the grip’s texture. While some grips are smooth, others have a surface that is more rough or tacky. Pick a surface that is agreeable to the touch and has a decent grip.

Weight. The grip’s weight can have an impact on the paddle’s overall feel and balance. Some grips are thicker than others, and vice versa. Pick a weight that feels comfortable to you and makes moving the pickleball paddle around simple.

The finest pickleball paddle grip is ultimately the one that feels most natural and comfortable in your hand after trying out a few different possibilities.

Consider your pickleball playing style, such as whether you are a power or finesse player, and select a grip that fits your preference

The thickness of the paddle’s core is commonly referred to in pickleball as 13 mm. The innermost layer of the paddle, known as the core, is what gives it structure and dictates how well it performs.

The core can offer a softer, more cushioned sensation and a bigger sweet spot if it is 13 mm thick, which is regarded as being on the thicker side. For players searching for a pickleball paddle that gives greater forgiveness and control, this may be advantageous.

The performance of a pickleball paddle is not, however, solely dependent on the core’s thickness. The performance of the pickleball paddle can also be influenced by other elements, like the materials used in its construction, its weight, and the maximum grip size and shape of the paddle head.

It’s vital to keep in mind that the thickness of the core might range between various paddle models and producers and that there are other things to take into account when selecting a pickleball paddle.
It’s advisable to test out various paddles to discover the one that best fits your playing style, feels most natural, and comfortable in your palm.

A pickleball paddles grip size can be increased in a few different ways. Here are various ways to enlarge the grip:

Increase the size of a pickleball paddle by adding an overgrip. This is a quick and affordable method. A thin layer of material called an “overgrip” is wrapped around the current grip to add additional padding and expand the grip. Overgrips come in a variety of materials, textures, and hues, and they are simple to remove and replace as necessary.

Use a replacement grip. A replacement grip is a thicker grip made to swap out the paddle’s original grip. Replacement grips, which come in a variety of sizes and materials, can offer a more long-term alternative for enlarging the grip. But compared to adding an overgrip, replacing the grip can take more time and effort.

Build up the grip using tape. Adding layers of grip tape to the existing grip is another technique to expand it. The grip size can be increased by layering grip tape, which is a thin, adhesive tape. However, this approach might not be as strong as using a replacement grip or adding an overgrip.

It’s vital to keep in mind that enlarging the grip may change the weight and balance of the paddle, which may impact how well it performs. To get the appropriate level of control and performance on the court, it is best to experiment with various techniques to find the one that feels the most natural and at ease in your palm.

You can easily establish the best pickleball paddles grip size for your pickleball paddle with the index finger test and avoid choosing a significantly larger grip or a significantly smaller grip. The index finger test can be done by following these steps:

The dominant hand should be used to hold the paddle, just as it would be when playing pickleball.
Put your index finger where it touches both your fingers and the pickleball grip of the paddle, and put your index finger where the index finger touches both your fingers and the grip of the paddle.

Index finger examination. Use an Eastern grip to hold your pickleball paddle in your dominant hand. An Eastern grip is one in which the index knuckle and the heel pad rests on the third level, for those of you who are unfamiliar.

Check the distance between your fingertips including the ring finger and your hand’s palm. Take a look at how far your fingertips are from your hand’s palm. The size is likely too small for your hand if there is a slight gap. If there isn’t a gap, your hand is probably too big for the pickleball grip. The size is probably the right one for your hand if the index finger fits snugly in the tiny gap.