Pickleball Paddle Guide

Control vs. Power

Every player is different, and to accommodate different playing styles, there are different types of paddles. The biggest difference between paddles is how much power and control a paddle has. Below, you'll learn more about each type of paddle so you can decide which one you like best on your pickleball journey.

Control or "touch" paddles have a large, consistent sweet spot that helps players place the ball with greater accuracy. Control paddles help slow down play by absorbing more energy and dampening the pace of opponents' shots, but this limited power can make it difficult to generate pressure through aggressive attacks.

Power paddles make it easier to hit with speed and allow players with shorter, more compact swings to generate extra speed. Players who already tend to hit the ball hard may enjoy the "extra boost" of power paddles. However, power paddles require precision and discipline to keep the ball inside the lines, so players just starting out in pickleball should opt for a forgiving paddle.

Paddles come in a range of thicknesses from 8-20mm, and it's not uncommon to find two different thicknesses for the same paddle. There are some general rules of thumb for choosing the right paddle thickness for your game, but it's important to remember that there are some exceptions.

Thinner paddles tend to have more "pop" or rebound, which is why many manufacturers refer to their thinner options as "power paddles." They often have a smaller sweet spot and can be difficult to control if players aren't able to find it on a regular basis, which is why they are more suited to advanced players.

Thicker paddles tend to distribute power more evenly and control the ball more easily. They have a more consistent sweet spot on the face and slightly less rebound, making shots more predictable. Players who want more forgiveness or want to improve their game often choose a paddle with a thicker core.

Pickleball paddles are generally not allowed to be longer than 43.18cm. In addition, the length and height together may not exceed 60.96cm.

In an effort to differentiate themselves and maximize the "sweet spot" on the paddle, manufacturers have developed a variety of paddle shapes that are within the allowable mass.

In general, there are three main forms on the market today, namely:

Modeled after the original pickleball paddle, standard shapes offer the widest sweet spot and are typically more maneuverable than longer paddles. Standard paddles are great for beginners, but many professional players on the PPA tour choose this shape because of the fast hand speed that allows for a quicker reaction time.

Increasingly popular recently is the hybrid shape, which is between the elongated and standard shapes and combines the advantages of both. Although this shape is a fantastic choice for many, the differences between it and the other shapes are small and you will be limiting your options if you stick to this shape only.

Elongated paddles stretch the face and increase reach and power potential by moving the paddle's sweet spot farther from the hand. Elongated paddles are most commonly used by PPA Tour pros, former tennis or racquet athletes, and players who need extra reach.

Depending on their playing style, some players prefer different grip lengths. While most players are fine with a standard grip, there are reasons why a player may choose a short or extended option.

short handle

• Ideal for players with one-handed backhands
• Maximizes the hitting surface for fewer misses
• Most maneuverable

standard handle

• Enough space for most players to insert a second hand
• balance between power and maneuverability
• Most versatile

Extended handle

• Ideal for players with a two-handed backhand
• Increases balance for more power in full swings
• Greatest leverage for force
  

While most players have no problem with grip size regardless of the paddle they choose, players with very small or large hands should consider a few things when looking for the perfect paddle.

• You can always add overgrips to increase the grip circumference, there is very little you can do to decrease it.
• Smaller handles allow the wrist to play a more active role, but handles that are too small can cause elbow problems.
• Most players are well served with all grips in the small and medium categories.

One of the most important indicators of whether or not a paddle is right for you is the weight. If a paddle is too light for you, you won't be able to reach your full performance potential or benefit from the added stability that comes with more weight. If it's too heavy, you may be slow to get your paddle into position and even experience problems like pickleball elbow.

Static weight is the weight of a paddle if you were to put it on the scales. It can be a good starting point for choosing a paddle that's a good fit for your game, as lighter weight paddles tend to be more maneuverable and heavier weight ones tend to be more stable and powerful.

New paddle technology has improved spin potential more than any other metric, and it's important to understand why this is important.

Generating more spin allows you to:

• Making harder shots that bend back into the court.
• Attacks from deeper positions without fear of the ball flying out of play.
• To be more creative in shot selection.

Raw Carbon Fiber

During the curing process, manufacturers can add a textured layer to the resin on the face of the paddle, called a "peel layer." When peeled off, it creates an incredibly durable, textured weave that creates more friction and spin on your shots. This is what manufacturers mean when they talk about a rough surface, and it's one of the most popular types of surfaces on the market today.

Applied texture
Many paddles have an applied texture that can provide incredible friction and spin potential, whether it's a grain color or a cured after-treatment. While many paddles with applied texture lose this texture quickly, manufacturers like Selkirk have developed durable applications that provide spin for a long time.