Paddle grips are like habits—easy to get into and hard to change—and how you hold your paddle will certainly affect your pickleball play. If you have an odd paddle grip, trying to change your paddle grip later on can be difficult and frustrating. So, start your pickleball game with good habits and the proper paddle grip.

All beginner and intermediate players should be using the basic Eastern grip on the pickleball courts. This is because the basic Eastern grip is universal or neutral, as this paddle grip allows you to hit both a forehand and backhand shot with the same grip.

To find this Eastern grip, hold the paddle directly out in front of you with your opposite hand, such that the paddle face is looking to the left and right of your body. Take your hand that you hold the paddle with and place it on the face of the paddle. Slide your hand down the paddle face and shake hands with the paddle grip.

Key Takeaway:

Start by using the basic Eastern grip.