As mentioned in an earlier lesson, the basic Eastern grip (possibly, with a smidge toward the Continental grip) is the proper paddle grip. Grips are important because grips can determine where the pickleball will go and how you are able to reset for the next shot.

At the higher skill levels, pickleball players are making small grip changes during points and between shots. To do this, lightly place the fingertips of your non-paddle hand on the outside edge of the paddle. Use your fingertips to torque your paddle when you have time to manipulate your grip between shots. Make sure that you keep your grip strength on the weaker side, so that you can easily manipulate the paddle in your hand. If you hold the paddle too tight, you will not be able to quickly torque your paddle with the fingertips of your non-paddle hand.

Try some small grip changes to alter the direction of the pickleball. However, make sure that you quickly revert to the neutral basic Eastern grip in Pickleball Ready and prepare for the next shot!

Key Takeaways:

1. Use the fingertips on your non-paddle hand to make small grip changes to alter the direction of the pickleball.

2. Be sure to use a looser grip on your paddle so that you can easily make minor grip changes with your non-paddle fingertips.