Do You Have the Correct Grip Size?
Do You Have the Correct Grip Size?
Check your grip size in under 60 seconds
Paddle of the Week: An Underrated Gem!
The Paddle of Week is the Speedup Fire. I really really really like this paddle. It was designed by tennis players who wanted more room for a two-handed backhand. The result is a uniqe shape that produces a lot of power, pop, and spin. The best part: it’s $119.99 before using the 10% off code SIMPLYPB.
The Fire is for you if:
You are an aggressive player with fast hands
You are skilled playing up at the net (topspin on dinks, two-handed backhand dinks, speedups, flicks, and backhand roll volleys)
You want percise placement with your shots
The Fire is not for you if:
You’re a beginner
You’re a banger that avoids net play
Specs: Length: 16.5”, Width: 7.5”, Weight: 7.7 oz (I added .4 oz on each side above the throat as you can see below), Handle Length: 6”, Grip Circumference: 4.125” (I added overgrip to fit my 4.5” hand)
Hi Pickleballers -
Have you been lucky enough to avoid pickleball injuries? I have not been so fortunate, as I started getting pickleball elbow late last year. The first logical step would be to take a break from playing and see a doctor, but there is zero chance I’m doing any of that. So, I’ve tried every remedy that either Google or my friends recommend.
I tried acupuncture, heating pads, secret potions, different paddles, pickleball lessons, and evaluating my grip and grip size. One of those things must be working because my pickleball elbow is improving. More importantly, and where I’m going with this, is what I discovered when I started paying attention to my grip size.
Like golf and tennis, your pickleball grip is the first thing you should get right. Choosing the right pickleball grip circumference is important because it directly affects your comfort, control, and performance on the court. The grip circumference refers to the size of the handle or grip of the pickleball paddle.
Why grip size matters
Comfort: A grip that is too small or too large can lead to discomfort and fatigue during extended play. If the grip is too small, it may cause hand cramps, while a grip that is too large can strain your wrist and forearm.
Control: The right grip size gives you better control over your shots. A too small grip might result in less stability and control, leading to inaccurate shots. On the other hand, a too large grip can make it challenging to maneuver the paddle effectively.
Technique: The correct grip size facilitates proper paddle handling and technique. It lets you maintain a consistent grip, promoting a more natural and efficient swing motion.
Injury Prevention: Using a grip with the right circumference reduces the risk of injuries. An ill-fitting grip can contribute to strains, overuse injuries, and discomfort in the hand, wrist, and arm.
How to measure your grip size
All you need is a ruler or tape measure and your ring finger. Measure the distance from the bottom crease to the top of your ring finger, not your index finger, in inches.
Place your paddle hand with the palm up and your fingers extended.
Observe the two side creases on your palm and the one curving towards your wrist.
Measure the distance from the central lateral crease to the tip of your ring finger.
Usually falling within the 4 to 5 inches range, this measurement indicates the optimal circumference for your pickleball grip.
As you can see, my grip size measures 4.5”. Most pickleball paddles have a smaller circumference, so I have to add overgrip. Make sure to have a pencil-sized space between your fingers and palm of your hand.
Overgrip is simple to add and it only takes a few minutes. If you have extra large hands, you may need several layers of overgrip. You can find more information on overgrip in chapter 12 of our Best Beginner Paddles blog.
Results
Once I measured my hand, and correctly sized my grip using overgrip, I noticed a big improvement in my shots and overall game. My grip felt much more natural and it took less effort to hit the shots I wanted to it.
Remember: most paddles won’t be a perfect fit out of the box. You’ll usually need to add weight and overgrip. If you need help adding weight, check out our blog on How to Add Lead Tape.
I hope this helps and shoot me a note if you have any questions.
Spartus Pickleball Paddle Giveaway!
Spartus and Simply Pickleball have teamed up to give away TWO Spartus pickleball paddles: A Ballista V2 and a Centurion.
Sign up today for the Spartus Paddle Giveaway! Reminder: you earn more entries and increase your chance of winning by taking more actions (follow us on IG, refer friends, and subscribe to our newsletters).
Also, check out our review of the Ballista V2 and Centurion. The Ballista is a control paddle geared toward intermediate and advanced players, while the Centurion is a power paddle geared toward all levels. Use code SIMPLYPB to save 10% on any Spartus pickleball paddles.
Good luck, and we’ll provide regular updates each week!
Thank you for reading our newsletter and supporting Simply Pickleball. Do you have any topics you’d like me to cover, questions to answer, or maybe I didn’t get something right? Send me a note - I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Dinking!
Woody
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