Pickleball is an exciting sport, but you have to make sure that you get the right Pickleball paddle before you hit the court. So what are some of the best picks for this game?
Read on to learn more about expert tips on choosing the best pickleball paddle.
1. Choose the right weight.
A common mistake many people make when selecting a paddle for pickleball is choosing a paddle that’s too heavy or too light. You need a paddle that’s light enough so you can quickly move your arm around and still have the ability to maintain control.
Choosing the ideal paddle weight can get tricky, as the lightest one weighs six oz., while the heaviest is 12 oz. For most people, the sweet spot falls somewhere in between, but of course, it varies from person to person.
To find the ideal paddle weight for you, we suggest asking for advice from experienced pickleball players.
2. Choose a comfortable paddle that will give you enough power for your game.
Picking a paddle that fits your hand and your style of play can make a huge difference in your success at pickleball.
As you get more serious about the game, you’re going to need a paddle to hit those balls that come at you and still be comfortable using it. For starters, look for a paddle with a soft rubber grip and a comfortable handle. Rubber usually works because it is softer and more flexible than other materials.
Also, make sure that you use a paddle that can handle the pace you’re comfortable with. If you want to improve your serve, you should consider getting a longer and heavier paddle. If you’re unsure, speak with a specialist today.
3. Choose a paddle that fits you well.
Pickleball paddle selection can get very personal. This is because there are several different styles of paddles, many of which are designed to give you more control in certain situations, depending on the type of game you’re playing.
Paddle size can affect the game, but too big (or too small) a paddle can hurt you more than it helps. Many factors go into choosing a paddle. If you have small hands, a paddle that is too large for your hand will be uncomfortable and may cause unnecessary stress. The size of a paddle, in this case, should be selected based on hand size.
The best way to determine the best paddle for you is to play with several different ones and find what feels right. You can also find paddles online or talk to a professional about how to choose the best one for you.
4. Choose a material that fits your game style.
If you’re looking to get into pickleball, the first thing to consider is to choose a paddle based on material. There are three common types of paddles based on material: wooden, plastic, or composite.
The wooden paddle is the heaviest type, but it’s also highly durable. It can also give you more power but with less control.
On the other hand, graphite paddles tend to be more expensive than the other two, but are also lighter and allow the player to propel the ball with more accuracy.
Being a hybrid of two materials or more, composite paddles gives us the best of both worlds. That’s why more and more players are using composite paddles than the other two.
5. Choose a pickleball paddle based on your dominant hand.
If you’ve played badminton or tennis, you know that the racket you're holding in your hand matters a lot. A racket that fits your dominant hand will be the one you use the most and will likely serve you better than the other choices you'll see. That's why it's worth buying a paddle that’s specifically designed for your dominant hand.
If you’re a lefty, you’ll be delighted to find several paddle designs that will fit your needs.
6. Find the balance between power and control.
The choice of a pickleball paddle can be a tough one. If you’re going to play pickleball regularly, you need something that’s going to keep up with your game. If you choose a paddle that’s too heavy, you’ll find it difficult to maneuver and swing. On the other hand, if the paddle is too light, it will not give you the stability you need to execute a good shot.
So, what should you look for in a pickleball paddle? Balance.
You should choose a paddle that will allow you to strike a balance between power and control. Of course, there’s no wrong or right way when it comes to this because the balance between power and control all boils down to your personal preference.
7. Factor in the durability of the pickleball paddle.
Here’s the thing: you’re going to spend a lot of time on this paddle, and if it’s not going to hold up to your expectations, then you’re just wasting money.
If you’re a beginner, it would be great if you could start with a cheap paddle and progress from there.
By using a cheap paddle, you’ll be able to discover your playing style more without having to spend on expensive paddles that might not fit with your playing style. Once you know your preference, you can then move on and buy a pickleball paddle that will last you for a long time.
8. Choose a paddle that's suitable for your experience level.
A new game or sport is intimidating because you don’t know what to expect. The same goes with pickleball. You want to make sure you have the right equipment and know-how to play. This can be daunting for those who haven’t played before, but pickleball is something everybody can learn.
If you’re looking for a paddle that’s suitable for your experience level, let us help you by scheduling a free consultation here.
Conclusion
When choosing a pickleball paddle, you need to consider what type of player you are and what you are looking for in a pickleball paddle. Are you a new player? Or are you an experienced player who wants to improve your game? Do you want something that is lightweight so you can move around the court more easily? Or do you need something that is heavy enough to handle your high shot and serves?
If you are unsure about the type of paddle that is best for you, contact us at Pickleball Court Supply today, and let’s talk pickleball!