The grip on a pickleball paddle is not just a surface you hold onto to shoot the ball, it impacts control, power, and comfort when you take a shot. The paddle grip is often ignored but the small adjustments on a grip can increase consistency instead of being an inconsistent player. How to adjust your grip is an easy and cost-free change to make, whether you are a beginner having issues with grip slippage, or a pro looking for small adjustments and improvements to your game.
A grip that is either too tight or too loose is a more common problem. If a grip is too loose, it will lead to slippage and cause you to grip the item harder mid movement, which will fatigue your hand and make your shots less accurate. Alternatively, if a grip is too tight, it will restrict your wrists movement thus removing power and flexibility. Additionally, another problem is that the grip size is not proportional to your hand size. If the grip is too big, you will struggle to switch between grips fast. If the grip is too small, you will right the dry squeeze it and make it less comfortable and cause fatigue and discomfort over long matches. Finally, palm sweat can make good grips bad, making otherwise well fitted grips slippery and less reliable.
The first thing you need to do is find out what size you need so you can start making adjustments. Take the paddle you have and figure out if you have a with a proper size grip. You should have a a small space where your fingers and palm do not touch to ensure you have full control with out choking the paddle. You should also make sure you have a decent grip on the paddle so you do not lose control if you have a moisture wicking grip and a rope paddle. Having a thicker grip on the paddle gives you a more cushioned feeling when turned over to give you comfort and a thinner grip allows more direct control on the paddle so do what is most comfortable. The surface of the grip is also a very important thing to consider. Some grips control your paddle like a scher grip and some smooth controls give a more relaxed feeling with less effort and control to allow some pressure to a lose style of control.
You want to start off by carefully removing any old grip tape on the paddle, being careful to not damage the paddle handle. This will be followed by thoroughly cleaning the handle. This is to ensure that glue from the new tape, once added, will properly stick to the handle without any potential interference from dust, dirt, glue, etc. Measure your hand to determine if there is the need to add or remove layers of tape. If the grip tape is too small, wrap tape evenly around the handle, starting from the bottom and working your way to the top of the handle, making sure each layer overlaps in a smooth fashion. If the handle is too big tape off some of the tape that is on the paddle. Once the desired size is reached, tightly apply the new grip tape, making sure there is no excessive shifting. Lastly, use a grip cap to lock the tape in.
An accurately tuned grip keeps improving the control of your shots in the game, allowing for more accurate strikes and fewer misses. Moreover, increased grip control increases the power of each swing because the wrist motion is more in sync with the desired swing. You'll be able to swing for a longer length of time, and there is an increased comfort while playing. This is more convenient than the more expensive option of replacing an entire paddle, since modified grips add more value to each paddle. The expensive, quality tennis grips of today do not compare to the value of keeping your old paddle. You're able to over value your old paddle while keeping a released quality tape and getting the best results. The quality adaptation increases the value of your game and the grip.
You must consider some things before you buy a grip accessory. Some high-quality grip tape or grips designed for pickleball paddles include sweat-wicking materials that keep your hands dry during strenuous matches. Also consider how long tape lasts. Good quality tapes are harder wearing and you won't have to replace them, so they will save you money down the line. Also look for tapes with an adhesive backing. They are replacing your old tape easier and won't leave a sticky adhesive behind. If you are a heavy sweater, and get a lot of sweat on your grips, look for overgrips that are designed to be replaced for new traction, as these are designed for sweaty hands. These accessories are designed to fit on any pickleball paddle and to provide the best traction for the player, and are meant to be affordable and lightweight.
Just like any other piece of equipment, your adjusted grip needs regular maintenance in order to keep it performing its best. Start by wiping down the grips after each use to remove any sweat, dirt, or moisture that may have built up. Then, after several uses, do a more thorough inspection of the grips for any wear and tear, including fraying or a lack of texture on the tape. Adjust your grips before playing with a thicker taped grip for cold hands or a moisture-wicking tape for hot and humid days. Also, keep in mind that if there are any changes to your hand size or playing style, you may need to consider adjusting your grip for optimal performance. This will ensure your grip continues to support your golfing needs and give you value for your money.
Hot News2025-12-31
2025-12-29
2025-12-26
2025-12-24
2025-12-22
2025-12-19
EN
