Pickleball Paddles: Guide To Selecting Your Next Paddle

How to Choose Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball is a fast-paced, competitive game that can be played indoors and outdoors. Pickleball rackets are the most important piece of equipment for the game. The Pickleball paddles allow the players hit the ball over the net, as well as control it on their side of the court.

The best pickleball paddles should be light enough to handle with one hand while still providing enough power to return the shots. Pickleball paddles actually come in different shapes and sizes - depending on the player’s preference. A good pickleball racket should also be durable, lightweight, and has an appropriate grip size for your hand.

Since there are many different types of pickleball paddles to choose from, it's important to know what you’re looking when selecting the right paddle.

Read more in this article as we provide you tips on how to navigate the options of paddle length and the paddle's weight in order to choose the right pickleball paddle.

How to Choose Pickleball Rackets

Pickleball is a game that can be played by anyone who has a tennis racket and a ball. It is often played in the backyards, on beaches, and on parks. Pickleball rackets come in different shapes, sizes, and weight to suit different player’s needs. The right pickleball paddles can make the difference between winning or losing the game.

It is important to know what you are looking for before buying one so you don’t end up with expensive paddles that doesn’t make you comfortable. The way the paddle feels is much more than using the correct grip size.

Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a pickleball paddle:

Consider what kind of Player you are

The first thing to consider when you are buying your pickleball paddle is what kind of player you are. There are three different types of players:

• Those who like to play aggressively,

• Those who prefer defense, and;

• Those who like to play it safe in the middle ground

If you want to be an aggressive player, then you should buy a more powerful racket with less control. A defensive player should buy something that has more control but less power while someone who likes playing it safe should buy something in between these two options. 

Consider the Grip Size

Pickleball is a sport that requires players to use a racket and a perforated plastic ball. A good grip size for pickleball paddles is important for the player to have a good control over the hitting surface. The size of the paddle should be considered before purchasing it. A player should choose the grip size based on their hand size, not the length of their fingers. 

If you have small hands, you should buy a paddle with a smaller grip. A grip that is too big will cause fatigue and will not allow for optimal control over the ball. A larger grip provides more flexibility for players with longer fingers and allows for more power during swings. If you have long fingers, it would be best to buy a racket with an extra-large grip size that can accommodate your fingers. 

Consider the Materials Used

Materials used in the pickleball paddle make a huge difference in the quality of the racket. The materials used in pickleball paddles also have an impact on how much they cost. Pickleball paddles are available in a variety of types and materials. Some are made from wood, graphite, composite, and carbon fiber. Paddle weight is another important factor to consider. Pickleball paddles range in weight, depending on the materials used. Core material can range from aluminum cores to poly cores. Materials used to make the racket should be considered when choosing one for purchase as this will have an effect on the performance of the racket.

Wood Pickleball Paddles

Wooden pickleball rackets are an ideal choice for a first pickleball paddle or for those looking for a heavier paddle. Wooden paddles were the original tools used by players when the sport was founded. With the use of higher-quality plywood, better grips, and safety straps, the design of the wooden paddle has evolved over times.

For pickleball beginners, wood racket cores are usually the best options. Additionally, the cheapest choice is a wood racket, but it is also quite heavy and has the least playability. 

Graphite Paddles

Graphite is a popular material because it provides a lighter paddle design that is easy to use for beginners. A honeycomb inside and graphite skin on both the front and rear of the racket face distinguish graphite rackets. It has a layer that is exceedingly thin, roughly as thick as a fingernail, and are the most preferred rackets for adult pickleball players since they are light and sturdy.

Since it has a strong material, even a very thin covering of it may provide plenty of power. The graphite paddle also is considered to be more finesse and has more control. It also requires more wrist action compared to other racket materials.

Composite Pickleball Paddle

Composite paddles are heavier than those made of graphite. This is a crucial factor to consider. The heavier the racket is, the better it is for creating power, which is important in many different types of games. An experienced pickleball player and those in excellent physical shape may frequently prefer a heavier racket. Competitive pickleball players typically choose composite pickleball paddles.

Composite pickleball paddles feature a more rough surface, which allows the ball to spin more easily. For those advanced players, a composite paddle is much more significant. 

Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddles with a carbon fiber paddle face are a good choice for those who want to reduce mis-hits and get a more accurate shot. Pickleball rackets made of carbon fiber can take a hard hit stroke and return the ball with a hard shot, or return a gentle shot and slow down.

Carbon fiber rackets are lighter than wood paddles and have large surface area on the face of the racket. This large paddle face surface area provides more control over shots as well as increased ability to generate power in your swings. 

Consider the Price

Price is one of the most important considerations when buying pickleball paddles. There are many different factors that affect the price of a paddle, such as the type and materials used to make it.

Some people may be tempted to buy a cheap racket, but this could be a bad idea. Cheap rackets are often made with low-quality materials that will wear out quickly and need to be replaced regularly. Unlike with quite expensive paddles, you are ensured to receive high-quality, durable, and strong materials that will last for a long-time. If you want to be more practical when buying a pickleball paddle, choose one that will surely last for a longer period.

Final Words 

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is not an easy task since there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before you can make a decision. There is an ideal paddle for you out there. We hope this article gets you closer to the best paddle for you!

How to play pickleball

For the game of Pickleball, you'll need a court that's 20 feet by 44 feet in size, similar to what you'd need for a badminton court. It is only possible to score points for your team if you are serving, which is why the ball is served diagonally in this game.

Before they can volley or hit the ball, players on either side of the net must allow the ball to bounce once more before they may do so. A non-volley zone of seven feet on either side of the net is in place to discourage "spiking" or hitting the ball with great force, to eliminate a return However, the server does not stop there; he or she continues until he or she commits a mistake, which would allow the opposing team to have a serve attempt. The winning team is the one that scores eleven points first and has a lead of at least two points over the other team. Pickle-ball® can be played with a single player or with two players. If you are in interested in where you can purchase pickleball gear at low prices, you can visit www.pickleballclearance.com.

Serving Team

Serving should be done from the right service square, with each serve alternating between it and the left service square. It is required that a serve cross the net's seven-foot non-volley zone before the ball bounces on the service courts diagonal in order to be playable.

When the server serves, the server must always have both feet behind the back line, and the paddle should always be underhand when serving with the paddle. The ball must bounce before the returning team can hit the ball back to the serving team. The serving team does not need to wait for the ball bounce before they hit the ball. The serving side will continue to serve until the opposing side has received service as long as they have not made a clerical error. If the ball strikes the net but still lands in the appropriate service court, the server loses, and a serve may be overturned by the receiving team.

In order to serve, the server must keep both of his or her feet behind the back line. When serving underhand, the paddle should be brought into contact with the ball while bending slightly at the waist. The server must smash the serve high and forcefully in order for it to be effective. It is NOT permissible for the server to bounce the ball and then hit it. Attempting another serve after making an unsuccessful attempt at one is only permitted if the player manages to hit a ball that has crossed the net and landed in the appropriate service court. In each game, the first-serving team is given one infraction before the ball is handed over to their opponents to begin play. A serve and a fault are required by both members of each team before the ball is sent to the opposing team. After receiving a winning serve, the player on the right hand court will always initiate play when the receiving team wins the serve.

Non Volley Zone

There is a 7-foot "Non-Volley Zone" on either side of the goal. It is not possible for a player to hit a ball while in the Non-Volley Zone until it has first bounced in the zone. Any points earned by a ball that strikes an opponent in the Non-Volley zone prior to bouncing are forfeited. Once the ball has bounced once inside the zone, a player has the option to strike it. If a player strikes a ball outside the Non-Volley Zone Line and the momentum carries them inside the zone, the point is forfeited. As long as you keep your foot behind the line, you are considered to be inside the zone, and you are permitted to reach across the line and hit a ball from that point. If a serve makes it all the way to the Non-Volley zone line, the serving team loses a point.

Double Bounce Rule

The Two-Bounce Rule states that the initial shot for each team must be taken off the bounce of the previous shot. In the case of serving and returning a serve, both sides must wait for the serve and wait to return until the ball bounce hits the court, before playing the next move. After these two bounces, the ball can be volleyed or played off the bounce, depending on your preference.

Line Calls

In the case of a serve, a ball that hits any line other than the kitchen lines is considered to be "in."

If a serve comes into contact with the kitchen lines or the kitchen/Non volley zone, a rule violation occurs.

It is required by the rules that you call "in" a ball even if you are doubtful whether or not it was in. What happens if you and your partner come to a different conclusion about where to draw the line? You might inquire about the opposition team's point of view on the matter. The final decision is in the hands of the team making the decision. If a referee is present and requests that the call be upheld, the call is upheld as made by the ref.

Fault

• It is permissible to touch non-volley zones on the serve (including the line).

• Does not participate in a sporting event

• It is not effective in getting rid of sand.

• Vulnerable zones are not targeted by volleys.

• The ball is tossed before it has had a chance to bounce on either side.

Scoring

Only when a team serves does it receive a point. It is the responsibility of a player who is serving to continue serving until his or her team commits a mistake. Each player on a doubles team must serve until one of their teammates makes a mistake, at which point the serve is moved to the other team - this is referred to as a Side Out - and the match continues. The game is played to 11 points, but a team must win by a margin of at least two points in order to be declared the winner.

Hit The Ball!

Pickleball is a game in which the objective is to smash the ball back and forth between two players until one player makes a mistake and the other player misses. Simply said, that's all there is to it. More information about the Pickleball epidemic that is sweeping the country can be found by watching some of our other films. Now that you know all about rule violations and basic rules, go apply your new knowledge to your local pickleball courts. Local courts can be found here. 

We all know playing sports can be beneficial to your health. But how can Pickleball improve your health and social life?

We’ll find out more and help you if you decide to dink about it!

Boosts Mental Health

Aside from improving your physical fitness, playing pickleball can boost your mental health. It can reduce and free your mind from stress, depression and anxiety. Participating in the group play , competitions or tournaments can improve your social life with interventions and communications with other players.

Improves Cardiovascular Health & Burn Calories  

The more pickleball you play, the more exercise, which helps to reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Burning calories becomes more challenging as you get older. Playing pickleball will help you to burn calories. The movements are more like aerobics and is solid alternative to more strenuous physical activities. 

Join The Pickleball Community! 

This creates a new you by having a new set of friends to enjoy new social interactions and sportsmanship.

Pickleball is not only a fun sport to play, but also provides benefits to make your life healthier while strengthening relationships with other people. 

It is important to keep updated with the Pickleball Rules, every change of the Rules shall be reviewed by the USAPA Rule Committees and yearly, the Official Rule Book has revisions every now and then as the Pickleball hits up in the field of racquet sports.

Here are some of the new changes of the Pickleball Rules which were rolled out in 2021.

Each year there is probably one rule change that is more controversial than the others. This year, we expect the change to the ‘let’ serve rule to fall in that category. 

The Rules Committee is committed to the following priorities when they approve rules:

• The first priority is preserving the integrity of the game. Nothing is more important to the committee than that.
• Second priority is what is best for the players; are there rule changes the committee can make to improve their experience, make it easier for players to learn, to play, etc
• Third priority is what’s best for officiating; what can the committee do in rules space to make it less likely that players will argue with or get into conflicts with referees.

• The Wheelchair recommended playing surface area for Wheelchair play is 44 feet (13.41 m) wide and 74 feet (22.55 m) long. The size for Wheelchair play in a stadium court is 50 feet (15.24 m) wide by 80 feet (24.38 m) long.
• The paddle’s hitting surface shall not contain delamination, holes, cracks or indentations that break the paddle skin or surface. 
• Hand-drawn or handwritten markings are allowed on the paddle’s playing surface as long as they do not impact the surface roughness and are in good taste. No aftermarket graphics are allowed on a commercially made paddle other than “hand drawn” or “handwritten” pen markings. Any hand-drawn or handwritten depictions must be in good taste. 

• Coaching  is a Communication of any information, including verbal, nonverbal, and electronic, from someone other than a player’s partner, that a player or team may act upon to gain an advantage or help them avoid a rules violation.
• Ejection refers to a behavior violation so flagrant that it warrants ejection from the tournament by the Tournament Director. The player may stay at the venue but may no longer play in any matches. 
• Expel is a behavior violation so flagrant that the Tournament Director prohibits the player from playing in any current and any future brackets of the tournament. In addition, the player shall leave the venue immediately and not return for the remainder of the tournament.
• Forfeit is an egregious behavior violation or a combination of technical warnings and/or technical fouls that result in either a game or match being awarded to the opponent. 
• Hinder -refers to any transient element or occurrence not caused by a player that adversely impacts play, not including permanent objects. Examples include, but are not limited to, balls, flying insects, foreign material, players or officials on another court that, in the opinion of the referee, impacted a player’s ability to make a play on the ball. 
• Imaginary extension is a term used to describe where a line would extend if it projected beyond its current end point. Players and referees are to project where the line would extend if it were not limited to the boundaries of the playing area.
• Live Ball/In Play  It is the point in time when the referee or server starts to call the score. 
• Momentum is a property of a body in motion, such as a player executing a volley, that causes the player to continue in motion after contacting the ball. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone.
• Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) – The 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface.
• Plane of the Net is the imaginary vertical planes on all sides extending beyond the net system.

The entire score must be called before the ball is served. The moment the ball is served there should be at least one foot must be on the playing surface behind the baseline, neither of the server’s feet may touch the court on or inside the baseline and neither of the server’s feet may touch outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline or centerline.The Contact with the ball must not be made above the waist.

In addition to the standard serve sequence, players may opt to use an alternate “drop serve” method.It provides a better serve method for the physically impaired, such as the use of only one arm. This makes it easier to enforce by players and referees. Referees only need to verify the ball is dropped correctly. It is also easier to teach beginners. This aims to provide an alternate serve method for those who develop ‘server’s block’, otherwise known as the “yips.” The  Servers may use the normal serve or provisional drop serve at any time during the match. No notification is needed. 

Want to know more about New Pickleball Rules changes?