Finding the right grip size for your hand is more important than most people realize. After all, the handle is the only physical connection you have with the pickleball paddle – so playing with a proper grip is essential to your performance.
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There are a lot of players out there playing pickleball with grips that are either too big or too small for their hands. Playing with the wrong grip size can cause an improper hold on the paddle – forcing errors on the court and leading to joint issues and other injury risks.
Anyone can learn how to measure grip size for pickleball paddles through the simple methods below. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Also Check Out: Pickleball Paddle Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Paddle
Pickleball Paddle Grip Size Tips
Pickleball paddle grips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it can be tricky to find the right size for your hand and play style. Before choosing a pickleball paddle grip size, you should consider a few things, such as the shape of the handle, the type of grip, whether you intend to use an overgrip, and your current paddle’s grip size.
Here are five tips that will help you find the perfect pickleball grip size for your hand:
- Look for a grip size that lets you swing comfortably while allowing for a full range of motion.
- Avoid using a paddle with a grip that is significantly too small for your hand, as it will require you to squeeze too hard and will negatively affect your overall control.
- Avoid using a paddle with a grip that is too large for your hand, as it will restrict your range of motion and cause greater inaccuracy in your shots.
- If the biggest grip size you can find is still too small for your hand, you can use a pickleball overgrip to add thickness to the grip. One layer of overgrip adds about 1/16 of an inch.
- If your ideal grip size is somewhere in between the sizes available, go with the smaller size and use an overgrip to increase the grip size.
The sizes for a pickleball paddle grip circumference range from about four to five inches; the ideal size for each player will depend on how big your hand is and how you want to use the paddle.
3 Ways to Measure the Grip Size for a Pickleball Paddle
There are a few ways to figure out what grip size fits your hand the best. These are all useful tools, but remember not to overlook the importance of comfort.
Here are three popular methods for finding the ideal measurements for your pickleball paddle grip.
The Ruler Test
The ruler test is a quick, easy, and precise way to find your grip size for a pickleball paddle – all you’ll need is a ruler!
For this test, simply place the base of the ruler at your palm’s center crease (the second crease down) and align it with your ring finger. Your hand should be flat with the fingers together and fully extended. Wherever the tip of your ring finger measures on the ruler will be your ideal grip circumference – it should be between four and five inches for most people.
The Index Finger Test
The index finger test is a simple measuring method that can easily be done while shopping for paddles.
To do this test, begin by holding your paddle in your dominant hand just as you would while playing. Next, place your other hand’s index finger in the space between the ring finger and palm of the hand holding the paddle.
There should be just enough room to fit your finger in this gap. If your index finger doesn’t fit in this space, the grip is probably too small for your hand. If the space is significantly larger than your index finger, the grip is likely too big.
You’ll find the most secure and proper connection to the paddle when your index finger fits firmly in between the palm and ring finger on your paddle hand.
General Grip Measurements
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of actually measuring your hand or physically trying paddle grips out, then these general measurements can help you.
Here are the best pickleball paddle grip sizes according to the general hand size they are ideal for.
- Small-sized hands – 4 1/8 inches or smaller
- Medium-sized hands – 4 1/8 – 4 3/8 inches
- Large-sized hands – 4 3/8 inches or larger
Why is the Grip Size Of a Pickleball Paddle Important?
The grip size of a pickleball paddle is important because it affects how much control you have over your shot. A smaller grip size can give you more range of motion, but it can also twist in your hand too easily, causing accuracy concerns and risk of injury.
On the other hand, a larger grip size can give you a stronger connection to the paddle but can limit your ability to quickly adjust your grip for various shots.
The ideal grip size for each player will rest right in the “sweet spot” between too small and too large – allowing for a comfortable and strong connection, good range of motion, and limiting unwanted stress on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
Conclusion
No matter what level of player you are, a well-fitting grip can make a big difference in your game. The grip is a player’s ultimate connection to their pickleball paddle and plays a big role in performance, enjoyment, and safety.
For those who’ve never played with your ideal grip size, you’d be surprised how much better it can feel to swing a paddle with that perfect connection. So measure up, get your proper grip size, and get out there and crush it on the court!
