Are you sick and tired of that annoying wrist pain after every game of pickleball?
Choosing the right size grip for your paddle is about more than just comfort and feeling good on the court — it’s an injury prevention issue and a performance issue.
The problem is… With pickleball bone fractures up 200% over the past 20 years, the wrong size paddle could potentially lead to disaster.
The Grip size you choose will either make or break your game.
Fortunately for you, I know a thing or two about paddle grip sizes (and their effect on performance).
In this guide, I’m going to show you in EXACT detail how to select the perfect size grip for you and why it’s an important part of your equipment choice.
(In case you were wondering… I’m going to help you eliminate that wrist pain so you can play pickleball for years to come).
So, What is the Best Pickleball Paddle Grip Size for You?
Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Keep in mind: as you move from smaller to larger grip sizes, most paddles will also increase in thickness.
Different grips sizes will:
- Feel different in your hand
- Perform differently in your game
- Benefit different types of players
Table of Contents
- The Different Grip Sizes
- What Is the Standard Pickleball Grip Size?
- How to Measure Pickleball Grip Sizes
- Finding the Perfect Pickleball Grip Size for You
- Final Thoughts
The Different Grip Sizes
Most pickleball paddles are in between 4″ and 4 ½” in circumference, and here’s why.
The USAPA actually mandates pickleball grip sizes. They are not allowed to be over 4.25″ in circumference.
It’s not just a Pickleball grip size issue though, Tennis and other paddle sports are in the same boat.
The key with a grip size is to strike the balance between control and power. It should be thick enough to maintain control over the ball without restricting your ability to move the paddle around the court as you would like.
One of the biggest key variables for players is how many overgrips they use when playing their game.
A good overgrip provides the extra tackiness you need for a comfortable and confident grip. However, not everyone uses overgrips. In fact, many professional players, such as Tyson McGuffin, prefer thinner grips.
Professional players like McGuffin also have an advantage when it comes to grip size. Because he is able to swap out paddles (as well as parts of paddles) mid-match depending on the environment and how he’s playing, he can adapt his thickness as he goes.
Which leads us to….
What Is the Standard Pickleball Grip Size?
The standard Pickleball grip size for most players is between 4″ and 4 ¼” in circumference. Although if you are a power player, you may be better suited to a larger grip size.
One interesting aside – Pickles is the most popular brand for women, and many women prefer larger than standard sized paddles.
As a result, Pickles are one of the few companies that offer a variety of paddles (across both men’s and women’s collections) that have a larger 4 ½” size circumference available.
Now we know the standard size for grips, it’s time to get measuring.
How to Measure Pickleball Grip Sizes
There are a few methods used by professionals to measure paddle sizes. This will help ensure that you are getting a proper fit for your hands.
Method 1: The ‘Wrap the Ruler Method’
You may have seen this one being used a few times before. It is one of the most effective methods to measure your size and it works like so:
- Extend your dominant hand out, palm facing towards you
- Locate the top of your ring finger and the bottom crease in your palm.
- Measure the distance between these two points with your ruler.
- The measurement you have in inches is your exact paddle size.
A common misconception when measuring your grip size is that you need to find the center of your palm. When playing paddle sports, it’s the distance between the creases that is important and can be used to work out your grip size.
Method 2: The ‘Index Finger Test Method’
This is one that you may want to try next time you’re in a sporting goods shop and are selecting a paddle to purchase. The index finger method works like so:
- Hold your selected paddle in your hand and as if you are ready to play.
- Slide your index finger between the crease where your fingertips meet your palm.
- The index finger should fit snugly between these two areas without any major gaps, or it being too tight.
- If you can fit more than one finger between your palm and your fingers, the grip size is too large.
- If the index finger does not fit, then it’s too small!
When it comes to measuring for the perfect fit when it comes to paddles, the two methods above are the most popular. It also pays to do some research when you are out shopping to find the perfect size paddle for you.
Professional players will test the paddle by playing. As a recreational player, testing should also be your priority when it comes to choosing the perfect paddle.
Finding the Perfect Pickleball Grip Size for You
It is so important when selecting equipment for any sporting pursuit to select the perfect size. We have had a look at different paddle grips and how to find the perfect size. However, there are other key variables that come into play when selecting the best pickleball grip size for you.
Key Considerations when Selecting the Best Pickleball Grip Size for You
1. Playing Style
You must take into consideration your style of play as this will be key to helping you to select the right grip size.
Power players often need to generate more power on their hits, and this is a key component to how they are going to play. As a result, they tend to go for a paddle with a larger thickness in the area of the grip.
While players looking to play a more finesse game and generate spin and control will opt for a thinner grip size.
2. Your Hand Size
As we have established, it is important to measure your hands to find the perfect grip size for your playing style.
However, there are always variations in hand sizes and the perfect way to test this is to play with the paddle. We know that different grips come in different sizes from 4″ to 4.5″.
If you are between two sizes, we would always recommend that you select the smaller grip. The reason for this is that it is a lot easier to add to the grip size with overgrips if necessary.
However, it is almost impossible to make a paddle smaller once it has been manufactured.
3. Try to Buy Locally
As much as we would love to be able to guarantee that every paddle we sell is the right size for every individual, the fact of the matter is, we just can’t.
The best way to ensure that you get the perfect sized paddle is to try before you buy. We all know that when it comes to playing pickleball, the last thing you want to do is make the wrong choice with equipment that may cost hundreds of dollars.
Remember: With 8.9 million Americans now playing pickleball, there’s no shortage of paddles to choose from. Take the time to find the right one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct paddle size is one of the most important aspects of your equipment selection process. Just a fraction of a size off and it can throw your game completely off-kilter.
The tips and techniques in this guide will help you to ensure that you have the correct paddle for your game and are prepared for whatever you throw at your opponents!
If you have any queries about paddle selection, please do not hesitate to ask our team.