Tip 05 — Loosen your grip

Grip pressure is the most invisible fix in pickleball, and one of the biggest. A death grip locks your wrist, kills touch at the net, and tires your forearm out mid-game.

Hold the paddle like you're holding a bird — firm enough that it won't fly away, loose enough that you're not crushing it. You should be able to have someone gently tug the paddle out of your hand between points.

A relaxed grip is what makes soft dinks and drops possible in the first place — you can't feel the ball if your hand is clenched. Save the firm grip for when you actually need to drive one.

Shop the collection