What type of pickleball player are you? Are you on the kitchen line dinking? Drops from the backline? Banger, looking to overpower the competition? As pickleball players, we are playing to our strengths, but is your pickleball paddle elevating your style of play? The Paddle Experts at JustPaddles break down the three (3) different types of pickleball paddles and why it’s important to match your style of play with your perfect paddle type.
3 Types of Pickleball Paddles:
As the game of pickleball has grown and evolved, so have paddles. On Bainbridge Island in 1965, pickleball started with handmade wooden paddles, whereas today, pickleball paddles are made of materials used in aerospace engineering. As the sport of pickleball continues to grow, so will the different styles of players, and our goal will continue to be helping those players find the right gear!
Are you deciding which pickleball paddle type is best for you? Take a look at your favorite pickleball player’s style, YOU! Do you consider yourself an all-around player? Are you able to attack your opponents from the backline, but able to hit a back-hand dink for a “champion shot”? A balanced pickleball paddle could be an option for you.
Balanced Pickleball Paddles
Balanced pickleball paddles will swing as they are named, balanced! A balanced pickleball paddle will not be heavy on the end of the paddle nor will it be too light swinging through. It is the best of both worlds! If you want to be able to finish matches with authority or have a nice touch at the net, a balanced pickleball paddle will allow you to do both! Balanced pickleball paddles will typically feature a Middleweight because these pickleball paddles are not too heavy but also not too light. Just getting into pickleball? Balanced Pickleball Paddles are where we recommend starting. The balanced pickleball paddle will give you the ability to understand and develop your play style! Balanced pickleball paddles are the style that will suit you most because it gives you everything you will need to conquer the court without sacrificing a component of your game. Do you have a balanced pickleball paddle but are looking to add some more power? Add more power by adding lead tape on the very top of your balanced pickleball paddle. This pickleball paddle hack will give you added power with your shots, while not sacrificing the much-needed dinking ability. If you are looking for an all-around pickleball paddle to take you to the next level, check out our Balanced Pickleball Paddles.
Are you wanting to overpower your opponents on the court? Have you been called a “banger? Catching yourself hammering the opponent’s dinks at the net? Oftentimes pouncing at your next “Erne” opportunity? A Power Pickleball Paddle should be in your future.
Power Pickleball Paddles
Power pickleball paddles, as their name suggests, will bring the power. In pickleball, power is brought to the court by weight and paddle speed. If you are able to swing a heavier paddle at an adequate speed you will produce more power on the court. Because of that, power pickleball paddles will have an overall heavier weight. Along with a heavier weight, power pickleball paddles will have more “head weight” or weight distributed to the end of the paddle. This ‘’end-weight” is also why you will see more power pickleball paddles having a longer length because they require more weight towards the end of the paddle. Power pickleball paddles are going to be great options for bigger, stronger players who have the strength to maneuver the heavier paddle with little effort. I would not recommend a power pickleball paddle to a player that has struggled with tennis elbow or arm fatigue while playing. The added weight of the power pickleball paddle will increase the stress on a player’s elbow and will take much more effort overall when playing out on the courts. Wanting to add a put-away shot to your game? Could you handle more weight on your paddle without sacrificing paddle speed? Take a Power Pickleball Paddle to your next match!
Are you looking for more maneuverability around the kitchen? Maybe you’ve soared the backline on a 3rd shot? Tennis elbow starting to creep up again? A touch pickleball paddle should be in your hand before you shout “Pickle!” at your next match.
Touch Pickleball Paddles
Touch pickleball paddles are great for players who spend most of their time at the net. Dinking, third shot drops and the sly ATP’s are done with all paddles, but a touch pickleball paddle may make these shots more consistent. Touch pickleball paddles will give you the feel at the net needed to win a volley and the maneuverability to return a slam at the net. Allowing more feel and maneuverability, touch pickleball paddles are generally lighter in weight and have the feeling of your hand being one with the paddle. Because of the weight of touch pickleball paddles, these are great for players who struggle with arm fatigue or tennis elbow. Some touch pickleball paddles have been designed to prevent tennis elbow to ensure you are on the court for longer periods of time with more enjoyment. Looking to up your game around the net, check out our Touch Pickleball Paddles.
No matter the style of pickleball you bring to the court, there is a pickleball paddle type for you. Still undecided on the perfect paddle for you? Add Paddle Assurance to your next order, giving you the security to find the perfect pickleball paddle!
---
That’s our breakdown of the different pickleball paddle types! Remember, the most crucial factor in finding the best pickleball paddle is YOU. There are hundreds of paddles on the market, which is why we have an entire page for Pickleball Paddle Reviews! If you need more information, give us a call at 1-866-382-3465, email us (experts@justpaddles.com), or utilize our LIVE CHAT to speak with an Expert today. We’re JustPaddles, and we’re with you from Click to Court!
&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justpaddles.com%2fblog%2fpost%2fpickleball-paddle-breakdown-player-type%2f){kind=small}
