Why 95% of Players Hold Their Paddle Wrong (Don't USE the WRONG Grip!)

Hey there, its your coach, Jordan Briones.

What Is The Right Pickleball Grip?
Let’s dive into a game changing setup that most players overlook, the paddle grip. You might be one of the 95 percent doing it incorrectly, and it’s quietly sabotaging your touch, control, and accuracy.

Why Grip Matters
Grip is not just about holding the paddle. It sets the foundation for every shot you execute. A flawed grip misaligns the paddle face, weakens your wrist connection, and undermines your ability to direct the ball consistently.

The Common Mistake 
Most players grip the paddle too tight or tilt the wrist. This causes the paddle face to open or close unintentionally, leading to mishits and inconsistent results, especially on serves, volleys, and dinks.

The Ideal Adjustment
Hold the paddle in a continental grip, allowing your wrist to stay relaxed and neutral. This improves feel, paddle control, and gives you better feedback on contact.

Benefits You Will Notice

• More control over paddle angle, especially for dinks and soft shots
• Better power transfer on drives and serves
• Quicker recovery between shots due to improved wrist position

Coach Tip and Drill
Grab a partner or practice solo. Dink or volley slowly while focusing on keeping your grip relaxed and your paddle face square. Adjust your hand placement until you feel consistent feedback and alignment.

Bottom Line
A solid and neutral grip is not a minor detail. It is the foundation of every effective stroke. Make this simple adjustment and you will see immediate gains in control, consistency, and confidence on the court.

See you on the court,

Jordan Briones