Beforeyou choose a pickleball paddle grip size, you should take into considerationsome factors such as handle shape, type of grip, and whether or not you will beusing anovergrip.Typically, an overgrip will add either half or one whole size (1/16 to 1/8inch) to the racquet. That’s obviously something you’ll want to keep in mindwhen looking for a racquet, and if you do choose to use an overgrip, you’llwant to find a paddle that is half to one size lower depending on what kind ofovergrip you’ll be using.
Tips When Selecting PickleballPaddle Grip Size
- If you are stuck betweentwo sizes, choose the smaller one as you can use overgrips to increase thesize, whereas you can’t with the bigger one
- Don’t use a paddle with asignificantly smaller grip as it causes you to use more force to squeeze thehandle. This can affect your hand, forearm, and elbow, leading tofatigue and eventuallytendonitis
- Don’t use a paddle with asignificantly larger grip as it restricts your wrist’s motions, makes changinggrips harder, and requires more strength to use
- The best grip size is one thatis just large enough to play comfortably with and allows for a full range ofmotion
Thereare basically two ways to measure your paddle grip grip size: either throughtheindex finger testor theruler test,although you will need to have a paddle on hand for theindex finger test.
Index Finger Test
With apickleball paddle, hold it with your dominant hand using anEastern grip. Ifyou don’t know what an Eastern grip is, it’s where the index knuckle and heelpad rests on the 3rd bevel. So your palm will be placed on the same bevel asthe string face.
Oncethe Eastern grip has been achieved, use the index finger of your other hand toslide it in-between your ring finger and palm. The best paddle grip size foryou will be the one where your index finger fits snugly within this gap. Notenough room or too much room means you have a grip that is either too small ortoo large.
Once you’ve found a snug fit, trythe finger test a couple more times just to make sure. This is known asthescientific approach, which requires more than onetest to confirm accurate results. Once you’ve found a paddle with a good fit,take a moment to take a deep breath. Smell that? That’s thesmell of victory.
Ruler Test
The second way of measuringtennis racquet grip size is with the ruler test. All you’ll need to accomplishthis is a ruler and your dominant playing hand. First off, open your hand whilehaving your fingers fully extended and close together. Take your ruler andalign it until it’s parallel with your third finger (ring finger) with one endof the ruler in line with the bottom of the palm’s second (or middle) crease.
Yourpaddle grip size is then determined by the length between the tip of your ringfinger and the bottom lateral palm crease. The length should fall somewherebetween 4 inches and 5 inches.
How Grip Sizes Are Measured
Pickleball paddle grip sizes are often measured at the verymiddle of the paddle handle and range from 4 inches to 5 inches. Thismeasurement is the circumference, or the distance around the edge of thehandle, including any grip that may be applied to the racquet.
Depending on which country you live in you may find the sizingof the racquet grip expressed a bit differently, so we’ve provided a handychart below that covers the different types of grip sizes.
US Sizes | European Sizes | Sizes in mm |
4 inches | 100-103 mm | |
4 1/8 inches | 1 | 103-106 mm |
4 1/4 inches | 2 | 106-110 mm |
4 3/8 inches | 3 | 110-113 mm |
4 1/2 inches | 4 | 113-118 mm |
4 5/8 inches | 5 | 118-120 mm |
4 3/4 inches | 6 | 120-123 mm |
Why Does Grip Size Matter?
Beyond simply providing you with comfort when playingpickleball, the appropriate grip size can help prevent injury from prolongeduse of a grip that is too small or too large.
The problem with a grip size that is too small is that yourhand, wrist and arm will have to expend extra energy squeezing the handle tokeep the racquet firmly in place. Over time this can contribute to injuriessuch as tennis elbow. You’ll also likely find that a grip which is too smallwill frequently slip from your hand which can be frustrating.
Similarly, a grip that’s too large can be challenging to holdand as a result put unnecessary stress on your hand, wrist and arm. Inaddition, a large grip can be difficult to manage when you need to change gripsquickly or when you’re looking to snap your wrist when serving or hitting anoverhead because it restricts movement.
The key is to find a grip size that feels comfortable, preventsundue stress on your body and allows for proper range of motion.
Selecting The Appropriate Grip Size
There are two common methods used to help identify the idealgrip size for a player. However, instead of using one, I typically recommendusing both to help get the best fit.
First, if you have one handy, grab a ruler or measuring tape.Next, take a look at one of your hands and you’ll notice you have a bunch oflines and creases running through your palm. In the middle of your palm you’llnotice two large or pronounced lines, one on top and one on the bottom, runninghorizontally from one side of your hand to the other.
Grab your ruler or measuring tape and line it up vertically withyour middle finger so that the bottom of the ruler (the part hitting your palm)lines up with the bottom horizontal line in your palm. Once you have it linedup measure to the top of your ring finger.
You should find that the measurement falls somewhere between 4inches and 5 inches.
Start with the paddle grip size that is closest to what youmeasured and grab hold of the paddle handle with a continental grip.
At this point you should be able to stick your index finger ofthe hand not holding the racquet in between the tip of your middle finger andyour palm. If it fits then you’re likely right on the mark.
However, keep in mind that it’s not an exact science so grabhold of the racquet grip size that’s bigger and then the one that’s smaller toget a feel for whether or not the grip you’ve identified feels right. For manyplayers you’ll just know by holding on to each paddle. It should feelcomfortable, yet secure.
Some players may feel like they are in between sizes. If that’syou, go for the smaller size. There are a bunch of different ways you can buildup a grip to make it feel perfect, including the simple addition of aninexpensive overgrip. However, it is more difficult and in some cases notpossible to drop the size of a grip.
Many players also like to use a new overgrip every few timesthey play to keep that nice tacky feel in their hand. If that’s you and you’reon the fence about a larger size definitely go smaller. Overgrips will usuallyadd about 1/16 of an inch to a grip so if you go a bit smaller you freely addthat overgrip without it starting to feel too bulky.
