If you’re just getting into pickleball, you may not know that there are a few different ways to grip the paddle. Most players simply grab the handle and start swinging, but the grip you choose can shape how much control, spin, and power you get during a game.

The four main pickleball grips are:

• Eastern grip
• Continental grip
• Western grip
• Two-Handed backhand grip

Of these, the vast majority of players stick with the Eastern or Continental grip, but the others have their uses too. In this guide, we’ll walk through each grip, how to find it, and when it works best.

 

1. Eastern Grip – The “Shake Hands” Grip

The Eastern grip is one of the most common pickleball grips, and it’s often the first one players learn. It’s sometimes called the handshake grip because it feels like you’re about to shake someone’s hand when you hold your paddle. This neutral grip works well for both forehand shots and backhand shots, making it a favorite for beginners and experienced players alike.

How to hold the paddle in an Eastern grip:

1. Hold your pickleball paddle out in front of you with the paddle face standing straight up.
2. Put your playing hand flat against the face of the paddle.
3. Slide your hand down until it wraps naturally around the paddle handle.
4. Your index knuckle should land on the third bevel of the handle, the spot that makes it feel like a proper handshake.

With this grip, you can switch easily between forehand and backhand shots without having to adjust your hand. It’s a neutral grip that works for most players and helps create clean, consistent contact with the ball.

For new players, this grip pairs perfectly with the best beginner pickleball paddles we listed. You can also explore more options in the paddle collection designed for different grip styles.

2. Continental Grip – The “Hammer” Grip

The Continental grip is another popular way to hold your pickleball paddle. It’s often called the hammer grip because you hold the paddle handle the same way you’d hold a hammer. This grip is one of the most versatile in pickleball, giving you quick transitions between forehand shots and backhand shots without having to do a full grip change.

How to hold the paddle in a Continental grip:

1. Start with your paddle in front of you, the paddle face standing upright.
2. Wrap your hand around the handle as if you’re gripping a hammer.
3. Your thumb and index finger should form a “V” shape that lines up with the second bevel of the handle.

This paddle grip is especially useful for defensive shots, blocks at the net, and quick reactions during fast rallies. Because the paddle head angle sits in a neutral spot, you can cover both the forehand side and backhand side with more control. The tradeoff is that it doesn’t naturally create heavy topspin, so you may need to adjust your swing to generate spin.

Many players improve this grip by using grip accessories like overgrips and replacement grips. They add comfort, better sweat absorption, and help maintain consistent grip pressure during long games. For a deeper look at how different paddles affect performance, check out our guide on understanding pickleball paddle technology and types.

3. Western Grip – The “Frying Pan” Grip

The Western grip is less common, but it’s powerful in the right hands. Many players call it the frying pan grip because when you hold your paddle this way, it looks like you’re flipping a pancake. This style is all about adding heavy topspin on the forehand side, making it a favorite for aggressive players who want more power in their shots.

How to hold the paddle in a Western grip:

1. Start with the Eastern grip.
2. From there, simply rotate your hand so your index knuckle shifts to the fourth bevel of the paddle handle.
3. When you look at the paddle face, it should tilt slightly toward the ground, perfect for creating topspin.

The western pickleball grip works well for forehand shots that need extra spin and a strong downward angle. However, it makes backhand shots harder to control since the paddle head is tilted. That’s why most players stick with the Eastern or Continental grip as their main style and switch to Western only for specific shots like high balls or drives.

If spin is part of your game, you’ll want paddles designed to handle it. Brands like Selkirk have built a reputation for spin-friendly designs, which you can see in their carbon fiber paddle innovation.

4. Two-Handed Backhand Grip

The two-handed backhand grip is becoming more popular in pickleball, especially among tennis players making the switch. Adding your non-dominant hand to the paddle gives you more stability, better control, and extra power on backhand shots. It’s also useful for blocking drives and handling the backhand side when the ball comes in fast.

How to hold the paddle in a Two-Handed Backhand grip:

1. Start with your dominant hand in either an Eastern grip or a Continental grip.
2. Place your opposite hand right above it on the paddle handle.
3. Your thumb and index finger of the top hand should rest comfortably, helping you steady the paddle face.

This setup works a lot like a tennis two-handed backhand, giving you more power while keeping the paddle head steady through contact. Many players find that this two-handed grip improves their confidence on the backhand side, especially when trying to keep the ball low with drop shots or aiming for the sweet spot.

Players who prefer this style often experiment with different paddles to find the right grip. If you’re curious which setup might suit your game, check out our guide on which pickleball paddle fits your game. For those looking to test multiple options, our paddle bundles are a great way to try new grips and see what works best.

 

Grip Pressure and Adjustments

Getting the right grip pressure is just as important as choosing the right grip style.

Finding the right pressure:

• Think of a scale from 1 to 10.
• Keep your squeeze around 3–4 — steady but relaxed.
• Too tight = stiff shots and pop-ups.
• Too loose = weak control and a shaky contact point.

Small adjustments that help:

• Use replacement grips or overgrips for comfort and sweat absorption. Try grip upgrades if your paddle slips or feels rough.
• Practice changing grips mid-game. For example, switch from an Eastern grip to a Continental grip when moving up to the net for defensive shots.
• Test what gives you more control and confidence — every player is different.

 

Drills to Master Your Paddle Grip

Getting comfortable with different pickleball grips takes time on the court. These simple drills can help you build consistency and confidence with your paddle grip.

Rotate through the grips

• Practice the eastern grip, continental grip, western grip, and two-handed backhand grip in short rallies.
• Notice how each grip changes your paddle face and contact point on forehand and backhand shots.

Work on grip transitions

Rally with a partner and switch grips mid-play. For example, start in an Eastern forehand grip, then change to a Continental grip at the net for defensive shots. This makes grip change natural during real games.

Use training gear

• Set up a pickleball net and hit repetitive drop shots with a relaxed grip pressure.
• Practice with pickleballs so you can repeat drills without stopping.
• Aim for the sweet spot on the paddle head each time.

Match grip to paddle choice

Some paddles are designed for creating topspin or giving you more power on the forehand side. If you’re testing different options, you can check out our list of the best pickleball paddles for different play styles and budgets. If you’re still unsure which paddle fits you best, take our pickleball paddle quiz — it’s a quick way to match your grip style and playing needs with the right paddle.

 

Put Your Grip Into Action

Mastering your pickleball paddle grip is the first step to building confidence on the court. Whether it’s the Eastern grip for a balanced game, the Continental grip for quick defense, the Western grip for creating topspin, or the two-handed backhand grip for more power, the right choice depends on your comfort and style.

Now it’s time to take what you’ve learned and try it out in real games. You can visit us at 875 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 to explore paddles in person, or shop pickleball paddles online anytime to find the one that matches your grip and playing needs.

 

FAQs About Pickleball Grips

What is the correct way to hold a pickleball paddle?

The most common starting point is the Eastern grip, sometimes called the shake hands grip. It’s a neutral grip that works for both forehand shots and backhand shots without constant grip changes. Your index knuckle should rest on the third bevel of the paddle handle, giving you a solid, balanced feel.

How to hold a pickleball paddle for topspin?

To generate topspin, players often use a Western grip or a semi western grip. With this style, you simply rotate your hand so the paddle face tilts slightly down. This makes it easier to brush the ball and create spin.

What is a pancake grip in pickleball?

The pancake grip is another name for the Western pickleball grip. It looks like you’re holding a frying pan flat, ready to flip something. This grip is less common but useful for specific shots, like high balls that need extra topspin or scorpion-style blocks. You can see it in action in strategy tips like how to hit the ball lower in pickleball.

What grip do most pickleball pros use?

The vast majority of pros stick with the Continental grip or the Eastern pickleball grip. These grip styles allow for quick transitions at the net, solid backhand shots, and steady forehand control. Many also adjust their grip pressure and use replacement grips to get more comfort and better feel during long rallies.