There you are, a lob coming your way and wham!!! You slam that ball with all your might and it hits your opponent in the chest. You yell across the net, “Sorry!” But are you really sorry? Isn’t that all part of the game?
Someone told me a few weeks ago to aim for the person’s chest when you’re both at the net to catch the opponent off guard. Hey, all is fair in pickleball, but a guilty feeling can quickly take over as we all have been taught to not hit each other with balls, bats, and other hard objects. I can honestly say that when I played racquetball, that we never deliberately hit each other with the ball. (Boy, when you did get hit, it left a nasty black and blue.)
I have talked to players who won’t play with certain other players who SLAMthe ball because they consider the game too dangerous playing with that “rude” player. To be honest, when you are playing an opponent that is obviously at a much lower level than you is smacking the ball at their face a really nice thing to do? I think not. But let’s say that there are 4 equal players in skill level, then being “tagged” by a ball is something to be expected. Also, wearing eye protection is probably a good idea; however, at this time the pros don’t seem to be wearing eye protection in tournaments. Hmmmmm.
90% of the body shots are totally by mistake. You were aiming for their backhand and your shot is a little off and you hit them in the arm. A shocked look appears on their face and they look at you like you are the devil incarnate. Sometimes you’ll even hear an ohhhhhh from the spectators which makes you feel even worse. Suddenly, haunting memories of middle school dodge ball comes back to you when Donnie Spitzer would target you with that evil look on his face. What a bully and now you feel like the bully. Mistakes happen so let’s let the player that hit you off the hook.
The moral of this story is being hit by a pickleball is bound to happen every once in a while. Shake it off, and if you are the offender nothing wrong with saying sorry. If you are playing in a tournament…hey, it could be a good thing. Sorry, not sorry.
Another good strategy is moving out of the line of fire and letting that ball go out. Revenge is sweet!
Currently, we offer three different types of cores: Aluminum, Nomex and Polymer. Each one has playing characteristics that suit certain styles of play.
Aluminum– (touch)
Aluminum core paddles feature advanced, lighter weight, aluminum honeycomb cores. Aluminum cores are known for their outstanding “TOUCH”. The ball comes off just a bit slower, which gives players an extra edge of maneuverability and control. This extra amount of control is due to both the soft rebound and the lightweight nature of aluminum. Players may prefer this core for their third shot drops and touch shots. However, aluminum cores do dent over time (more so with the “rubbery balls”), so are not recommended for super hard hitters. You will lose a bit of power with aluminum cores.
Polymer– (balance of power and touch)
Polymer core paddles are the most popular core currently used in pickleball paddles. The honeycomb polymer core provides power performance, yet gives soft control for the touch shots. Polymer cores have earned the reputation of being the quietest core on the market due to being slightly less deflective than the other two cores. The reduced deflection offers players a split-second longer to manipulate the ball, hence offering control.
Nomex– (power)
Nomex core paddles feature a lightweight Nomex honeycomb core that has been used in a variety of sporting and high-tech industry applications. Nomex was the first core used in pickleball paddles and is still is a popular core material. Nomex honeycomb begins as a cardboard-like material which is then dipped in resin creating an extremely damage-resistant material. They are also the loudest of the three cores. Nomex cores are well-liked for their durability and consistency. Players looking for a lot of “POWER” prefer Nomex cores. You may lose a bit of pace control due to how quickly balls come (pop) off the Nomex core.
Which Surface and Why
The three most commonly used surfaces for pickleball paddles are Carbon Fiber Weave, Graphite and Fiberglass Composite. Each has characteristics that, when combined with a core material, give each paddle the performance profile that suits every player’s unique style and game.
Carbon Fiber–
Carbon fiber surfaces are the most expensive, most durable and lightest weight. When bonded properly to a honeycomb core, Carbon Fiber weave (it is actually fabric before being bonded to a honeycomb core) is strong, durable, high tech and very distinctive in appearance. It provides the ultimate in ball control, but can lose a bit of power compared to the other surfaces.
Graphite–
Graphite paddle surfaces are very thin, about the thickness of a fingernail. Light and responsive, yet hard and strong. Players like the quick action off the Graphite face. Graphite is a bit heavier than carbon fiber and slightly less durable (and more cost effective, which is a reason many manufacturers use it rather than carbon fiber). Because of Graphite’s stiff nature, the ball does not sink into it, so it is easier to direct the ball, providing fantastic ball placement.
Fiberglass Composite–
Composite paddle faces take full advantage of the latest aerospace composite material technology. Variations of composite surfaces are expanding throughout the industry, increasing their play-ability. These paddles feature an incredible combination of touch, feel, and strength. The Composite surface provides a bit more power than the other two surfaces.
Weight
Paddle weight is a hot button for players. Many believe that the weight determines how well they respond to the ball and should be based on their size and gender. That’s the opposite of what they need to think. Skill determines how well a player responds to the ball. Weight is more about what your body can cope with during play.
Very similar to baseball bats and tennis rackets, the player must first have the skill to aim, respond and direct the ball. The weight is what lets them do it comfortably and accurately. Heavier paddles help smooth out players’ shots, making them more consistent and repeatable. Lighter paddles can encourage too much herky-jerky movement and inconsistent hits. Simple physics, Force = Mass x Acceleration, dictates that the heavier the paddle, the more power a player has with less effort. The paddle is doing the work. Players with light paddles tend to incur more wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries.
Before a player decides that they must have a certain weight based on their size or gender, they should instead be sure that: 1) their grip is properly sized, and 2) the paddle weight matches their level of strength, regardless of their stature or gender. That combination is the most important factor in choosing a proper weight.
Also keep in mind how the weight is distributed in a paddle. The key is how a paddle is balanced, not the total weight of the paddle itself. Mitigating the scale weight so the swing weight of the paddle feels light and responsive is what separates Third Shot Drop Custom Pickleball Paddles from the rest. You can pick up two paddles with the same weight and one may feel significantly heavier due to how the paddle weight is balanced. Blind studies have shown players typically think many of our paddles weigh an ounce or more less than their scale weight.
Grip Sizing
Improper sizing will not only restrict your game, it can cause physical problems as well.
Using a paddle with an undersized grip causes you to use more force to squeeze the handle. This can affect your hand, forearm, and elbow, leading to fatigue and eventually tendonitis. It also restricts the fluid motion so important in the soft game.
Using a paddle with an oversized grip restricts your wrist’s motions, makes changing grips harder, and requires more strength to use.
What handle shape do you want. Oval handles can be as small as 4”, while octagonal (tennis) and square handles begin at 4 3/8”.
Grip tape style. We will grip your handle to the exact size you ask. However, if you plan to add your own over-grip, it can add 1/16” – 1/8” to your handle size. Be sure to deduct that amount when ordering your paddle, so your final grip size is correct. We offer flat, ridged, or stitched grip tapes.
The grip size is the circumference of the handle at the midpoint. It’s measured in 1/8” increments. This measurement is the finished size of the handle, including any over-grip that may be added to the factory finish. If your measurement is between sizes, step down one size and add an over grip to increase it to the proper size.
Index Finger Test
Hold your paddle in your non-hitting hand. You should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand in the space between your ring finger and palm.
Start playing with your own custom designed paddle. Order here.
SO, now you are armed with the truth about paddles!
Hooray for you! You are now ready to get rid of all those “not-so-good guesses” taking space in your bag and replace them with an educated decision that will improve your game, raise your confidence and make your overall pickleball experience even better! Can’t wait to see you on the courts!
Janet never played racket sports before, but her neighbor told her one day to play pickleball. She tried it and loved it (who doesn’t). Soon she signed up as a member at Palm Aire and played with some much better players who told her to find something else to do. But she stayed with it and at the end of the summer she received the MOST IMPROVED award.
From Omaha, Nebraska, she moved down to Florida in 1984. Janet didn’t have time to play sports because she worked back then, but now she lives in Mote Ranch and plays at least 3 days a week. I ran into her at Longwood Park.
Her advice is…Do not be intimidated by better players, but also you don’t want to ruin their game. Find a good in between and stick with it.
Pickleball players are always searching for the perfect paddle to make them an immediate expert player. However, I’m not sure that paddle exists. What makes a player great is…practice, practice, practice.
What are paddles made of?
Paddles are made of different materials. I started off with the big, heavy wooden kind that the YMCA had for beginners. It didn’t take me long to start perusing the sport store for a better and lighter paddle. Confusing? Yes it was. There was different materials, weight, style, design and gripe to take into consideration.
Materials:
Pickleball paddles generally have a core material and a facing material. The cores are typically made of either, nomex, polymer or aluminum honeycomb. When you hear honeycomb core today, they’re usually referring to the most common; polymer honeycomb core. However, nomex cores and aluminum cores are also comprised of honeycomb cells.
Nomex – is a harder material which will perform longer due to the density of the material and smaller honeycomb size. These Nomex paddles are louder than the polymer core paddles and have slightly less power but fantastic control.
Polymer – is softer and has larger honeycomb cells – this is a good material that holds up well. Because it’s a softer material it is quieter and has great power but you’ll sacrifice some control compared to nomex and aluminum.
Aluminum – With very similar performance to the Nomex core, aluminum cores have honeycomb construction. However, primarily due to the weight and density of this material, they don’t have the kind of power you’ll find with polymer. It’s greatest feature is the superior control – the downsides are noise and the ability to dent.
On the outside
In general, you’ll see paddles made with three types of facing; fiberglass (also called composite), graphite and carbon fiber. Any one of these facings can be applied to one of the cores mentioned above. Here’s the quick run-down.
Fiberglass – this is probably the most common facing you’ll see on the courts. It’s not as strong as graphite or carbon fiber but has more power (pop).
Graphite – also very common, graphite is strong and provides great ball control but you’ll sacrifice a bit of power.
Carbon Fiber – similar to graphite but more durable, this material provides the ultimate in ball control. Again though, you will lose a bit of power.
From the USPBA Rule Book
2. Surface. The paddle hitting surface shall not contain holes, indentations, rough texturing, or any objects or features that allow a player to impart additional spin on the ball. Paddle roughness is determined using a Starrett SR160 Surface Roughness Tester (or equivalent). The allowable limits for roughness shall be no greater than 30 micrometers (µm) on the Rz reading (average maximum height, peak to valley) and no greater than 40 micrometers on the Rt reading (average maximum height, peak to valley). All readings will be taken in six different directions. 2.E.2.a. Paint. The surface may be painted but must otherwise adhere to the general surface requirements. 2.E.2.b. Reflection. The paddle hitting surface shall not be adversely reflective, such that it has the potential to obscure the vision of opposing player(s). Paddles shall not have any measurement exceeding 80 GU. Measurement is to be taken at the universal measurement angle of 60 degrees with ETB-0833 Self-Calibration 20° 60° 85° Surface Glossmeter Tester 0-200 GU or equivalent. 2.E.2.c. Depictions. Any writing or pictures on the paddle must be in good taste. 2.E.3. Size. The combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot 8 USAPA & IFP Official Tournament Rule Book exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). There is no restriction on paddle thickness. 2.E.4. Weight. There is no restriction on paddle weight
Weight
Pickleball paddles generally range in weight from 6.8 oz (about the weight of a softball) to 14 oz (almost the weight of a can of green beans).
The advantage of a lighter paddle is that it is easier to maneuver (especially up at the net during quick volleys).
The disadvantage of a light paddle that is too light, is that you experience more of the impact/vibration in your arm & elbow because there is less mass to counter the ball. Of course, this is much less in pickleball compared to tennis, for example, but it can make quite a difference.
The heavier your paddle, the more “oomph” it adds to your slams & hard shots, but the more strength it takes to control it on the softer shots.
Don’t know your hand size?
Height test
This informal test is supposed to work for both men and women. It’s simple and works for the people we’ve tested. Remember, if in doubt, go with a smaller grip. (Source: https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Pickleball_Paddle_Guide_s/49.htm)
Height………..Grip Size
Under 5’2″…….4 inch grip
5’3″ to 5’8″…..4 1/4 inch grip
5’9″ & taller…4 1/2 inch grip
Finger test…Hold your dominant palm up. Notice your palm has three major creases. Take a ruler and measure from the middle crease of your palm, up to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement should reflect the perfect grip size for you. If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the smaller size.
How to Check the Fit of your Pickleball Paddle
To verify the fit of your paddle, or when trying several paddles, use the following method to verify sizing. If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the smaller size. Here’s why. Grip a paddle with your normal grip and see if you can slide the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and the heel of your hand gripping the paddle. Your finger should fit snugly between the two without having to move your fingers. If you must shift your fingers farther away from the heel of the hand to get your index finger in between the two, the grip might be too small. If you have space between your index finger and your fingers or heel of your hand, the grip might be too large.
1. How do I pick a paddle? There are so many choices!The best way to select a paddle is to try them out! Ask your fellow pickleball players if you can test-drive their paddles. Try various weights and grip sizes. If you find a paddle that feels good and balanced in your hand try to get that paddle’s weight. We will hand weigh paddles to match the weight that you are seeking.
2. I’m buying my first paddle, any advice?Your first paddle should have a classic pickleball paddle shape. You can add specialty paddles once you have a great classic paddle in your bag. The classic paddle is approximately 7 ¾ – 8 inches wide and 15 ½ – 15 ¾ inches long.
3. What’s the difference between fiberglass and graphite paddles? Fiberglass paddles often weigh a little more that graphite paddles. Because they are a little heavier than graphite paddles, fiberglass paddles are considered to have more power. Graphite paddles are considered to have more control or finesse. Both graphite and fiberglass paddles are lightweight and strong. There is a general perception that graphite is better but no one has studied if there is a difference in how the ball comes off a graphite vs. fiberglass paddle. 4. Why do so many composite paddle have a over lapping edge guard?You’ll find an edge guard around the edges of a most composite paddles. The edge guard maintains the integrity of the paddle and provides a covering to the open honeycomb interior. Without an overlapping edge guard there is a risk the paddle will de-laminate, and be ruined. If a paddle de-laminates, the face of the paddle will pull up from the honeycomb interior, destroying the paddle. 5. How do I find a paddle with power?Looking for more power? Select a heavy-weight or super-heavy-weight paddle. Power is all about weight. The heavier the paddle, the more power you have. 6. How do I find a paddle with more control?Looking to improve control? Select a light-weight or middle-weight paddle with a smaller head size. Control is all about maneuverability and quick responses. Be lighting-fast with a lighter, smaller paddle. 7. How long should a paddle last?How long a paddle lasts depends on how you care for it and how often you play. Top-notch players who play daily usually expect to retire a graphite or composite paddle after about one year. For people playing a couple of times a week, a paddle should last around three years. Wood paddles are extremely durable and will last many years. 8. How do I find a quiet paddle? My neighbors don’t like the happy pickleball pop. Answer: Teach your neighbors how to play and they won’t complain anymore.
9. What is a “Sweet Spot”?All paddles will have some sort of “sweet spot” in the center of the hitting surface, regardless of the dimensions, as does a tennis racquet, baseball bat, or table tennis paddle. It’s a matter of physics, nothing else. The key is to hit the center of the paddle, which takes practice and coordination. 10. Are there indoor and outdoor paddles?Paddles are not made specifically for indoor or outdoor play. Balls are made specifically for indoors or outdoors, but not paddles. 11. Are there men’s and women’s paddles?Paddles are not made specifically for men or women. Paddles are gender-neutral. 12. I’m a former tennis player, what paddle should I choose?Former tennis players or racquetball players often like a paddle with a longer handle like the Enforcer, Power or Elite paddles. The longer handle enables a two-handed backhand and more room for quick hand switches. 13. What difference does handle length make?Longer paddles handles, such as those five inches or longer, provide more reach on ground strokes, added leverage on serves and slightly more power overall.
My best recommendation for beginners is to go for a classic shaped paddle around $50.00 – $75.00. As you improve, you may want to purchase a more expensive and responsive paddle that fits your style of play. I hope this information helps you with understanding the different paddle types.
On a hot day, I drove down to the Venice Community Center located at 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice to play intermediate pickleball on a Thursday, 11:00am – 2:00pm. I was happy to see there was plenty of parking and a very clean facility.
If it’s your first time here, you will need to purchase a card for $20.00. It is $2.00 per play. Cards may be purchased in the office, and there is a county employee who scans it in at the door.
The room is like your old high school auditorium with a black and white floor. At first it was a little confusing but I quickly got used to the white lines on the black and white floor.
Games were to 11, win by 2, and you write your name on a white board; 4 per square. A small group of players were there so I played constantly, however, I understand that the day before they had a large crowd and wait time was substantial.
People were very friendly and games were competitive. Great place to play pickleball on a hot, June day.
Venice Community Center
The Venice Community Center (VCC) is a beautiful 45,000 sq. ft. regional facility that serves the needs of residents and visitors in Sarasota County as well as counties to the north and south.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
11:00am – 2:00pm -Intermediates
2:00am – 5:00pm – Beginners
5:00pm – 8:00pm – Open Play
Wednesday started out as a rainy day in Sarasota. so we switched where we were going to play (outside at Gillepsie Park) to the “Church.” St. Peter and Paul Church is located in Bradenton off Cortez Road. Checking my GPS I realized it was a 45 minute drive from my house. Yikes!
How was it? Great! Well organized, 3 courts, with rally play (every fault is a point), and they have an interesting number system. The paddles are placed on a bleacher at the level of play you want to play in; beginner, intermediate, advanced, in a pile of 4 with a number placed on top. Then whatever number is up next, four on four off, is what they call “on deck,” and they are placed individually on 4 chairs which means they are next.
“On Deck”
Play moved quickly. and when there were many people waiting, the game was first to nine. I’d say my games lasted 5 minutes. Around 12:00 the crowd thinned out and the games were played to 11, win by 2.
The people were very friendly, and the charge was a donation of $3.00 or you could pay $25.00 for the summer season, $50.00 for the entire year.
I’d recommend playing at the Church for all levels. Inexpensive, friendly, clean, organized, good play.
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