Best grip video out there. You show and explain it so clearly. Other videos talk about it and what they show flashes off the screen so fast you no longer see the hand position.
I have came back to this video many times. It's like golf... you get your grip perfect... go play for a while... then you need to revisit your grip because it changed without you even knowing it and is ALLLL wrong out of know where. Just went from a CRBN1 to a Legacy Pro and had to revisit my grip. My "soft hands" weren't soft with Legacy... turns out it was not the paddle... my grip wasn't what I thought it was... something sneakily changed and I got bad habits. Thanks, I was able to adjust to the Legacy Pro immediately and it improved my game and gave me the power I needed without having to destroy my already injured shoulder. Your video is the ONLY pickleball video that completely, and correctly, addresses all parts of the proper grip. Separately I never really understood, absorbed, your "secret tip". I was still switching between eastern forehand to continental and back and forth. I recently saw this video ua-cam.com/video/WEMbmDurvNk/v-deo.html (@50s) and between the two... it all made sense. I don't need to change my grip... going to a one handed tennis backhand grip style in eastern changes the face angle and makes the backhand topspin suddenly easier... i don't have to go back to continental... I am kinda in a modified continental. Thanks!
One of best videos I have seen on grips. This was and easy to understand. I have really come to appreciate your videos. You are a wealth of knowledge. Keep up the great work.
Nice, clear video- thanks. I would add about the use of one’s index finger sticking forward (from personal experience) that the downsides are: 1. A reduced hitting surface. (Unless you’re ok with (2). 2. A hard shot off the finger, especially in cold weather, is no fun (except, probably, for everybody else watching). 3, The tendency for that finger to push a twist into your paddle angle.
I've only been playing PB for a year or so, but I watch a lot of UA-cam videos to help me get better (currently a 3.5 player). I've seen 4 or more videos on grip but never felt like I understood until watching your video showing where my knuckle is on position 2 for Continental grip. Thanks for helping me understand! Also appreciated that Eastern grip is easier for forehand and Continental for backhand. And having finger on paddle for greater control. Thanks again
Absolutely fantastic video! John is a great teacher ! Just found his lessons and started with this one. I am fairly new to the sport and been stuck for months at the same 3.5 level. always used the Continental Grip seemed that was the conventual wisdom. Played with grip pressure but still hit balls out and into the next, tried different paddles 13,14,16 mm. Then John showed how the eastern grip could help and should or could be used with the Continental Grip. Now I have only used it for about 3 days... 6 hrs of playing.... My unforced errors, net balls, out balls reduced by 60%. My control of my spin shots has also improved. Hope it was not a short lived improvement but man its been fun!
I’m in the same situation as you were and considering switching to full eastern grip. My concern is on the backhand volley and losing power at the net. I use continental at the net. Did it take some adjustment with eastern grip at the net, especially on the backhand?
10:00 It's great to mention this aspect of the grip. I only figured this out recently myself. The way this is explained-when anyone bothers to explain this-is that the bottom of the palm on the pinky side of the hand should be one bevel over from your base knuckle.
Fantastic video John! I was using an Eastern grip and just switched to a Continental. SO much better for me for volleying. I also now use the index finger ON the paddle as I come from table tennis and this feels very natural to me. Awesome!
amazing how fast times change...in a year, with a lot of players now using western grip for some shots. I switched to western or semi-western for serves.
Thank you so much for this! I had never thought about the angle in my hand. That's the key I have been looking for! I like having my knuckle on the flat part, 3 I think it is, for my forehand with the angle like you mentioned. But now I can just change that angle by moving the butt a little and I have the perfect backhand grip too! That makes so much more sense for me! I have watched a lot of videos on this and yours was the only one that brought that up. Thank you!
Best video about gripping paddle. I'm fairly new at this, but I find I'm changing grips quite a bit. When I'm able to do a backhand roll, my right knuckle is on the "1" position. I find it puts me in a really good position to hit a solid backhand roll with a lot of speed. It's something I've recently learned, and it has way upped my game. Even when I watch more seasoned players, I see some don't have that shot. Not saying I'm a better player by any stretch, it's just that on that particular shot, I feel I'm in a much stronger position. And it's a shot that comes up quite often in a match. For my forehand, I definitely have an eastern grip. Dinking, I'm in the Continental grip. You mentioned not changing to different grips, but you do change how you change your hand on the paddle. When doing that, are you able to just do it with your right hand, or do you bring your left hand into play?
Thanks, so if you’re doing more minor grip shifts like I showed in the bonus tip I can do that without using the other hand. I think once you getting into bigger grip changes your off hand needs to aid in that which can take a bit more time.
Thank you so much for your very Clear and easy to understand all of the grip type , pressure and so on . Also you are right to the point . I also like your tone of voice , very smooth and calm , Thank you again
I recently made a small change which has created immediate positive results. Paddles with a 5.25" handle length forces a person who DOESN'T want to put their index finger on the paddle to hold the paddle whereby part of the palm pad of your hand is BELOW the butt end of the handle. Within the last couple of months, I bought a new paddle with a 5.5" handle length but at beginning continued to hold the paddle with part of my palm pad below the handle butt end but I was able to put my finger on the handle itself. However taking out a ball machine a couple of weeks ago, I experimented with moving my palm pad to even or every so slightly about the handle butt end. Well this past week playing 3x against very good competition, this little change of moving my hand up the handle slightly has given me more control and provided more precise shot-making. Baseline drives are now landing an inch or two inside the line instead of inches outside sidelines, flicks are going right to where I am aiming and overall I feel more in control with my paddle face. The bottom line is my paddle face is FLUSH to the ball at point of contract much more often than before when the paddle face might have been 1/8" open. IMO this is analogous to a golf club head which is 1/8" of an inch open causing a slice rather than being flush at contract adding yards and control to a golf ball. So I will never buy another paddle unless the handle length is 5.5" as 5.25" is too short and creates either the finger issue or where your palm pad rests on the handle butt end. I also use only a one-handed backhand so a 5 5/8" handle is also not right for me.
So helpful - didn’t know about the “eastern” - helping with the topspin. A bit of important info people left out. You just changed my game mahalo. 2023 PB resolution was “Slice Serve”, 2024 is “Top Spin” - thanking you from Hawaii.
I have never heard anyone suggest moving the bottom part of your hand on the paddle as an adjustment for different shots. What a great idea. I tried it today and loved it.
Do you think you could make a video on anticipation along with what you look for in opponents body and paddle positions to help determine where they are most likely going with the shot? Thanks for your content. I enjoy the way you break things down.
That would be a great video. Although, I think a lot of it plays into the shot you give them and having an understanding on what shots are high percentage for them and low percentage. You kind have to have an idea on what your shot wants to achieve.
@@REZlostboyz Totally agree with you one that. But I think there has gotta be some tips on watching players eyes, head , body position and paddle position that gives a tell. Or maybe just a general of which one of those is the most important to try and pay attention to that. Thanks for the input.
WOW, by far the best explanation on grips and I've watched many on UA-cam. One thing you didn't mention is switching hands. I'm right handed and if the ball is coming to me way to the left I sometime switch hand thinking I can't get the ball with my backhand.
Thanks, I would encourage you not to switch hands on purpose. If it’s something you instinctually do in the moment it’s not terrible but I would be training or practicing for it. There’s just not time for it as you get to higher levels.
John, awesome video! I look forward to trying your recommendation on grip pressure - this will loosen my own grip pressure substantially. Your bonus tip on hand position was something I've been waiting for for the longest time: everyone teaches finger/knuckle placement but no one I've found explain hand position, especially trigger finger. (A key in gripping a golf club!) When I first started I thought the butt end of the paddle needed to extend beyond the hand (like in golf) but I now realize having the butt end of the grip against the hand pad is more relaxing. And your method of switching grips is great. It doesn't require both hands, like I've seen other instructors suggest. Again, another super video lesson. Thanks!
Another great informative video John! Showing grip pressure and the tightening of the forearm, will most definitely help me with my shoulder! Thank you! Looking forward to more of your videos!
Wow! I now realize that I shift my grip constantly as I play - Continental favoring my weaker backhand, and sometimes adding my thumb; and Eastern favoring my forehand, usually with the addition of my index finger. It's no wonder that I enjoy the deep game more than the short game, as moving the paddle grip quickly is very difficult. One advantage to this method, other than optimizing grips for each type of stroke, is that I have to maintain a fairly light paddle grip. But another downside is that my wrist action is a bit too strong, leading to unreliable shots. Thanks for the help!
Such a helpful video. I'm in the process of improving my grip and transitioning to continental and eastern. I've been playing more so with the ping pong grip and have gotten away with it. I do notice I lose out on power and reach though. Def going to work on committing to continental and eastern. Thanks again for creating this helpful video. It answered a lot of questions I had
Wow! The bonus tip just explained something that was so perplexing to me as a coach! Sometimes my beginning students had what seemed to be a continental grip, however their paddle maneuverability seemed to be a little awkward. THANK YOU for this tip! Really been loving the content you've been putting out.
@@johncincolapickleball It was truly the best tutorial on grips that I've seen. As it turns out, I started with Western, then evolved to Eastern, and now focus on Continental. I still find myself hitting overhands in Eastern, though. Continental yields the best control for backhands, and it's not even a contest. Thanks again, John!
I just started pickleball and use a western grip. Zero change in grip between backhand and forehand and the same side of the paddle hits the ball regardless of forehand or backhand. When I get to the net, I just change to regular continental grip. Seems to be working well so far.
Going semi-western is not great for pickleball or squash. The two games have faster action and smaller courts, which makes changing grips difficult. I am semi-western in tennis on forehand, and continental on serve and volleys. I move my grips slightly when I go from forehand to backhand or the other way. My ready position is in semi-western.
Crisp video. I've been thinking about trying Eastern, I'm on Continental (Pingpong background) It's good to see the tip about easy switching. I've seen tennis background folks that do visible switches from the baseline, albeit effective. It's always been overwhelming to comprehend all that. This is a great start. Thank you
Absolutely 💯 great stuff. How you break down your content and the explanations with the video demonstrations are awesome. Keep them coming because I'm learning alot.
Muchos usamos paletas Onix que tiene cuatro caras y personalmente me queda mucho más cómoda. Tengo artrosis en la mano y nunca tuve una molestia . Recomiendo que prueben esta empuñadura es super cómoda.
Hey John, another insightful video, especially about your personal morphing into an Eastern Grip for singles. My issue for myself is, although I use a Continental grip (from tennis/ping pong background), I find at the Kitchen Line (in speed ups or faster hand-volley battles) I can't get to my forehand side ( I know "there's your answer Rick, Your Slow & OLD) & if I do it's usually results in a weak attackable shot or a pop up.
I see that a lot in my students. That usually means that your favoring your backhand to much in your ready position. Try getting your elbow closer to the side of your body. That will help in being quicker to the forehand.
Thanks John, sounds like me with my paddle at 9 o’clock than at 1100 . I ‘ve Watch other Pro’s advice like Tyson who suggest putting a ball in your armpit to do keep your elbows in for more compact swing !!! Practice practice practice 👍🏼
I invented/patented an accessory you fasten to your handle that gives you both the Eastern and Continental grip at the same time without affecting your two hand grip! It opens up new, unexpected shot possibilities. Coming soon to a Pickleball court near you!
Loved the cameo appearances by the dogs (loved the video too :). What about grips for backhands, particularly two handed backhands? Where does the non-dominant hand on the two hander, which does most of the work, sit? Thanks.
Such great content! Again! I'd love to hear your thoughts on adding thickness to the handle, wrapping the paddle: why one does this, how much to add. Thanks again!
I was looking for ur paddle and read its 10.5MM. Can u give reasons why u like it so thin? I would think that the paddle has slingshot power. Whats longevity on the paddle? U switch often?
Hi John quick ? When you are moving your lower part of your hand to adjust to the shot you want. Can you show us wherei the butt end of the paddle is Landing in your hand. Thanks Edward.
It's interesting that you say to disregard the semi-western grip and western grip as these are rarely used. Look at Simone Jardim's video on Forehand Topspin Groundstrokes and she says to use the semi-western grip for these.
Yeah, I hear you that’s a tricky one. I find if I focus on keeping my shoulders relaxed that helps a lot. If you feel the tension in your shoulders then you’re most likely gripping too tight.
Your videos are a cut above other channels' videos. I was wondering if you would cover the actual paddle grip materials, sizes, and modifications and how they relate to gameplay and injuries. I recently hurt my wrist playing racquetball and now for pickleball have had to switch to a light paddle with bigger grip circumference. (at least for now) . Thanks John.
Thanks, I really appreciate that! I’m actually about to do a video about my new signature paddle I have coming out. I’ll make sure to include some of that info in that video. 👍
Great video John on grip and changes. I totally agree with your strategy and recommend. I also use primarily continental but eastern on my serves and forehand drives and 3rd drop. Just now I've seen backhand roll using extreme continental grip. Do you use that as well or just continental to backhand roll?
Thanks. I pretty much keep my eastern grip for the backhand roll except I shift how the bottom of my hand sits on the paddle like I showed in the bonus tip.
Very good info. Pretty much the same style as you and manipulate the paddle in hand to get that nasty backhand roll shot. However, I’m not really on bevel 3 I think. I guess a semi Eastern lol. If that is a thing. Knuckle is like half bevel 2 half bevel 3. I’m a hard driver and drop on 5th shot if it’s required.
I taught myself an extreme topspin serve from the semi-western, with my pinky hanging off the bottom for even more whip. As I only really use this on the serve and I didn't think grip switching would be much of a problem. But then I found that my brain gets a bit murky on the distance from my hand to my paddle's sweet spot. I haven't used this in game play much, and if the murkiness continues I'll soon drop the semi-western grip completely. I will miss my new serve that lands 12" past the NVL, barely bounces up beyond sock height, takes a big scoot on hitting the ground, then passes the baseline before the second bounce. Because I don't always get the spin just right, it often lands longer, which is still a good serve. This is very difficult to read from the other side with an apex that's extremely hard to predict.
Excellent explanation! I've been using a continental grip and thinking about switching to eastern as it sounds you did. I've been struggling a bit with forehand consistency and my backhand is more solid on drops, dinks, and volleys. My dad taught me the old school continental tennis grip when I was a kid, and I never really learned how to use the more modern grips to increase spin. Any thoughts on making that transition?
For tennis, I think semi-western is the way on the forehand. It is what I use. But there are advantages of using an eastern forehand for tennis, as the ball does go through the court faster. Graf and Sampras were the last great eastern forehand players.
I think switching to an eastern opens the door to a lot of benefits in the long run. Just understand that a grip change can be a very painful process at the beginning though. It’s gonna feel very foreign for a while.
Great video John. I was just watching other UA-cam grip videos because I was thinking of switching from a continental to eastern grip. What grip do u use on your backhand grip? I find when I extend my finger on the face it leads to me having more of a continental grip.
Thanks John. I had trouble understanding the last part of your video about a slight shift of the bottom of the paddle instead of full grip change. I think I understand it now. Your Eastern grip on forehand is spread out over the grip w a trigger finger. The Eastern grip on backhand is less spread out and more horizontal to bottom of grip creating more of a cocked wrist feel.
Thanks for posting your experiences. I always wondered if pros make tiny adjustments for forehand and backhand shots. Do you make the same tweaks if you're up at the net/don't have much time? Assume it's less, but depends on situation. Thx for making the video!
I believe Federer has said he used multiple grips on his forehand, more semi-western like if he wants depth, and more eastern like if he wants to flatten it out.
i know you're sponsored by Proxr, so it may be biased, but i was wondering if you could do a review on your paddle. I've tried looking for reviews on it, and can't find any video reviews anywhere.
John, Great explanation of your grip technique. Can you elaborate just a little more on your grip pressure ? I guess my question is Once you have that firm wrist, loose forearm, elbow and shoulder is that your grip for all shots ?
Yeah, good question. I pretty much try maintain that pressure for all shots. There shouldn’t be a need to switch your grip pressure to hit different types of shots.
Great vid. Do you find yourself using continental more as the default when up close at the net to help with quick reaction shots because forehand doesn't suffer as big of a loss in continental as backhand does if stuck in eastern forehand? This is how I would explain the subtle grip adjustment technique which I assume is similar to what you are doing: - for me the ball of my palm is on bevel 3 for eastern forehand which is usually my default - for backhand the ball of my palm is on bevel 2 for a more continental grip for wrist flexibility and also so the thumb can rest flat across bevel 7 - to easily switch from eastern forehand to continental backhand I do a tiny reverse hammer wrist motion with the paddle to make the paddle momentarily weightless in the air which makes it easy for the ball of the palm to disconnect from the handle as the head of the paddle swings up slightly and the handle swings down slightly so the ball of the palm can be bumped from bevel 3 to bevel 2 - to go from continental backhand to eastern forehand, gravity is more on your side so I can just loosen my grip so that the paddle head starts tilting downward which pushes the handle up in the loosened hand so that the handle movement repositions the ball of the palm from bevel 2 to bevel 3
Your bonus tip is interesting, but not quite understood. It would be cool to hear more about your grip pressure change and see from both sides of the hand. Are you changing grip pressures during play, or always pretty relaxed (forearm test)?
Thanks John, I’m not a big believer in different grip pressures for different shots. You can hit any shot you need to soft or hard with pretty close to the same grip pressure.
I teach pickleball, mostly to beginners and intermediates. Something I’ve seen frequently is placement of the thumb on top of the paddle. I know that’s an unstable grip and tell the students as much. However, I’d like to understand why students hold the paddle in that manner in the first place. Is it to place the palm on the flat of the paddle? John, would you suggest a grip change for this type of player to (probably) the continental?
Yeah, I’ve seen this quite a bit as well. I think that people feels like it gives them stability behind the paddle when they’re punching a backhand. I strongly encourage people not to do that. I’d rather see them put they’re index finger on the paddle if anything.
Thank you! Does your ProXR paddle not have the 23 degree angled handle? I’ve been recently using a ProXR Signature with the angled grip, and love the touch, but I’m finding that my hand kind of gets stuck in its grip position when I need to quickly change to a backhand volley. I think I’m usually using continental, sometimes some Eastern, and apparently I must normally shift the bottom of my hand when doing backhand with traditional handles, but I haven’t been able to maneuver my hand/fingers the same way with the angled handle. Like it’s a bit of an obstruction. Was wondering if you ever experienced this and if it’s just something that takes time to get used to?
Yes, mine does have the 23 degree angle but it is the new style where it’s turned 90 sideways to help favor an eastern grip over a continental. My new signature paddle is coming out next week and you will be able to purchase them with the butt cap turned 90 degrees. It’s great!
Best grip video out there. You show and explain it so clearly. Other videos talk about it and what they show flashes off the screen so fast you no longer see the hand position.
thank you!
Thank you John. You're an articulate teacher that makes comprehension of your well thought out curriculum easy.
Best explanation on grip tension I've seen so far, and it's my hardest habit to break. Thanks John!
I have came back to this video many times. It's like golf... you get your grip perfect... go play for a while... then you need to revisit your grip because it changed without you even knowing it and is ALLLL wrong out of know where. Just went from a CRBN1 to a Legacy Pro and had to revisit my grip. My "soft hands" weren't soft with Legacy... turns out it was not the paddle... my grip wasn't what I thought it was... something sneakily changed and I got bad habits. Thanks, I was able to adjust to the Legacy Pro immediately and it improved my game and gave me the power I needed without having to destroy my already injured shoulder. Your video is the ONLY pickleball video that completely, and correctly, addresses all parts of the proper grip.
Separately I never really understood, absorbed, your "secret tip". I was still switching between eastern forehand to continental and back and forth. I recently saw this video ua-cam.com/video/WEMbmDurvNk/v-deo.html (@50s) and between the two... it all made sense. I don't need to change my grip... going to a one handed tennis backhand grip style in eastern changes the face angle and makes the backhand topspin suddenly easier... i don't have to go back to continental... I am kinda in a modified continental. Thanks!
Hey Thanks, I’m glad to hear the video is helping you figure things out. I tried to cover as much as possible without making tit too long and boring.
As a beginner, this has been the most helpful grip video I’ve seen. Thanks!
Finally, this is the info I’ve been looking for. Nobody else has explained this and it helps me so much!
One of best videos I have seen on grips. This was and easy to understand. I have really come to appreciate your videos. You are a wealth of knowledge. Keep up the great work.
Nice, clear video- thanks. I would add about the use of one’s index finger sticking forward (from personal experience) that the downsides are:
1. A reduced hitting surface. (Unless you’re ok with (2).
2. A hard shot off the finger, especially in cold weather, is no fun (except, probably, for everybody else watching).
3, The tendency for that finger to push a twist into your paddle angle.
I've only been playing PB for a year or so, but I watch a lot of UA-cam videos to help me get better (currently a 3.5 player). I've seen 4 or more videos on grip but never felt like I understood until watching your video showing where my knuckle is on position 2 for Continental grip. Thanks for helping me understand! Also appreciated that Eastern grip is easier for forehand and Continental for backhand. And having finger on paddle for greater control. Thanks again
Absolutely fantastic video! John is a great teacher ! Just found his lessons and started with this one. I am fairly new to the sport and been stuck for months at the same 3.5 level. always used the Continental Grip seemed that was the conventual wisdom. Played with grip pressure but still hit balls out and into the next, tried different paddles 13,14,16 mm. Then John showed how the eastern grip could help and should or could be used with the Continental Grip. Now I have only used it for about 3 days... 6 hrs of playing.... My unforced errors, net balls, out balls reduced by 60%. My control of my spin shots has also improved. Hope it was not a short lived improvement but man its been fun!
I’m in the same situation as you were and considering switching to full eastern grip. My concern is on the backhand volley and losing power at the net. I use continental at the net. Did it take some adjustment with eastern grip at the net, especially on the backhand?
10:00 It's great to mention this aspect of the grip. I only figured this out recently myself. The way this is explained-when anyone bothers to explain this-is that the bottom of the palm on the pinky side of the hand should be one bevel over from your base knuckle.
Fantastic video John! I was using an Eastern grip and just switched to a Continental. SO much better for me for volleying. I also now use the index finger ON the paddle as I come from table tennis and this feels very natural to me. Awesome!
amazing how fast times change...in a year, with a lot of players now using western grip for some shots. I switched to western or semi-western for serves.
Thank you so much for this! I had never thought about the angle in my hand. That's the key I have been looking for! I like having my knuckle on the flat part, 3 I think it is, for my forehand with the angle like you mentioned. But now I can just change that angle by moving the butt a little and I have the perfect backhand grip too! That makes so much more sense for me! I have watched a lot of videos on this and yours was the only one that brought that up. Thank you!
That's great, Im glad to hear it helped 👍
You’ve grown your subscriber base so quickly because your videos are unique and VERY informative.
Really helpful - thanks for sharing! Helped to clear some things up for me!
Best video about gripping paddle. I'm fairly new at this, but I find I'm changing grips quite a bit. When I'm able to do a backhand roll, my right knuckle is on the "1" position. I find it puts me in a really good position to hit a solid backhand roll with a lot of speed. It's something I've recently learned, and it has way upped my game. Even when I watch more seasoned players, I see some don't have that shot. Not saying I'm a better player by any stretch, it's just that on that particular shot, I feel I'm in a much stronger position. And it's a shot that comes up quite often in a match. For my forehand, I definitely have an eastern grip. Dinking, I'm in the Continental grip.
You mentioned not changing to different grips, but you do change how you change your hand on the paddle. When doing that, are you able to just do it with your right hand, or do you bring your left hand into play?
Thanks, so if you’re doing more minor grip shifts like I showed in the bonus tip I can do that without using the other hand. I think once you getting into bigger grip changes your off hand needs to aid in that which can take a bit more time.
Looks to me that pros are switching grips during play. Ben is in eastern when cross court backhand but continental doing backhand roll.
Great explanation of grips and tricks to switching!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks John for making this video! This shows you are responsive to your audience, which will help you grow your reach quickly.
Thanks Jacob 😊
Thank you so much for your very Clear and easy to understand all of the grip type , pressure and so on .
Also you are right to the point .
I also like your tone of voice , very smooth and calm ,
Thank you again
Thanks so much, I’m glad the video helped out 😊
I recently made a small change which has created immediate positive results. Paddles with a 5.25" handle length forces a person who DOESN'T want to put their index finger on the paddle to hold the paddle whereby part of the palm pad of your hand is BELOW the butt end of the handle.
Within the last couple of months, I bought a new paddle with a 5.5" handle length but at beginning continued to hold the paddle with part of my palm pad below the handle butt end but I was able to put my finger on the handle itself. However taking out a ball machine a couple of weeks ago, I experimented with moving my palm pad to even or every so slightly about the handle butt end. Well this past week playing 3x against very good competition, this little change of moving my hand up the handle slightly has given me more control and provided more precise shot-making. Baseline drives are now landing an inch or two inside the line instead of inches outside sidelines, flicks are going right to where I am aiming and overall I feel more in control with my paddle face.
The bottom line is my paddle face is FLUSH to the ball at point of contract much more often than before when the paddle face might have been 1/8" open. IMO this is analogous to a golf club head which is 1/8" of an inch open causing a slice rather than being flush at contract adding yards and control to a golf ball.
So I will never buy another paddle unless the handle length is 5.5" as 5.25" is too short and creates either the finger issue or where your palm pad rests on the handle butt end. I also use only a one-handed backhand so a 5 5/8" handle is also not right for me.
I learn more from UA-cam content creators than any group lessons. Thank you 🙌👍🏻
Happy to help!
So helpful - didn’t know about the “eastern” - helping with the topspin. A bit of important info people left out. You just changed my game mahalo. 2023 PB resolution was “Slice Serve”, 2024 is “Top Spin” - thanking you from Hawaii.
This is a very well done instructional John. Thanks.
I like using my finger on the paddle for my forehand and I switch it off when I use my backhand. Problem solved! Thanks for your teaching!
Happy to help!
I have never heard anyone suggest moving the bottom part of your hand on the paddle as an adjustment for different shots. What a great idea. I tried it today and loved it.
Very good coverage of grips techniques. I would like to know more about the placement of the thumb with the various grips.
Love your simple explanation of these girls!
Glad you like them!
Great video. Everyone talks about the finger position for the continental grip, but this is the first I've seen that discusses the "bonus tip"
Thanks Charles. I appreciate it!
Do you think you could make a video on anticipation along with what you look for in opponents body and paddle positions to help determine where they are most likely going with the shot?
Thanks for your content. I enjoy the way you break things down.
I agree, nobody has a video like this
Yeah, that’s a great idea. I’ve got the next couple videos planned but I’ll put this on the list for soon after.
@@johncincolapickleball awesome thanks John.
That would be a great video. Although, I think a lot of it plays into the shot you give them and having an understanding on what shots are high percentage for them and low percentage. You kind have to have an idea on what your shot wants to achieve.
@@REZlostboyz Totally agree with you one that. But I think there has gotta be some tips on watching players eyes, head , body position and paddle position that gives a tell. Or maybe just a general of which one of those is the most important to try and pay attention to that. Thanks for the input.
WOW, by far the best explanation on grips and I've watched many on UA-cam. One thing you didn't mention is switching hands. I'm right handed and if the ball is coming to me way to the left I sometime switch hand thinking I can't get the ball with my backhand.
Thanks, I would encourage you not to switch hands on purpose. If it’s something you instinctually do in the moment it’s not terrible but I would be training or practicing for it. There’s just not time for it as you get to higher levels.
Another great job thanks CALIFORNIA Bill
Good Luck this season I do look for you on the tour.
Thanks Bill! I always appreciate your support 👍
Hey John. Good stuff. Keep it up.
Excellent video. Had tremendously helped my game!!
You're welcome!
John, awesome video! I look forward to trying your recommendation on grip pressure - this will loosen my own grip pressure substantially. Your bonus tip on hand position was something I've been waiting for for the longest time: everyone teaches finger/knuckle placement but no one I've found explain hand position, especially trigger finger. (A key in gripping a golf club!) When I first started I thought the butt end of the paddle needed to extend beyond the hand (like in golf) but I now realize having the butt end of the grip against the hand pad is more relaxing. And your method of switching grips is great. It doesn't require both hands, like I've seen other instructors suggest. Again, another super video lesson. Thanks!
Thanks so much! Glad to hear that the video was able to help out. 👍
Another great informative video John! Showing grip pressure and the tightening of the forearm, will most definitely help me with my shoulder! Thank you! Looking forward to more of your videos!
Thanks so much AJ. Glad it helped 👍
Thanks John make it easy to help my students and review my technique
Happy to help!
Wow! I now realize that I shift my grip constantly as I play - Continental favoring my weaker backhand, and sometimes adding my thumb; and Eastern favoring my forehand, usually with the addition of my index finger. It's no wonder that I enjoy the deep game more than the short game, as moving the paddle grip quickly is very difficult. One advantage to this method, other than optimizing grips for each type of stroke, is that I have to maintain a fairly light paddle grip. But another downside is that my wrist action is a bit too strong, leading to unreliable shots. Thanks for the help!
great observation!
As with all of John’s videos he explains the why, the how and practical application. Thank you John
Very well done. Good pace so that anyone can follow.
Thanks for watching Paul!
Such a helpful video. I'm in the process of improving my grip and transitioning to continental and eastern. I've been playing more so with the ping pong grip and have gotten away with it. I do notice I lose out on power and reach though. Def going to work on committing to continental and eastern. Thanks again for creating this helpful video. It answered a lot of questions I had
Glad it was helpful!
Wow! The bonus tip just explained something that was so perplexing to me as a coach! Sometimes my beginning students had what seemed to be a continental grip, however their paddle maneuverability seemed to be a little awkward. THANK YOU for this tip! Really been loving the content you've been putting out.
Cool, I’m glad to hear that it helped out. It’s one of those things that can easily get overlooked
Most helpful video yet. Can't believe it's been out for a year and I just came across it.
Glad it helped!
@@johncincolapickleball It was truly the best tutorial on grips that I've seen. As it turns out, I started with Western, then evolved to Eastern, and now focus on Continental. I still find myself hitting overhands in Eastern, though. Continental yields the best control for backhands, and it's not even a contest.
Thanks again, John!
Thank you for this video. It helps me find where to position my hands and finger. Amazing video.
Excellent instructions! best video that I have watched. Thanks!
I just started pickleball and use a western grip. Zero change in grip between backhand and forehand and the same side of the paddle hits the ball regardless of forehand or backhand. When I get to the net, I just change to regular continental grip. Seems to be working well so far.
Going semi-western is not great for pickleball or squash. The two games have faster action and smaller courts, which makes changing grips difficult. I am semi-western in tennis on forehand, and continental on serve and volleys. I move my grips slightly when I go from forehand to backhand or the other way. My ready position is in semi-western.
That can work and I’ve known a few people who do that. The big hole with that grip is low backhands become very difficult to deal with.
Great tutorial! Answered all the questions I had about grips. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Crisp video. I've been thinking about trying Eastern, I'm on Continental (Pingpong background) It's good to see the tip about easy switching. I've seen tennis background folks that do visible switches from the baseline, albeit effective. It's always been overwhelming to comprehend all that. This is a great start. Thank you
Yeah, I hear you. I really struggled at the beginning with switching and how to handle that. It becomes second nature and a while.
I am not a natural athlete. These videos are so helpful.
Glad you like them!
Absolutely 💯 great stuff. How you break down your content and the explanations with the video demonstrations are awesome. Keep them coming because I'm learning alot.
Thanks so much Ginny. I always love to hear the feedback that the videos are helping to improve 👍
Muchos usamos paletas Onix que tiene cuatro caras y personalmente me queda mucho más cómoda. Tengo artrosis en la mano y nunca tuve una molestia . Recomiendo que prueben esta empuñadura es super cómoda.
Thanks John, well said, and thanks for the video.
Great coverage! Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey John, another insightful video, especially about your personal morphing into an Eastern Grip for singles. My issue for myself is, although I use a Continental grip (from tennis/ping pong background), I find at the Kitchen Line (in speed ups or faster hand-volley battles) I can't get to my forehand side ( I know "there's your answer Rick, Your Slow & OLD) & if I do it's usually results in a weak attackable shot or a pop up.
I see that a lot in my students. That usually means that your favoring your backhand to much in your ready position. Try getting your elbow closer to the side of your body. That will help in being quicker to the forehand.
Thanks John, sounds like me with my paddle at 9 o’clock than at 1100 . I ‘ve Watch other Pro’s advice like Tyson who suggest putting a ball in your armpit to do keep your elbows in for more compact swing !!! Practice practice practice 👍🏼
I invented/patented an accessory you fasten to your handle that gives you both the Eastern and Continental grip at the same time without affecting your two hand grip! It opens up new, unexpected shot possibilities. Coming soon to a Pickleball court near you!
Sounds interesting. Send me some info about it
Awesome video and information! Thank You
I use eastern grip but change it to continental when I’m on the right side.
New to pb. Thanks for the clarification
Loved the cameo appearances by the dogs (loved the video too :). What about grips for backhands, particularly two handed backhands? Where does the non-dominant hand on the two hander, which does most of the work, sit? Thanks.
You explained to me now why I'm doing well on some shots and mediocre on others... Thank you 🤠
Happy to help!
Such great content! Again! I'd love to hear your thoughts on adding thickness to the handle, wrapping the paddle: why one does this, how much to add. Thanks again!
Thanks so much 👍. I’ve got a video coming out soon introducing my new signature paddle. I’ll include some info about grip size in that video.
I was looking for ur paddle and read its 10.5MM. Can u give reasons why u like it so thin? I would think that the paddle has slingshot power. Whats longevity on the paddle? U switch often?
thank you , very useful.
Great stuff John. A+ content and presentation.
Thanks so much 😊
Hi John quick ? When you are moving your lower part of your hand to adjust to the shot you want. Can you show us wherei the butt end of the paddle is Landing in your hand. Thanks Edward.
It's interesting that you say to disregard the semi-western grip and western grip as these are rarely used. Look at Simone Jardim's video on Forehand Topspin Groundstrokes and she says to use the semi-western grip for these.
I find the most difficult part of grip pressure, is maintaining a relaxed grip during the point. Any pointers on how to stay relaxed during the point?
Yeah, I hear you that’s a tricky one. I find if I focus on keeping my shoulders relaxed that helps a lot. If you feel the tension in your shoulders then you’re most likely gripping too tight.
Great video 🦮🏓 would you agree that squeezing the grip too tight causes tendonitis? Or is it faulty backhand mechanics?
Do you adjust to a more closed paddle (backhand eastern?) to do topspin backhand drives?
I’m adjusting my grip very little from forehand to backhand. It’s done mostly in adjusting my wrist position.
So do you still use your Eastern grip (and the modified for backhand) at the NVZ or do you go Continental there for hand battles?
No, I’m never in continental anyone. Full eastern.
Your videos are a cut above other channels' videos.
I was wondering if you would cover the actual paddle grip materials, sizes, and modifications and how they relate to gameplay and injuries.
I recently hurt my wrist playing racquetball and now for pickleball have had to switch to a light paddle with bigger grip circumference. (at least for now) . Thanks John.
Thanks, I really appreciate that! I’m actually about to do a video about my new signature paddle I have coming out. I’ll make sure to include some of that info in that video. 👍
@@johncincolapickleball That sounds great.
Great video John on grip and changes. I totally agree with your strategy and recommend. I also use primarily continental but eastern on my serves and forehand drives and 3rd drop. Just now I've seen backhand roll using extreme continental grip. Do you use that as well or just continental to backhand roll?
Thanks. I pretty much keep my eastern grip for the backhand roll except I shift how the bottom of my hand sits on the paddle like I showed in the bonus tip.
@@johncincolapickleball you mean keep continental?
Best grip video I have seen in over 3 years. Terrific!!
Thanks! I appreciate that
Great information.
John - how much should the bottom of my hand hang off the paddle?
Any insight there?
Very good info. Pretty much the same style as you and manipulate the paddle in hand to get that nasty backhand roll shot. However, I’m not really on bevel 3 I think. I guess a semi Eastern lol. If that is a thing. Knuckle is like half bevel 2 half bevel 3. I’m a hard driver and drop on 5th shot if it’s required.
Great job
Thanks!!
Great video!
I taught myself an extreme topspin serve from the semi-western, with my pinky hanging off the bottom for even more whip. As I only really use this on the serve and I didn't think grip switching would be much of a problem. But then I found that my brain gets a bit murky on the distance from my hand to my paddle's sweet spot. I haven't used this in game play much, and if the murkiness continues I'll soon drop the semi-western grip completely.
I will miss my new serve that lands 12" past the NVL, barely bounces up beyond sock height, takes a big scoot on hitting the ground, then passes the baseline before the second bounce. Because I don't always get the spin just right, it often lands longer, which is still a good serve. This is very difficult to read from the other side with an apex that's extremely hard to predict.
Do you use a continental grip when you're up on the kitchen line for volleys?
Excellent explanation! I've been using a continental grip and thinking about switching to eastern as it sounds you did. I've been struggling a bit with forehand consistency and my backhand is more solid on drops, dinks, and volleys. My dad taught me the old school continental tennis grip when I was a kid, and I never really learned how to use the more modern grips to increase spin. Any thoughts on making that transition?
For tennis, I think semi-western is the way on the forehand. It is what I use. But there are advantages of using an eastern forehand for tennis, as the ball does go through the court faster. Graf and Sampras were the last great eastern forehand players.
I think switching to an eastern opens the door to a lot of benefits in the long run. Just understand that a grip change can be a very painful process at the beginning though. It’s gonna feel very foreign for a while.
good video, good detail
Great video John. I was just watching other UA-cam grip videos because I was thinking of switching from a continental to eastern grip. What grip do u use on your backhand grip? I find when I extend my finger on the face it leads to me having more of a continental grip.
I keep my eastern grip but I shift the bottom of my hand on the paddle to make backhands a little easier.
Thanks John. I had trouble understanding the last part of your video about a slight shift of the bottom of the paddle instead of full grip change. I think I understand it now. Your Eastern grip on forehand is spread out over the grip w a trigger finger. The Eastern grip on backhand is less spread out and more horizontal to bottom of grip creating more of a cocked wrist feel.
Thanks for posting your experiences. I always wondered if pros make tiny adjustments for forehand and backhand shots. Do you make the same tweaks if you're up at the net/don't have much time? Assume it's less, but depends on situation. Thx for making the video!
I believe Federer has said he used multiple grips on his forehand, more semi-western like if he wants depth, and more eastern like if he wants to flatten it out.
Yep, I do the same at the net. The tweaks are very minor and they’re such second nature now that I can make them in a fast hands battle.
i know you're sponsored by Proxr, so it may be biased, but i was wondering if you could do a review on your paddle. I've tried looking for reviews on it, and can't find any video reviews anywhere.
If you play with Eastern grip, how do you serve??
John, Great explanation of your grip technique. Can you elaborate just a little more on your grip pressure ? I guess my question is
Once you have that firm wrist, loose forearm, elbow and shoulder is that your grip for all shots ?
Yeah, good question. I pretty much try maintain that pressure for all shots. There shouldn’t be a need to switch your grip pressure to hit different types of shots.
Solid video! Awesome
Appreciate it!
Do you use the eastern grip for volleys also, or do you switch to the continental grip for both forehand and backhand volleys?
Do you use continental or Eastern for forward hand drop
Great vid. Do you find yourself using continental more as the default when up close at the net to help with quick reaction shots because forehand doesn't suffer as big of a loss in continental as backhand does if stuck in eastern forehand?
This is how I would explain the subtle grip adjustment technique which I assume is similar to what you are doing:
- for me the ball of my palm is on bevel 3 for eastern forehand which is usually my default
- for backhand the ball of my palm is on bevel 2 for a more continental grip for wrist flexibility and also so the thumb can rest flat across bevel 7
- to easily switch from eastern forehand to continental backhand I do a tiny reverse hammer wrist motion with the paddle to make the paddle momentarily weightless in the air which makes it easy for the ball of the palm to disconnect from the handle as the head of the paddle swings up slightly and the handle swings down slightly so the ball of the palm can be bumped from bevel 3 to bevel 2
- to go from continental backhand to eastern forehand, gravity is more on your side so I can just loosen my grip so that the paddle head starts tilting downward which pushes the handle up in the loosened hand so that the handle movement repositions the ball of the palm from bevel 2 to bevel 3
Awesome video. Well presented and easy to understand and follow. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Your bonus tip is interesting, but not quite understood. It would be cool to hear more about your grip pressure change and see from both sides of the hand. Are you changing grip pressures during play, or always pretty relaxed (forearm test)?
Thanks John, I’m not a big believer in different grip pressures for different shots. You can hit any shot you need to soft or hard with pretty close to the same grip pressure.
I teach pickleball, mostly to beginners and intermediates. Something I’ve seen frequently is placement of the thumb on top of the paddle. I know that’s an unstable grip and tell the students as much. However, I’d like to understand why students hold the paddle in that manner in the first place. Is it to place the palm on the flat of the paddle? John, would you suggest a grip change for this type of player to (probably) the continental?
Yeah, I’ve seen this quite a bit as well. I think that people feels like it gives them stability behind the paddle when they’re punching a backhand. I strongly encourage people not to do that. I’d rather see them put they’re index finger on the paddle if anything.
Do you shift your grip more to your palm for kitchen volleys? I have seen others promote knuckles forward for this. Are these the same?
Great video.
Thanks!
More videos please 🙏
Thank you! Does your ProXR paddle not have the 23 degree angled handle? I’ve been recently using a ProXR Signature with the angled grip, and love the touch, but I’m finding that my hand kind of gets stuck in its grip position when I need to quickly change to a backhand volley. I think I’m usually using continental, sometimes some Eastern, and apparently I must normally shift the bottom of my hand when doing backhand with traditional handles, but I haven’t been able to maneuver my hand/fingers the same way with the angled handle. Like it’s a bit of an obstruction. Was wondering if you ever experienced this and if it’s just something that takes time to get used to?
Yes, mine does have the 23 degree angle but it is the new style where it’s turned 90 sideways to help favor an eastern grip over a continental. My new signature paddle is coming out next week and you will be able to purchase them with the butt cap turned 90 degrees. It’s great!
@@johncincolapickleball Thank you! I was going to ask about the release of your new paddle. Congratulations on that.
Eastern appears to be a basic tennis forehand grip.
thx for this video