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The Western grip is characterized by wrapping the finger around the outside of the paddle. It’s highly effective for powerful forehands due to the hand's positioning right behind the grip, enabling significant topspin and power. However, its major drawback is the weak backhand, often necessitating a two-handed backhand for control and power, as exemplified by players like Ryley Neumann. This grip, while rare among professionals, offers advantages in avoiding the “chicken wing” position and facilitating quick, aggressive plays.
The Semi-Western grip, slightly adjusted from the Western grip, remains strong for forehands but similarly challenging for backhands. Navratil notes that while it’s less common to see players using this grip at the kitchen, it can be beneficial for baseline groundstrokes. Professionals like Anna Bright occasionally switch to a Semi-Western grip to close the paddle face for rolling forehands, though it’s not recommended to rely solely on this grip throughout a game.
The Eastern grip is one of the more balanced and widely used grips in pickleball. By positioning the hand in a shake-hands style and turning the paddle face to a 45-degree angle, this grip offers a strong forehand while still allowing for effective backhands. It’s favored by top players such as Ben Johns, Lee Waters, and J.W. Johnson. The Eastern grip provides a natural roll for forehand shots and helps players avoid the chicken wing, making it a versatile choice for various play situations.
The Continental grip, often referred to as the “shake-hands” grip, positions the paddle vertically, offering a neutral stance that doesn’t favor either forehand or backhand. It’s the grip of choice for many players, especially at the kitchen line. Navratil himself uses this grip predominantly, switching only for specific shots like forehands or his signature tomahawk. The Continental grip’s versatility makes it an essential part of a player’s arsenal, balancing control and power.
A less common but highly specialized grip is the Eastern Backhand grip, favored by players such as A.J. Koehler and Travis Rittenmeyer. This grip prioritizes the backhand, providing exceptional power but at the expense of a weaker forehand due to the open paddle face. It’s useful for players looking to dominate with backhand shots, though it requires careful adjustment and practice to integrate into regular play effectively.
Navratil emphasizes the importance of mastering one grip before experimenting with others. He suggests starting with either the Eastern or Continental grip due to their versatility. As players become more comfortable and skilled, they can explore other grips to enhance pickleball performance overall. The dynamic nature of professional pickleball sees many players switching grips multiple times within a match to maximize their advantage.
Experimenting with different grips can lead to discovering new strategies and improving overall game performance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding and utilizing these grips can be a game-changer in your pickleball journey.