We all search for the perfect pickleball paddle tailored to our game. Fortunately, as the sport of pickleball continues to grow, the variety of paddles available to players has skyrocketed. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to choose the right one without trying each paddle individually.
Traditionally, one key factor that players have focused on when making their paddle decisions is the static weight of the paddle. The static weight refers to how much the paddle weighs when at rest (i.e., how heavy it is when placed on a scale). However, this data point doesn't provide us with much information about how the paddle will perform during play.
Now, we advocate for a greater emphasis on swing weight and twist weight when evaluating which pickleball paddle to choose, rather than solely relying on static weight.
Paddle Swing Weight
Swing Weight refers to how heavy a pickleball paddle feels when you swing it. This isn’t just about the paddle’s actual static weight; instead, it considers how the weight is distributed across the paddle. Even if two paddles have the same static weight, they can feel different when swung, depending on how their weight is balanced. For example, think about swinging a hammer. If you grip the handle and swing it, it may feel heavy. However, if you hold the head of the hammer and swing it, it will likely feel much lighter, even though the overall weight hasn't changed. This difference in perceived heaviness is due to swing weight.
When we swing a paddle, like during a serve, the paddle "pushes" back against our arm, essentially applying its weight to our arm.
A simple way to feel the swing weight of a paddle is to grab it with your dominant hand and swing it side to side. Then, pick up another paddle and do the same thing. You’ll likely notice a difference in how the two paddles feel.
The swing weight of a pickleball paddle affects your experience on the court because it influences power, maneuverability, and control. A paddle with a higher swing weight will feel heavier during swings, which may provide more power and stability to your shots. On the other hand, a paddle with a lower swing weight will feel more maneuverable and easier to control (i.e., quicker off the hand), though it may sacrifice some power.
Paddle Twist Weight
Twist weight, also known as torsional stability, refers to a pickleball paddle’s resistance to rotation when the ball strikes off-center on the paddle face. When a pickleball hits off-center, the paddle may slightly twist due to the impact. Twist weight measures the paddle's stability during these off-center hits. A higher twist weight minimizes rotation, resulting in a "sweeter" spot and greater resistance to twisting. On the other hand, paddles with lower twist weights are more responsive to off-center hits.
Twist weight is important because it affects shot consistency. A paddle with a higher twist weight provides a larger "sweet spot," maintaining control even on off-center hits. Players who prioritize stability might prefer paddles with higher twist weights. However, as twist weight increases, the maneuverability of the paddle face may decrease (i.e., slower hand speed), so it's essential to find the right balance for your playing style.
Effects of Paddle Swing Weight on Play
The swing weight of a pickleball paddle significantly impacts its performance in several key ways:
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More Power with Higher Swing Weight: A heavier swing weight allows the paddle to generate more force when hitting the ball. Think of the difference between swinging a sledgehammer and a regular household hammer. The heavier the hammer = the more force generated with each swing. Similarly, paddles with a higher swing weight provide more power, helping players drive the ball deeper with less effort.
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Slower Speed with Higher Swing Weight: While a paddle with higher swing weight offers more power, it also slows down your swing. Again, consider the difference between moving a sledgehammer versus a household hammer. It’s much harder (and takes longer) to move a sledgehammer from one side to the other. The same applies to a paddle with a heavier swing weight—it’s slower to maneuver, which may affect quick reactions during fast exchanges at the net.
For example, in singles pickleball, players may prefer a paddle with a higher swing weight. Singles matches involve more groundstrokes, where powerful serves and deep returns are crucial, and there are fewer NVZ (non-volley zone) hand battles.
Typically, a swing weight between 110 and 120 is a suitable range for most players. However, in certain conditions—like playing in strong winds where it’s difficult to hit deep shots—a heavier swing weight paddle could be beneficial.
The Downsides of Heavier Swing Weight Paddles: Despite the advantages of increased power, paddles with heavier swing weights aren’t for everyone. One drawback is the extra time required to get the paddle into position for certain shots.
For instance, if you're preparing for a backhand volley but suddenly need to respond to a fast forehand drive, it will be harder to get the heavier paddle into position compared to a lighter one. This delay in reaction time can make it challenging during fast-paced exchanges at the net, especially in doubles play where quick reflexes and fast paddle movements are crucial.
Effects of Paddle Swing Weight on Your Body
We use our hands to swing a paddle. The shoulder pushes the arm forward, swinging the paddle toward the ball to make contact and send it toward our intended target. It seems simple: the arm moves forward, the paddle follows, and the ball is struck.
But upon reflection, there’s more at play. There are several moving parts in the chain from hand to shoulder.
Beyond the complexity of the hand itself, our wrists, elbows, and shoulders are flexible, allowing a wide range of motion. The muscles, tendons, and joints in the hands, wrists, forearms, and elbows are some of the smallest parts of our bodies.
When we swing a paddle through the air, we place stress on these muscles, tendons, and joints. The greater the swing weight of the paddle, the greater the stress.
Here are two realities about paddle swing weight and our bodies:
- Heavier paddles place more strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints in our arms compared to paddles with a lighter swing weight.
- Players with smaller arms need to be especially mindful of the swing weight of the paddle they use. Paddles that male professional athletes can swing with ease might not be so easy for smaller players to handle on the pickleball court.
The pickleball wristband effectively protects your wrist from excessive strain, providing a feather-light feel for optimal comfort.
Balance Point of Paddle
The distribution of a paddle's weight is measured by finding its balance point, which is the point where the weights on both sides are equal. Understanding this balance point helps us gauge the paddle's maneuverability, especially when discussing hand speed. Balance is typically measured in points, and pickleball paddles are usually slightly "head heavy," with the balance point closer to the head rather than the handle.
Paddles with a lower balance point are considered extremely maneuverable, while those with a higher balance point are regarded as head heavy. These are often good choices for players who prioritize power over maneuverability. A paddle is deemed "balanced" if the ratio of the distance from the handle bottom to the balance point, divided by the total length of the paddle, falls between 56-59%. Understanding swing weight and twist weight is crucial for players looking to enhance their performance on the court.
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