Pickleball Grip Tips: Continental vs. Western vs. Eastern and Why It Matters

The Kitchen Team

Team The Kitchen

Last Edited

Aug 22 2024

Continental Grip

The Continental grip is the most traditional and widely taught grip in pickleball.

To find it, place the V of your hand (between your thumb and index finger) on top of the paddle handle, as if you’re shaking hands with it.

This grip allows for a neutral position, making it easy to switch between forehand and backhand without changing your grip.

The Continental grip excels in backhand shots, making it a favorite at the kitchen line. However, it’s not as strong for generating topspin, and it can be challenging to switch to a powerful forehand quickly.

Who Should Use It?

The Continental grip is perfect for beginners and players who want a versatile grip that works well in most situations.

If you find yourself playing a lot of dinks and defensive shots at the net, this grip will serve you well.

Eastern Grip

The Eastern grip strikes a balance between power and versatility.

To find this grip, start by shaking hands with your paddle, then rotate it slightly until the paddle face is at a 45-degree angle.

This grip naturally positions your hand to generate topspin while allowing for quick adjustments between forehand and backhand shots. It’s favored by pros like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, who excel at mixing power with precision.

The Eastern grip makes it easier to switch to your forehand quickly, an advantage in fast exchanges at the net. However, it requires some adjustment to avoid pop-ups, and getting to your backhand can be slightly tougher compared to the Continental grip.

Who Should Use It?

The Eastern grip is ideal for players who want a versatile option that allows them to execute topspin with ease while still maintaining decent backhand control.

It’s a popular choice for both singles and doubles players.

Western Grip

The Western grip is the most extreme pickleball grip option.

To find it, simply place your paddle on the ground and pick it up. Your hand will naturally wrap around the handle, positioning your knuckles almost on top of the paddle.

This grip is powerful for forehand shots, allowing you to close the paddle face and generate massive topspin. Riley Newman, a pro player known for his aggressive style, often uses a derivative of this grip to deliver scorching forehands.

However, the Western grip has its downsides. It’s challenging to hit backhands with this grip, often forcing players to use a two-handed backhand.

It’s also difficult to generate power on backhands, and your forehand becomes your go-to shot. If you’re not incredibly athletic and quick on your feet, this grip can leave you vulnerable.

Who Should Use It?

This grip is best suited for players who have a strong forehand and can cover a lot of ground quickly.

If you enjoy topspin-heavy shots and are willing to sacrifice some backhand strength, the Western grip might be for you.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle grip can make a significant difference in your game.

By the way: if you see anything with a “semi-” in front of it, that’s just a modified version of the above three grips (slightly more or less than 45 degrees).

Technically, that last pic is more like a Semi-Western grip, but who’s keeping score?

In short:

The Western grip offers power and topspin
The Eastern grip provides versatility and control
The Continental grip ensures ease of use for most shots

Try each one out and see which fits your style best!

The paddles featured in this article's photos are the recently re-stocked Proton paddles, a cult hit in the pickleball community. Click here to learn more about Proton.