Choosing a Pickleball Paddle
Also known as: best pickleball paddle for beginners, how to choose a pickleball paddle, buying a pickleball paddle, first pickleball paddle, pickleball paddle weight, paddle core thickness, pickleball paddle for beginners
For a first paddle, many coaches suggest a midweight paddle with a standard shape and a thicker, control-oriented core. It should feel comfortable in your hand without squeezing. If you plan to play tournaments, check that it is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
Weight changes the feel more than anything else. One maker's guide sorts paddles into three groups. Lightweight is under about 7.2 ounces, midweight is about 7.3 to 8.4 ounces, and heavyweight is 8.5 ounces and up. Lighter paddles move faster at the net. Heavier ones add power and stability but give up some quickness and touch. The rules set no weight limit.
Core thickness changes how the ball comes off the face. Thicker cores, around 16 mm, feel softer and more controlled. Thinner cores, around 13 mm, feel livelier and add pop. Elongated paddles add reach and leverage. Wider, standard shapes give a larger sweet spot that forgives off-center hits. Fiberglass faces usually play with more pop, and carbon faces usually feel more controlled.
Grip fit matters for comfort. A grip that is too big or too small can strain your hand and forearm. Many players start with a slightly smaller grip and build it up with an overgrip. For sanctioned play, the paddle must be on the USA Pickleball approved list. Its length plus width cannot exceed 24 inches, and its length cannot exceed 17 inches. Try demo paddles before you buy if you can.
Tips by skill level
Start with a midweight paddle with a standard shape and a thick core. It forgives off-center hits and helps soft shots stay low.
Once your game settles, match the paddle to your style. Elongated shapes suit players who drive and need reach. Wider shapes suit hands battles and resets. The rules allow weighted tape. It lets you fine-tune the weight.
Example
A beginner borrows two paddles at open play. The heavier one feels powerful but slow at the net. He buys a midweight, standard-shape paddle with a 16 mm core and adds an overgrip for a fuller handle.
Why it matters
The right paddle makes soft shots easier to control and can ease strain on your hand. The wrong one can make good technique feel off.
Common mistakes
- Buying the heaviest, most powerful paddle before your soft game is reliable
- Choosing a grip so thick that you have to squeeze to control the paddle
- Picking a paddle for looks without checking its weight and core thickness
- Bringing an unapproved paddle to a sanctioned tournament
Frequently asked questions
What pickleball paddle should a beginner buy?
Many coaches suggest a midweight paddle with a standard shape and a thicker core, around 16 mm. It is forgiving and easy to control. Make sure the grip feels comfortable without squeezing.
Is a 16mm or 14mm paddle better?
Neither is better for everyone. Thicker cores, around 16 mm, usually feel softer and more controlled. Thinner cores add pop, and cores around 14 mm sit in between.
Does paddle weight matter in pickleball?
Yes. Lighter paddles are quicker at the net. Heavier paddles add power and stability but give up some quickness. The rules set no weight limit.
Sources
Related terms
- Paddle Specification RulesFor USA Pickleball sanctioned play, your paddle must be listed as Pass on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List. To get there it must pass surface roughness, friction and glare tests. Length plus width can be no more than 24 inches, and length no more than 17 inches. There is no limit on weight or thickness.
- Ball Speed LegalityOnly officially approved balls are legal in sanctioned tournaments. Like paddles, they must pass standard tests, which for balls cover size, weight, bounce and compression. Any approved ball may be used indoors or outdoors.
- Soft HandsSoft hands is the ability to absorb pace from an incoming ball by relaxing the grip slightly at impact, converting a hard shot into a controlled, softly placed return.
- DinkA dink is a soft, controlled shot hit from near the kitchen line. It arcs just over the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen, forcing them to hit upward and preventing an aggressive return.
- DriveA drive is a hard, flat or low-trajectory shot hit from mid-court or the baseline. It aims to push opponents back or force a weak return.
Related guides & benchmarks
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