Switching Hands and Other Paddle Rules During Play
Also known as: switch hands with the paddle, switching hands in pickleball, switching paddle hands, is a two-handed grip legal, holding the paddle with both hands, dropped my paddle during a rally, throwing my paddle at the ball, playing with two paddles
Yes, it is legal to switch hands. Rule 12.B lets you move the paddle from hand to hand at any time and hold it with one or both hands. You must be holding it when you hit the ball, so throwing the paddle at the ball is a fault.
Section 12 of the 2026 rulebook covers the paddle during a rally. You may use or carry only one paddle (Rule 12.A). You must have it in your possession when you hit the ball (Rule 12.B). A thrown paddle that strikes the ball is a fault under Rule 12.B.1.
A dropped paddle does not end the rally by itself. Under Rule 10.J, an item that lands on your own end of the court leaves the ball in play. You can pick the paddle up and keep playing. There are two exceptions. If it lands in the kitchen as you volley, that is a kitchen fault. If it touches the net or the opponents' side while the ball is live, that is a fault under Rules 13.G and 13.H.
Switching hands is legal, but it is hard to do well. Most players are better off learning a solid backhand. In tournaments, throwing a paddle in anger can also draw a technical foul under Rule 22.D.1.
Tips by skill level
If you drop your paddle, keep playing. Pick it up, and hit the next ball only when it is back in your hand.
A two-handed backhand is legal and adds stability on drives and counters. Keep a one-handed option for wide balls and fast hands battles.
Example
A wide ball pulls a right-hander to the left sideline. She switches the paddle to her left hand and hits a forehand. That is legal. Had she thrown the paddle at the ball instead, it would have been her fault.
Why it matters
Paddle questions come up in every rec game. Knowing the rules settles the argument quickly and keeps a dropped paddle from ending a point that should go on.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a dropped paddle ends the rally automatically
- Throwing the paddle at a ball out of reach, which is always a fault
- Switching hands mid-rally instead of building a reliable backhand
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to hold the pickleball paddle with two hands?
Yes. Rule 12.B lets you hold the paddle with one or both hands, and many players hit two-handed backhands.
What happens if I drop my paddle during a rally?
Play goes on. If it lands on your side, the ball stays in play under Rule 10.J, and you can pick it up. It is a fault if it lands in the kitchen as you volley, or touches the net or the opponents' side.
Can I throw my paddle to hit the ball in pickleball?
No. Rule 12.B says you must hold the paddle when you hit the ball. A thrown paddle that hits the ball is a fault against you.
Sources
Related terms
- Pickleball Grips (Continental, Eastern, Western)Many coaches teach the continental grip as the all-purpose pickleball grip. Hold the paddle like a hammer, edge up, and it works for dinks, volleys, serves and backhands without switching. An eastern grip, palm behind the handle like a handshake, gives more power on forehand drives.
- Two-Handed Backhand (Pickleball)A two-handed backhand is a backhand dink or volley hit with both hands on the paddle. It trades some reach for extra stability and paddle-face control.
- Carry (Illegal Hit)A carry is an illegal hit where the ball is scooped, slung, or held on the paddle face for an extended moment. It is not struck with a single, clean, distinct contact.
- Touching the Net and Reaching Over the NetTouching the net or net posts with your paddle, body or clothing while the ball is live is a fault. You may not hit the ball before it fully crosses to your side of the net. Your paddle may cross over the net only on the follow-through after you hit the ball.
Related guides & benchmarks
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