Pickleball is booming across the UK, from lively courts in London to thriving community clubs in Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, mastering the right grip can transform your game, whether you’re a beginner in Leeds (40% of the market) or an advanced player in Southampton. The grip you choose affects control, spin, and power, making it essential for executing serves, dinks, and volleys. At Volleyer, our USAPA-approved T700 carbon fiber pickleball paddle (£64.79, down from £107.98) features an ergonomic, sweat-wicking grip, making it one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK for all grip styles. In this guide, we’ll explore four key pickleball grips, when to use them, and how to leverage them on UK courts in 2025 to elevate your performance.

Why Grip Matters in Pickleball

Your grip is the foundation of every shot in pickleball, influencing accuracy, spin, and comfort. A proper grip enhances control in the kitchen, power on serves, and spin on volleys, crucial for UK players on indoor Birmingham courts or outdoor pitches in rainy Cardiff. Volleyer’s T700 carbon fiber pickleball paddle, with its long, cushioned handle, supports multiple grip styles, making it ideal for beginners learning the ropes and advanced players competing in tournaments. Understanding and practicing these grips will help you adapt to the UK’s diverse playing conditions and fast-growing pickleball scene.

Grip Type	Pros & Cons	Accuracy	Power & Spin	Versatility
Continental Grip	+ Versatile grip for various shots and playing styles – May require adjustment for certain shot techniques	High	Moderate	High
Eastern Grip	+ Excellent control and accuracy – Limited power and reach	High	Moderate	Moderate
Western Grip	+ Enhanced power and reach – Decreased accuracy due to increased wrist	Moderate	High	Moderate
Semi-Western Grip	+ Balance between power and control -May require adjustment for certain shot techniques	Moderate	Moderate	High

The 4 Types of Pickleball Grips

Here are the four main pickleball grips, their benefits, and when to use them, tailored for UK players using Volleyer’s T700 paddle.

1. Continental Grip

• Description: Often called the “handshake grip,” you hold the paddle as if shaking hands, with the V of your thumb and index finger aligned with the top edge. The paddle face is neutral, versatile for all shots.
• When to Use: Ideal for beginners (40% of UK players) due to its versatility. Use it for serves, volleys, and dinks, especially in doubles games at Manchester clubs. It’s great for quick transitions between forehand and backhand, perfect for fast-paced rallies.
• Volleyer Advantage: The T700’s sweat-wicking grip ensures comfort in damp UK weather, while its textured surface adds spin to continental dinks in the kitchen (see our kitchen rules guide).
• UK Tip: On windy Brighton courts, use the continental grip for controlled serves with the T700’s lightweight 8.4oz (14mm) design.

Practice Drill: Hit 20 serves and 10 dinks with the continental grip, focusing on consistency using Volleyer’s large sweet spot.

2. Eastern Forehand Grip

• Description: Rotate the paddle slightly from the continental grip so the knuckles face upward, aligning the V of your thumb and index finger with the right edge (for right-handers). This grip emphasizes forehand power.
• When to Use: Best for powerful drives and serves, ideal for advanced UK players in singles or aggressive doubles on London courts. It’s less versatile for backhands but excels for topspin shots.
• Volleyer Advantage: The T700’s textured carbon fiber face maximizes topspin on forehand drives, while the long handle supports tennis converts (a growing UK segment) using this grip.
• UK Tip: Use on indoor Birmingham courts for powerful serves, leveraging the T700’s 14mm core for speed (see our spin guide).

Practice Drill: Rally 15 forehand drives with the eastern grip, aiming for depth, using Volleyer’s spin-friendly surface.

3. Western Grip

• Description: Rotate the paddle further so the palm faces upward, with the V of your thumb and index finger on the bottom edge. This grip is spin-heavy but less common in pickleball.
• When to Use: Suits advanced players aiming for extreme topspin on serves or groundstrokes, particularly in competitive UK tournaments. It’s less effective for volleys or backhands, so use sparingly.
• Volleyer Advantage: The T700’s textured face enhances spin, making western grip shots unpredictable, ideal for Glasgow tournaments.
• UK Tip: Reserve for outdoor Cardiff courts where spin counters wind, but switch to continental for net play.

Practice Drill: Hit 10 topspin serves with the western grip, using the T700 paddle to exaggerate spin.

4. Semi-Western Grip

• Description: The Semi-Western grip is a popular choice among players seeking a balance between power and control. It’s a modified version of the Western grip, incorporating elements of the Eastern grip. Start by placing your hand in a neutral position on the paddle handle, then slide it slightly upwards until the base of your index knuckle aligns with the third notch (between the Eastern and Western positions).
• When to Use: Ideal for players transitioning from the Eastern grip or those wanting moderate topspin without sacrificing accuracy. Use for groundstrokes, serves, or controlled drives in UK doubles games, especially in Manchester or London clubs. It’s great for players elevating their game without losing manoeuvrability.
• Volleyer Advantage: The T700’s textured carbon fiber face enhances topspin with the Semi-Western grip, while its ergonomic handle reduces wrist strain, perfect for UK players mastering spin (see our spin guide).
• UK Tip: Use on indoor Glasgow courts for controlled topspin drives, leveraging the T700’s 16mm core for accuracy in damp conditions.

Practice Drill: Hit 15 topspin groundstrokes with the Semi-Western grip, aiming for depth and spin with Volleyer’s textured surface.

Choosing the Right Grip for Your Game

• Beginners: Start with the continental grip for versatility, using Volleyer’s 16mm T700 paddle for forgiving shots in Leeds clubs.
• Intermediate Players: Combine continental and eastern forehand grips for balanced play, perfect for doubles in Manchester.
• Advanced Players: Experiment with western or backhand grips for spin and power, ideal for London tournaments.
• Tennis Converts: The backhand grip suits two-handed shots, with the T700’s long handle mimicking a tennis racket.

Tip: Practice switching grips during rallies, using Volleyer’s sweat-wicking handle for comfort in damp UK weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grip is best for pickleball beginners in the UK?

The continental grip is the most versatile option for beginners. It offers excellent control and adaptability, especially when paired with Volleyer’s T700 paddle, ideal for developing consistent shots on UK courts.

How does Volleyer’s paddle support grip techniques?

The T700 features a long, sweat-resistant handle and a finely textured surface, providing stability and comfort. Its design helps players maintain a secure hold and generate more spin, even in the UK’s cooler or damp conditions.

Is Volleyer’s paddle suitable for tournaments?

Absolutely. The T700 meets international performance standards, making it a great choice for competitive play across the UK.

Where can I buy a quality pickleball paddle in the UK?

You can find the Volleyer T700 carbon fibre paddle directly at volleyer.co.uk, with fast and reliable UK-wide delivery.

Join the Volleyer Community

Pickleball is a community sport, and Volleyer is proud to support UK players from Edinburgh to Brighton. Share your grip tips or court stories with #VolleyerUK on social media. Whether you’re mastering dinks in a Bristol club or competing in a London tournament, our premium gear is here to help you shine. Visit our site to explore our paddles and upcoming bundles, perfect for UK players aiming to grip it and win it in 2025.

Ready to perfect your grip? Shop Volleyer Now and discover why we’re the best pickleball paddle in the UK!

If our product wasn’t right for you, let us know why…

Thanks for checking out our paddles! We’d love to know what stopped you from buying today. Your feedback helps us improve.