Pickleball Paddle Breakdown By Player Type

What type of pickleball player are you? Are you on the kitchen line dinking? Drops from the backline? Maybe you're a banger looking to overpower the competition. As pickleball players, we are playing to our strengths, but are your pickleball paddles elevating your style of play? The Paddle Experts at JustPaddles break down the three (3) different types of pickleball paddles and why it’s important to match your style of play with your perfect paddle type. 

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3 Types of Pickleball Paddles:

• Balanced Pickleball Paddles
• Power Pickleball Paddles
• Control Pickleball Paddles

As the game of pickleball has grown and evolved, so have paddles. On Bainbridge Island in 1965, pickleball started with handmade wooden paddles, whereas today, pickleball paddles are made of materials used in aerospace engineering. As the sport of pickleball continues to grow, so will the different styles of players, and our goal will continue to be helping those players find the right gear! 

Are you deciding which pickleball paddle type is best for you? Take a look at your favorite pickleball player’s style, YOU! Do you consider yourself an all-around player? Are you able to attack your opponents from the backline, but able to hit a back-hand dink for a “champion shot”? A balanced pickleball paddle could be an option for you. 

Balanced Pickleball Paddles

Balanced pickleball paddles will swing as they are named, balanced! A balanced pickleball paddle will not be heavy on the end of the paddle, nor will it be too light swinging through. It is the best of both worlds! If you want to be able to finish matches with authority or have a nice touch at the net, a balanced pickleball paddle will allow you to do both! Balanced pickleball paddles will typically feature a Middleweight because these pickleball paddles are not too heavy but also not too light.

Who Should Use a Balanced Pickleball Paddle? 

• Learning the game and need an all-purpose paddle to develop your skills? ✅ A balanced paddle gives you the flexibility to explore both power shots and soft touch play to see what play style works best for you. Check out our Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners if you are just stepping on the court!
• You like to adapt your strategy based on the opponent or game situation. ✅ Balanced paddles help you stay consistent in all areas of the court.
• Playing doubles requires both precision at the net and baseline consistency. ✅ A balanced paddle supports quick reactions and controlled volleys, without sacrificing power on smashes.

Our Paddle Experts picked out one of their favorite balanced pickleball paddles suited for their game. Take a look below! 

JustPaddles Expert Pick for a Balanced Pickleball Paddle

"The Gearbox G2 Elongated Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a well-crafted tool for players aiming to enhance their performance with a paddle that offers reach, power, and precision. Standout design and quality materials make it a lasting paddle that stays as my on court paddle." 

SHOP Gearbox GX2

Power Pickleball Paddles

Power pickleball paddles, as their name suggests, will bring the power. In pickleball, power is brought to the court by weight and paddle speed. If you can swing a heavier paddle at an adequate speed, you will produce more power on the court. Because of that, power pickleball paddles will have an overall heavier weight. Along with a heavier weight, power pickleball paddles will have more “head weight” or weight distributed to the end of the paddle. This ‘’end-weight” is also why you will see more power pickleball paddles having a longer length because they require more weight towards the end of the paddle.

Who Should Use a Power Pickleball Paddle? 

Control & Touch pickleball paddles are great for players who spend most of their time at the net. Dinking, third shot drops, and the sly around-the-post shots are done with all paddles, but a touch pickleball paddle may make these shots more consistent. Touch pickleball paddles will give you the feel at the net needed to win a volley and the maneuverability to return a slam at the net. Allowing more feel and maneuverability, touch pickleball paddles are generally lighter in weight and have the feeling of your hand being one with the paddle.

Who Should Use a Power Pickleball Paddle? 

• Players who prioritize placement and precision over power 🎯
• Beginners learning to develop soft hands and consistent dinks 🎯
• Defensive players who excel at resets, drops, and strategies 🎯

JustPaddles Expert Pick for a Control Pickleball Paddle

"Standout Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle control paddle that lets you control the court and the kitchen line. Easy resets and a real deal breaker when at the kitchen line on placement shots. My paddle of choice when playing against bangers"

Shop Six Zero Double Black Diamond

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No matter the style of pickleball you bring to the court, there is a pickleball paddle type for you. Still undecided on the perfect paddle for you? Add Paddle Assurance to your next order, giving you the security to find the best pickleball paddle! 

That’s our breakdown of the different pickleball paddle types! Remember, the most crucial factor in finding the best pickleball paddle is YOU. There are hundreds of paddles on the market, which is why we have an entire page for Pickleball Paddle Reviews! If you need more information, give us a call or text at 1-866-382-3465, email us (experts@justpaddles.com), or utilize our LIVE CHAT to speak with an Expert today. We’re JustPaddles, and we’re with you from Click to Court!