When it comes to pickleball, having the right paddle is essential to your performance. Long handle paddles are becoming increasingly popular, especially for players who want more control and reach.
Long handle paddles offer extra leverage, reach, and control, making them ideal for certain playing styles. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Long handle paddles provide players with more options for grip, control, and reach. They’re particularly useful for those who want to cover more ground or take more powerful shots.
What is a long handle pickleball paddle?
A long handle pickleball paddle is designed with an extended handle, offering more reach for the player during rallies.
Long handle paddles provide an extended reach and enhanced control, ideal for players looking to cover more area on the court.
The main feature of a long handle paddle is, of course, the handle itself. Typically, standard pickleball paddles have handles that range from 4 to 5 inches in length. However, long handle paddles often extend the handle by 1 to 2 inches, offering players more room for their grip.
This extended length gives players greater flexibility, especially when they need to stretch or execute a wider range of shots. With more handle length, players can get better leverage, which translates to more control when hitting volleys or serves. Additionally, a longer handle can help with reducing wrist fatigue since it gives more options for positioning.
While long handle paddles may not be for every player, they are great for those who want more versatility in their paddle and need extra reach without losing control.
How does a long handle paddle affect gameplay?
A long handle paddle changes the way you play by giving you more leverage, reach, and power.
The extra length allows you to make more aggressive plays, offering greater reach on shots and enhancing control.
The increased handle length of a long handle paddle provides better leverage, especially on shots that require power or precision. For example, when executing a serve or smash, the extra length can give you more swing power, allowing you to generate faster shots.
Furthermore, long handle paddles are beneficial for players who rely on fast, aggressive play near the net. The extended handle offers more reach for volleys, especially in those tight situations where every inch counts. This extra reach can help you execute shots that you otherwise might miss with a shorter handle.
However, it’s important to note that the increased length does affect the paddle’s balance. While the extra length provides more reach, it can make the paddle feel slightly heavier in your hand. This could affect your ability to maneuver quickly on the court, especially during rapid exchanges.
Who should use a long handle pickleball paddle?
Long handle paddles aren’t for everyone, but they’re great for players who need extra reach or leverage for specific shots.
Players who are tall, have longer arms, or enjoy playing at the net will benefit from the added reach and control provided by a long handle paddle.
Long handle paddles are often favored by players with long arms or those who are taller than average. The added reach allows them to cover more ground on the court, making it easier to return balls and execute longer shots. This added length can also benefit players who play doubles, as it allows them to reach balls that might otherwise be out of their reach.
For players who spend a lot of time at the net or who enjoy aggressive shot-making, a long handle paddle can offer more control over shots such as volleys and smashes. It provides leverage to create more power without sacrificing precision.
Additionally, long handle paddles can be helpful for players who have a wrist injury or need a more ergonomic grip. The extra length allows for a more relaxed wrist angle, which can reduce fatigue or strain during extended play.
What are the benefits of using a long handle pickleball paddle?
There are several advantages to choosing a long handle paddle, from better reach to enhanced power and control.
Long handle paddles offer benefits like extra reach, leverage for power shots, and greater versatility in shot execution.
Increased Reach: The longer handle allows players to reach more shots, especially when playing at the net or when stretching for a wide ball. It’s particularly useful for players with longer arms who need that extra length for comfortable play.
Improved Leverage: The additional handle length gives players more leverage during swings, which means they can generate more power with less effort. This makes aggressive shots like serves and smashes easier to execute.
Better Control: With the added grip space, players can experiment with different grip styles, enhancing control over their shots. Whether you're executing a soft drop shot or a fast volley, the extended handle lets you find your preferred grip and positioning.
These benefits make long handle paddles a solid choice for certain playing styles, especially for those who like to dominate at the net or generate powerful shots from the baseline.
Are there any downsides to using a long handle pickleball paddle?
While long handle paddles have their advantages, they also come with a few potential downsides that players should consider.
The main drawbacks include increased paddle weight and the need for more precise control over your shots.
Increased Weight: The longer handle adds extra weight to the paddle, which can make it harder to maneuver quickly during fast exchanges. This might slow down your reaction time, especially during net play or quick volleys.
Potential Loss of Maneuverability: While the added reach is beneficial, it can affect the balance of the paddle, making it harder to control in tight situations. For example, quick wrist action might become more difficult, and players may find it challenging to return fast balls at close range.
Not Ideal for All Playing Styles: Long handle paddles are best suited for players who focus on reach and power. For those who prefer a more nimble, fast-paced style of play with quick reactions, the added length may not be as beneficial.
It’s important to weigh these potential downsides against the benefits, especially depending on your playing style and comfort.
Conclusion
Long handle pickleball paddles offer great benefits for players who need extra reach, power, and control. While they may not be for everyone, those who require leverage for aggressive shots or who want more court coverage will find them useful.