Are Longer Pickleball Paddles Better?

Are you not getting adequate support from your current pickleball paddle? Don’t you get your preferred accuracy to play pickleball better?

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial. The size of a pickleball paddle often plays a key role in your gameplay. But what is the ideal length of a pickleball paddle?

Are longer pickleball paddles better? Longer paddles offer more reach and power, especially for larger hands. But an excessively long handle has a reduced sweet spot. This can be a problem for beginners due to a lack of short accuracy. 

Read more: Long Handle vs Short Handle Pickleball Paddle

Are Longer Pickleball Paddles Better?

Longer pickleball paddles

Regardless of the pickleball paddle you choose, you want to ensure it feels right while holding it. Generally, longer paddles come with a large grip. They provide increased stability to hold the racquet firmly. Your arm will be free from stress even after having it for a long time.

According to several pickleball experts, longer pickleball paddles offer more reach and power. You are less likely to miss the ball from hitting on the court. However, tall players prefer longer paddles because their larger hands can easily hold the longer handle.  

Furthermore, if you have a habit of playing faster swing shots, a longer paddle comes in handy too. But shorter players or players who prefer to play slower swing shots should use shorter or standard pickleball paddles.   

Moreover, a too-long paddle will make the sweet spot of the pickleball paddle compact. A small sweet spot area is not at least a good choice for beginners. You will miss the accuracy of shots. In addition, the ball will not go in your desired direction at the right speed.

What Should Be The Ideal Length Of A Pickleball Paddle?

A pickleball paddle’s average length can be between 15.5 inches to 17 inches in length and 7 inches to 8.25 inches in width. But the total width and length can’t be more than 24 inches.

What Should Be The Ideal Length Of A Pickleball Paddle

Hence, the higher the length, the narrower the width. If you want an extra long pickleball paddle, its width will decrease. Less width means a small sweet spot.

Choosing standard pickleball paddles is better in most cases. A standard pickleball paddle has 8 inches in width and 16 inches in length. But it depends on your preference.

Check your pickleball paddle length from the PIckleballcentral paddle comparison chart

Some players may feel comfortable and can spin the ball effectively with shorter paddles. In contrast, some may prefer longer paddles to get extra stability.

 Before choosing a particular type of paddle, you want to consider how you feel with the specific size paddle. You can test your friends and family paddles longer or shorter than usual.

Give More Priority In Your Gameplay!

Recreational or seasonal players don’t focus on the paddle size too much. But professional or regular players should never overlook the size of a pickleball paddle. After all, it will affect their gameplay. You should not mind spending extra time and money to get the right one.

Make sure you feel comfortable and solid while holding the particular size paddle. Only then will you be able to uplift your pickleball performance. The wrong size will prevent you from concentrating on your gameplay. It may even cause tennis elbow or other arm injuries.