UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO RESORT TO DESIGNIG YOUR OWN PERFECT PADDLE, OR NOT  

     by Joe Palmere Jr.

Let's begin our little venture into Pickleball Paddle World, by referring to the 2018 IFP/USAP Official Tournament Rulebook Sec2 Court & Equipment, ss 2.E.5 Alterations: "The only alterations that can be made to a Commercial Paddle are changes to the grip, adding an edge guard, and adding name decals or identifying markings on paddle face."

The Rules Guru Article in the July/August 2017 Pickleball Magazine by Christine Barksdale, USAPA Managing Director of Competition addressed the legality of adding lead tape to the paddle handle and the head of the paddle for balance.  2E.4 & 2E.5 IFP RULES Places no restriction on paddle weight.  "Alterations" of changes to the grip and adding an edge guard are also legal.  The "Rules" do not restrict adding lead tape on the edge guard around the paddle head, and changes in the grip wrap."

Adding additional weight to a Pickleball Paddle does two things: it can provide more power to your stroke without extra strain on your shoulder; it can improve the overall balance and feel of the paddle in your hand.

The next questions to answered are how to add weight, where to add weight, and how much weight is enough?  I will answer these questions one by one, but not in the same order as presented.

Lets begin with the kind of weight we will use. I have found that the Gamma  Brand ½” x 36” lead tape used to add weight and balance to tennis racquets is ideally suited for pickleball paddles.   This lead tape weighs ½ gram per inch.  Apply this lead tape on the outside of the edge protector.  The adhesive on the lead tape sticks great to the plastic edge guard protector. 

I have found if you encircle the outer edge protector around the paddle you will add approximately 1 ounce to the paddle weight.  Begin by washing your hands, and cleaning the edge guard with alcohol and paper towel to remove any hand oils and residue. 

Next peel off the guard paper on the back of the lead tape.  Do not cut the lead tape until you are finished applying it to the paddle edge. 

Begin applying the lead tape to the edge guard just above the throat of the paddle which is above the top of the grip.  Run the tape in one piece up and around the side and top of the paddle.  Then run the lead tape down the other side along the outer part of the edge guard. 

Be sure to take your time and apply the lead tape straight along the edge protector, and smooth out any humps with your finger.  End the lead tape on the other side of the paddle face just above the throat of paddle, which is above the top of the grip. 

Wipe off the lead tape strip around the outer edge of the paddle face guard with alcohol and paper towel to remove any residue. 
Once the lead tape is applied you cover the entire lead strip around the edge guard with the Black Gamma ½” wide vinyl Finishing Tape.  This will make a cover the silver lead tape so there is no reflection or detection of  the lead tape.

Do not attempt to add the weight to the handle.  Adding weight to the handle does nothing to improve the paddle's power or balance.  

This lead strip around your paddle face will also create a different “sweet spot” location on the paddle face. The new “sweet spot”  will be more centered in the upper portion of the working paddle face. 

Next thing to do is to try out your customized paddle. If it feels too heavy or unbalanced, simply remove one inch of tape evenly from each side until the paddle feels right in your hand.   

When finished clean the outer edge guards with Windex & a paper towel.  

Gamma Lead Tape (1/2" x 36")
Available in 36" long packaged strips for retail sale or pro shop use.
1 inch of Lead Tape weighs 1/2 gram.
Available in Silver.

Joe Palmere Jr.