The transition from tennis to pickleball can be tricky for some ex-players, and it can also be difficult to find the right paddle. After all, when you’re an experienced tennis player, you want a paddle that will help you play at your best while allowing you to make the most of your tennis background.
While there are several things that should be considered when selecting a paddle, such as size and weight, here are some key factors which suit an ex-tennis player: power, spin and shape.
If your background is in tennis, then a higher power rating on the paddle will give you more control over shots and enable you to summon up greater serve speeds with ease.
Additionally, spin can also give great benefits when transitioning from tennis. With the right shape of paddle head and a domed shape, controlling spin like short angle drives or backhand slices can become easier.
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List Of Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players
I recently tested multiple pickleball paddles while playing alongside former tennis players. After considering every factor imaginable- from control and power needed to the weight, shape, and size of each blade- I’ve finalised a list of the best-performing paddles for someone with a tennis background.
Not only do these picks provide ample control for manoeuvring shots around the net but they also offer enough power to hit those stellar returns.
Whether you prefer an oversized paddle or something more lightweight and compact meant for wider swings, there is sure to be an option on this list that fits your needs.
Regardless of which one you choose, now you can enter the court feeling confident knowing that with this recommended equipment in hand, you’ll have no problem mastering this amazing sport!
Franklin Sports Pro – Overall Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players
Franklin Sports Pro is my first best Pickleball Paddle for tennis players under two hundred dollars. After playing with it on and off for several months, this paddle is ideal for someone who has come to Pickleball from a background in Tennis.
The paddle comes in two sizes – 13-millimetre core and 16-millimetre – I’ve been playing with the 13-millimetre version, which is fast, forgiving and consistent, allowing me to make accurate shots easily.
It also has a five and a quarter inch grip size which is perfect for those two handed backhands! The signature max grit texture on this one only lasted about two weeks, but it still provides plenty of power behind each shot. It may not be the most forgiving for dinking, but it’s still decent.
The grip that comes with the paddle is fine, I just added a tackier wrap on there for preference, and the weight can range from seven and a half ounces up to eight, so you can find what works best for you.
One thing I did have trouble with was small pieces coming loose in the core after some time, but apart from that, the outside edge has stayed intact even when hitting against hard surfaces like concrete.
Overall I’m really happy with this pickleball paddle! It’s great value for money, considering other competitive paddles are usually up to two hundred dollars. As a former tennis player, this Pickleball Paddle is perfect as it allows me to make accurate shots easily.
All in all, I highly recommend this paddle for anyone looking to start playing Pickleball or to upgrade their current paddle!
| Feature | Description |
| Handle Circumference | 4.25″ |
| Paddle Length | 16.5″ |
| Handle Length | 5.6″ |
| Core Material | 13mm Polypropylene, MaxGrit technology |
| Weight | 7.5 – 8 oz |
| USAPA/USA Pickleball Approval | Approved by the USAPA for competitive and tournament play |
| Edge Guard | Protected with an edge guard |
Onix Evoke Premier – Best For Long Reach For Difficult Shots
As a tennis player, the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is the perfect choice for transitioning to pickleball. The paddle has a composite base and polypropylene core, adding extra power to shots while providing precision and control.
The handle length is 16 inches long, which allows for a better reach on shots, while the size at 8 inches wide provides more stability to keep my shots in bounds.
The light weight of 7.8 ounces makes this paddle incredibly easy to maneuver, so I can focus on technique rather than arm strength when playing. It also comes with a 5-0 gold medal grip that helps me get a good hold on the paddle, even during long rallies or intense matches.
I especially like the sweet spot on the paddle, which makes it almost impossible to miss a shot. This means I can stay in rallies for longer and hit more powerful shots without worrying about accuracy.
The only downside I have found with this paddle is that it does not offer much forgiveness when mishitting shots, but this is something that comes with any high-performance pickleball paddle.
In conclusion, if you are a tennis player looking for the perfect pickleball paddle, then Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is just what you need. With its lightweight and precise design, you can take your game to the next level.
Its unique sweet spot also ensures maximum accuracy and power even during intense rallies or matches so that you can stay in the game for longer. The only downside is that it does not offer much forgiveness when mishitting shots, but this is something that comes with any high-performance pickleball paddle.
I recommend the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle to any tennis player transitioning into pickleball. It has made my game more enjoyable, and I’m sure it will do the same for you!
| Feature | Description |
| Paddle Shape | 16″ x 8″ |
| Size | Standard weight |
| Shaft Material | Aluminum |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Base | Composite |
Electrum Model E – Best for Control and Forgiveness Combine
I recently purchased the Electrum Model E Pickleball Paddle for myself, and I am quite impressed. As a former tennis player, I was looking for something that combined control and forgiveness like my old racquet had provided me.
The Model E offers exactly that; its elongated shape provides an excellent feel and forgiveness, which is great for transitioning from the baseline to the transition zone.
Additionally, it has a medium spin rating, making it perfect for those who seek more control over their shots without sacrificing too much power.
The paddle also has an impressive sweet spot size due to its core thickness; this ensures that even if my strokes are slightly off or I’m late on a shot, I can still get away with it.
As for the paddle’s weight, it is a bit on the heavier side, providing great stability. This feature was especially important to tennis players who are still getting used to playing pickleball and need something that can provide accuracy and consistency when hitting shots at different angles.
Additionally, it offers an impressive sweet spot size, a great spin rating and excellent accuracy; all these features will make your game much easier during those intense rallies!
Finally, its weight ensures that you have enough stability to precisely maneuver your shots. If you’re a former tennis player looking for a paddle that can provide you with the control and forgiveness experienced players need, I recommend the Electrum Model E Pickleball Paddle!
| Feature | Description |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Materials and Technology | Built with premium Toray T700 carbon fiber for durability and consistency |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Weight | Heavier for stability and accuracy |
| USAPA Approved | Tested and approved by the USAPA |
Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro – Best Precision Paddle for Tennis Players
The Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro is the best pickleball paddle for tennis players, and it exceeded my expectations. As a tennis player, I recognize the importance of having a paddle that allows precision control and plenty of power. This paddle does just that.
I first noticed how lightweight yet powerful it feels in my hands. The 5-1/2 inch handle length is perfect for me as a “power hitter,†It made quick volleys and drives much easier for me. The 13 mm cord thickness also adds to this power, allowing me to really drive the ball back with conviction when needed.
In addition to its power capabilities, this paddle offers great spin and maneuverability. The fiberglass surface allows for more action on the ball, and I was able to hit right angles with relative ease.
This is especially important for tennis players, who need to be able to quickly change shots mid-point.
The one downside of this paddle is that it has a slightly smaller sweet spot than most other paddles, which can make it difficult to control the flight of the ball when hitting off-center shots. However, this can easily be solved with practice and by working on your technique.
Overall, the Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro is an excellent choice for tennis players looking to transition into pickleball. With its lightweight yet powerful feel and great maneuverability and spin potential, it is perfect for players who want to hit with power and accuracy. I highly recommend it!
| Feature | Description |
| Handle Length | 5-1/2 inches |
| Cord Thickness | 13 mm |
| Core Material | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 7.9-8.4 oz |
| Surface Material | Fiberglass |
| Grip length | 6 ¼ |
| Paddle Length | 16 ½†|
EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 – Best for Women Tennis Players
I am a huge fan of EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 Paddle and highly recommend it to all tennis players, especially women. It is lightweight yet powerful and provides excellent control without sacrificing spin or power.
The paddle has an extra long handle, making it easy to grip, and the face is larger than some other paddles, which helps create more power when hitting the ball.
Additionally, the wide body shape gives excellent support for defensive play and increases shots’ accuracy over the net.
The core material used in this paddle is also designed to give excellent feedback on each shot, and the added vibration dampening minimizes shock to your arm. This means that you will be able to play longer without fatigue while still achieving great shots.
The rubber used on the paddle face is also specially designed to give more power and spin when striking the ball. The overall design helps to increase control when playing as well.
Finally, this paddle is suitable for all levels of players, from beginners to professionals. Women will find it especially useful due to its lightweight nature and wide body shape, which gives greater control and accuracy for defensive play.
Overall, I love the EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 Paddle, and it is definitely a must have in any tennis bag! It provides excellent control and power while allowing aggressive attacking shots with incredible spin potential. Highly recommended for all levels of players!
| Feature | Description |
| Skin | FiberTEK |
| USAPA Listed | Approved for Tournament Play |
| Core Material | ‘ControlPro’ Polymer (with Vibration Control Technology) |
| Weight | LITE 7.5 – 7.8 oz. Standard 7.9 – 8.3 oz. |
| Surface Material | Fiberglass |
| Grip Circumference | Standard (4 3/8″), Thin (4 1/8″) |
| Paddle Length | 16.5″ long x 7.5″ wide |
Engage Pickleball Elite Pro – Best for Extra Spin
My experience with the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle was one of sheer joy. I was surprised by how light it felt in my hands, but also very well balanced and weighted.
At 8.1 ounces, it’s light enough that even after an hour or two of play, I still had no wrist or shoulder fatigue which is always a plus! But I cannot say it is one of the lightweight paddles.
This paddle works perfectly for players like 2.0, who love to spin the ball and use power when needed.
The Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle handle is slightly longer than standard pickleball paddles at 5 inches long; however, this allowed for an easier double-handed backhand shot and more control. The handle is also slightly divided to get a better grip while playing.
The face of the paddle has an amazing sweet spot that is just right for spin and power shots as well. On top of this, the polypropylene honeycomb core gives it just enough flex to increase spin without sacrificing power when needed.
Plus, its matte surface makes for a great control game.
I enjoyed the extra speed from the Elite Pro Paddle compared to my previous one – something I wasn’t expecting!
What I disliked about the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle was that it didn’t have the same ‘pop’ as my other paddle, which I found to be a bit disappointing.
However, this isn’t necessarily bad – it just means you will need to rely more on your shot placements and control rather than sheer power.
Overall, the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle is an incredibly well-rounded paddle that offers great spin and power without sacrificing accuracy or control.
Perfect for intermediate players looking to take their game up a notch. Highly recommended!
| Feature | Description |
| Skin | FiberTEK |
| USAPA Listed | Approved for Tournament Play |
| Core Material | ‘ControlPro’ Polymer (with Vibration Control Technology) |
| Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Surface Material | Fiberglass |
| Grip Circumference | Standard (4 3/8″), Thin (4 1/8″) |
| Paddle Length | 16.5″ long x 7.5″ wide |
Selkirk Invikta Amped – Best for Cross Court Dinks
The Selkirk Invikta Amped Pickleball Paddle is a great option for ex-tennis players looking to get into pickleball. The paddle is 8 inches wide with an extended handle that offers more power and whip than other paddles of its size.
It also has a thicker X5 cord which gives it a lot of softness and feels while playing. On top of this, the fiberglass face provides excellent spin, making it perfect for cross court dinks at the net and passing shots alike.
As someone who once played tennis before picking up pickleball, I truly appreciate how well this paddle fits my style of play. The handle length provides plenty of leverage to generate more power while retaining the accuracy and control I’m used to.
For ex tennis players, the Selkirk Invikta Amped Pickleball Paddle offers many benefits while playing pickleball. Using this paddle will help bridge the gap between Pickleball and Tennis and make transitioning to pickleball easier.
The added length in the handle also helps with power shots and cross-court Dinks at the net, which is something that ex-tennis players are used to. In addition, the X5 core cord adds extra power and spin, perfect for passing shots that ex-tennis players will appreciate.
The only downside is that it may not be suitable for beginners or intermediate players due to its skinnier size, potentially reducing their accuracy and sweet spot.
But even then, the extended length handle allows them enough room to adjust their grip accordingly and improve over time.
Overall, I highly recommend this paddle for tennis players transitioning into pickleball, as it caters perfectly to my style of play. With great spin capabilities and increased reach and power from the extended handle, it’s the ideal paddle for intermediate and advanced players alike.
The added weight also ensures you don’t lose that much width compared to other paddles while still gaining a lot of extra lengths. So if you’re an ex-tennis player looking to pick up pickleball, give the Selkirk a try!
| Feature | Description |
| Paddle Face | FiberFlex Fiberglass |
| USAPA Listed | Approved for Tournament Play |
| Core Material | Polypropylene X5 Core |
| Weight | 7.3 – 8.4 oz |
| Handle Length | Long Handle (5.25″) |
| Width | 8.0″ |
| Sweetspot | 8.5 |
Useful Tips for Tennis Players on How to Play Pickleball
Here are the few but pickleball tips for tennis players,
Be Patient
One of the biggest things for tennis players transitioning to pickleball is understanding that you need to be patient. Pickleball is not a racket sport where you can usually muscle your way through points by hitting hard and deep shots.
Instead, it’s more about finesse and precision with your shots. You should give yourself some time to adjust your game because while many techniques are similar, there are still some very different strategies in pickleball.
Hit The Ball With Topspin & Backspin
When playing pickleball, it’s important to remember that you want to avoid hitting the flat balls as much as possible. Flat hits usually result in low-angle volleys that go right back across the net, which leaves you open for an easy return.
Instead, it would be best if you tried to hit the ball with topspin or backspin to keep it low and in your opponent’s court. Also, make sure you’re hitting down on the ball as much as possible to get more control over your shots.
Court Positioning
Another thing tennis players need to remember when playing pickleball is to focus on court positioning. While getting a good angle on the ball is important, it’s also important to be aware of where your opponents are at any given time.
You want to avoid ending up in no man’s land between two players and have them both hit at you from different angles. Positioning yourself properly allows for easier returns and better overall court coverage.
Move Forward on The Court
One of the most difficult adjustments for tennis players is being aware of when and how to move forward on the court. Unlike tennis, where you can stay back and hit your shots, pickleball requires you to be aggressive and take the initiative, which means coming up to the line each time you return a serve.
Position of Your Paddle
Also, avoid doing a “windshield wiper” motion with your paddle. This type of stroke won’t yield consistent results and will lead to frustration. Instead, focus on pushing your paddle forward as you brush up on it – this will help generate more topspin for a stronger hit.
Position of Your Elbows
When serving, ensure your elbow is tucked close to your body and stay low as you toss the ball to get a good bounce off the ground. Be mindful of where contact with the paddle should be made – it should be at the top of your swing for maximum power.
Have Fun and Enjoy
It’s important to remember that pickleball is a game of patience. Just because you hit an amazing shot doesn’t mean the rally will end there. You need to be prepared for long rallies and use your energy efficiently. Don’t get frustrated if shots don’t go your way – keep at it!
Finally, it’s also important to remember that pickleball is fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously if you’re playing against more experienced players; focus on learning from them and enjoying the game.
There are tons of resources online that can help guide tennis players transitioning into pickleball, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if needed! Good luck, and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Stevenson
Hi, my name is Michael Stevenson and I’m a passionate pickleball player. I’ve been playing the game for many years and I’m pretty highly skilled at it. Pickleball is one of my favorite topics so naturally, I love to write about it.
Whether it’s tips for beginners, guides for experts, reviews of new paddles, or advanced playing techniques – if it relates to pickleball then I have something interesting to write about it. So if you’re looking for entertaining and informative information on the topic of pickleball, look no further than my written works!