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Buying Guide

Best Paddles for Singles Play

Singles demands more court coverage and more power off the back of the court — your paddle should help with both.

Singles is a more physically demanding, baseline-oriented game — rallies involve more groundstrokes and drives, and you’re covering the whole court alone.

What Singles Rewards

Spec Why It Helps in Singles
Elongated shape Extra reach and swing leverage help on groundstrokes and put-away drives
14mm or thinner core A firmer, more powerful response supports the more aggressive baseline game singles demands
Full foam or Nomex core Adds pop for driving through opponents from the back of the court
Slightly lighter weight Helps offset the extra reach of an elongated shape and reduces fatigue from covering the full court alone

See our guide on singles vs doubles pickleball for how the formats differ strategically.