Why "Less Is More" Doesn't Mean a Lighter Pickleball Paddle

The goal isn't a paddle that's easy to swing. It's a paddle that does more work for you.

"Less is more" is one of Coach Brett's favorite pickleball lines.

Less swing. Less strain. Less overhitting.

Some players hear it and grab the lightest paddle they can find.

That's the wrong lesson.

Coach Brett Noel, a 3x National Gold Medalist and PPR Certified Professional, says it directly: play with a proper paddle. The paddle can make a difference in your game. And he adds: don't play with a paddle that's too light. It forces you to overpower.

Why Too Light Backfires

A very light paddle can feel quick. But when it has little effective mass behind it, you end up swinging harder to make the ball go anywhere.

More swing means more error. Less is no longer more.

It's Not Just the Number on the Scale

Today's competitive players aren't necessarily choosing a much higher static weight. They're paying attention to swing weight and twist weight, and to where the weight sits on the paddle.

Many also customize their paddles with tungsten or lead tape. A common spot is the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to increase twist weight.

What does that give you?

• More stability when a hard drive comes at your body
• More power with less effort
• A bigger effective sweet spot on off-center hits

Weight placement matters more than weight on a scale.

The Bottom Line

Less effort, not less paddle.

Pick a paddle that supports your swing, then let it do some of the work.

Don't chase a lighter paddle. Chase a paddle that works for you.

Instead of tape, guesswork, and trial and error, the DadGummies™ Adjustable Weight System lets you customize the weight and balance of your paddle in seconds, with no lead tape or tools. Pair it with the DadGum Legend paddle.

Play smarter. Play stronger. Play DadGum. Visit DadGumPaddles.com to see the DadGummies™ system in action.

Related: Why the DadGum Legend Is So Easy to Hit.