Pickleball Science

Paddle Science

These articles describe the technology and science related to pickleball paddles, including the sweet spot, materials, shape, weight, balance, friction, etc.

Thermoformed Paddle Delamination Revisited

This post has been updated since the original publish date by including videos that demonstrate the tapping test described below. In several previous articles (“Thermoformed Paddle Delamination” and “Jansen vs Devidze Revisited”), we discussed a potential damage mechanism for delaminated paddles.  In our analysis, we determined that delamination likely reduces the bending stiffness of the

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Jansen vs Devidze Revisited

The women’s semi-final singles match of the Selkirk Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah in April 2023, featured Lea Jansen verses Salome Devidze.  During this match, Devidze hit several groundstrokes for winners with an exceptional amount of velocity and topspin.  Based on the lower frequency “thud” of Devidze’s paddle and the amount of velocity

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Paddle Weight and Momentum

A review of several advertisements, articles, and videos on the internet finds numerous misconceptions, contradictions, and erroneous claims regarding paddle weight, power, and speed.  Proponents of both lighter and heavier paddles each claim that their lighter or heavier paddles will allow you to hit the ball harder, faster, and with increased accuracy.  Who is right? 

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Textured Carbon Fiber Paddles

Carbon fiber has quickly become the material of choice for high-performance pickleball paddles because of its low weight, high stiffness, and high strength when compared to other materials.  Depending on the grade of carbon fiber and its weave pattern, the fibers themselves can provide a rough surface finish that can increase friction between the ball

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